The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a landmark event, with Duke’s Cooper Flagg locked in as the consensus No. 1 pick. However, the real drama is cooking right behind him as a struggle between Rutgers freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey raging on for the No. 2 overall selection. Both Scarlet Knights have impressed the scouts with their freshman campaigns, but who will inevitably hold 2nd spot is still not confirmed.
As the draft approaches on June 25–26, 2025, in Brooklyn, all we can do is speculate and theorize who will stand behind Cooper Flagg in the pick order.
Ace Bailey Vs Dylan Harper, Who Will Secure The No. 2 Pick?
Dylan Harper
Harper is a 6-foot-4.5, 213-pound guard, who has emerged as the frontrunner for No. 2. Averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals, Harper broke Rutgers’ freshman scoring record and earned third-team All-Big Ten honors. His 57% two-point shooting and 50 made threes in 29 games showed his scoring skills.
Harper’s command of the floor, with elite footwork and low turnover rates, have made many compare him with guards like Jalen Brunson and Luka Doncic.
One of Harper’s best performances came against USC, where he posted 27 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds in a double-overtime loss. His 6-foot-10.5 wingspan and improved physique, down from last year’s weight further sweetens his case. However, his average athleticism and 33% three-point shooting are considered as drawbacks by some scouts.
Ace Bailey
Bailey has a bigger frame than Harper with a 6-foot-7.5 height but less weight with only 202-pound on the scale. This young forward also has a 7-foot long wingspan that gives him a lot of reach.
Bailey is a scoring machine averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds on 46% shooting. His ability to hit tough shots, especially in the midrange, and his athleticism potential is some of the best in his class. Bailey’s biggest appeal is his clutch play potential, last season he knocked down contested threes in multiple high-pressure moments. This performance was rightfully able to catch the attention of scouts.
Yet, Bailey’s game has its flaws. His reliance on contested jumpers, 69% free-throw shooting, and 8.3% assist rate shows his inefficiencies and limited playmaking. Critics point to his lower box plus-minus and Rutgers’ 15–17 record as concerns, with some blaming him for team struggles.
Draft Projections
Mock drafts overwhelmingly favor Harper for No. 2, with projections consistently placing him with the Dallas Mavericks.
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ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Sporting News all slot Harper at No. 2, citing his polished skill set and fit as a lead guard alongside Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Bailey typically lands at No. 3 or 4, with the Philadelphia 76ers or Charlotte Hornets as likely destinations.
In the end, looking at all the reports and expert analysis, it seems Harper holds the edge for No. 2 due to his consistency, playmaking, and immediate NBA fit. His ability to run an offense and score efficiently outweighs Bailey’s raw potential for most teams. However, Bailey’s high skill ceiling still keeps some hope alive for him, but his inefficiencies and Rutgers’ struggles have cooled his stock slightly.
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