It’s somewhat common for elite college basketball programs to bring in two five-star recruits in the same year, but it’s quite rare for schools without a storied history to do the same. This makes the situation at No. 25 Rutgers particularly compelling as they introduce two high-profile newcomers: Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.
Bailey earned his ranking as the second-best player in his high school class nationwide, while Harper was ranked third, based on the composite rankings created by recruiting platform 247Sports. Their potential to impact the team was evident during a preseason matchup against St. John’s on October 17. Although Rutgers fell short with a 91-85 loss, both players made strong impressions: Bailey recorded 25 points, and Harper contributed 20.
After the game, St. John’s coach Rick Pitino praised Harper, noting his exceptional control for a freshman. “He plays like a senior,” Pitino pointed out, comparing him to former NBA legend Clyde Frazier. He also spoke highly of Bailey’s talent, stating that both have certainly earned their high rankings.
Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, Bailey enjoyed an impressive high school season, boasting averages of 33.4 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and nearly 3 blocks per game while leading McEachern High School in Georgia to a state championship. Harper, who is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper, tallied an average of 23 points per game at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey during his senior year.
Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell emphasized their character, stating, “They’re great kids, first and foremost. They’re excellent passers, but they still need to adapt to college-level defense.” He highlighted the excitement they bring to the team.
According to Adam Finkelstein, the director of scouting at 247Sports, Harper currently shows more refinement, while Bailey has higher potential. “It’s possible Harper will be more consistently effective as a freshman, but if Bailey has a standout year, he could be in contention for the top pick in the NBA draft,” Finkelstein noted. “Harper could also emerge as one of the most impactful freshmen nationwide.”
Several other freshmen are also expected to make significant contributions this season. Jalil Bethea, for instance, is a standout guard from Miami ranked seventh in the 247Sports composite. The 6-5 player from Philadelphia averaged 22.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists as a senior and was recognized as Pennsylvania’s Gatorade player of the year. “He’s a dynamic shooter,” remarked Finkelstein, though he noted that his physical development still needs work.
At Baylor, VJ Edgecombe is poised to continue the program’s tradition of sending freshmen to the NBA. The 6-5 guard, who ranked eighth in the composite, was a top recruit from the Bahamas and boasts impressive athleticism. “He’s a fierce competitor on both ends,” Finkelstein said.
Duke’s Cooper Flagg, a 6-9 swingman, is the first freshman to be named to the Associated Press preseason All-America team since Cade Cunningham in 2020. Having achieved multiple prestigious awards during his time at Montverde Academy, Flagg has drawn comparisons to former Jazz player Andrei Kirilenko, with Finkelstein highlighting Flagg’s defensive prowess and versatility on offense.
Tre Johnson, rated fifth in the 247Sports composite, is another freshman attracting attention. The 6-6 scorer from Garland, Texas, amassed over 2,500 points in high school and impressed during the McDonald’s All-American Game, where he scored 17 points in just 24 minutes. Finkelstein believes Johnson will have the freedom to showcase his shooting abilities at Texas, which will be crucial for his success.
Liam McNeeley is expected to step into a significant role at UConn, coming off a productive stint at Montverde Academy. At 6-7, he is seen as a valuable addition to the defending champions, with a promising basketball IQ and skill set.
Asa Newell, a 6-11 forward from Georgia, recently scored a leading 20 points in a preseason win over Charlotte. Finkelstein noted that while Newell may have been overshadowed in high school, he’s likely to be featured more prominently in college.
Overall, the freshman class this season holds much promise, with various players set to leave a mark on their respective programs. After the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these bright prospects develop and impact the college basketball landscape.