Rutgers men's basketball made history tonight as two of its brightest stars, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, were selected as the highest two draft picks in school history in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.

The duo becomes the first pair of Rutgers teammates ever to be selected in the same first round, signaling a new era of Scarlet Knight excellence on the national stage.
 
Harper, a dynamic guard and one of the most complete playmakers in college basketball, was selected second overall by the San Antonio Spurs after a standout freshman season. Known for his elite basketball IQ, versatile scoring ability, and unselfish leadership, Harper's game has drawn comparisons to some of the league's top two-way guards. The New Jersey native and McDonald's All-American fulfilled the promise that made him one of the nation's top recruits.
 
Harper was recognized as third-team All-Big Ten, and the conference's all-freshmen team after amassing 564 total points the most for a freshman in a season in school history. Harper averaged 19.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
 
He had many incredible performances this season, including scoring 36 points against Notre Dame, 37 points against Alabama, and a triple-double against Columbia on Dec. 30, the first since Roy Hinson in 1983. Harper hit the buzzer-beater to defeat in-state rival Seton Hall on Dec. 14.

"I feel all the emotions right now," Harper said on ESPN following his selection. "I'm excited and I'm ready. When you play with a bunch of great players, that will bring the best out of you. San Antonio has a great young core. I'm just ready to get in there and make an impact any way I can with them."

Ace Bailey, a high-flying forward with elite athleticism and two-way potential, heard his name called just minutes later, going with the number five pick to the Utah Jazz. Bailey's explosive finishes, defensive presence, and upside as a future NBA star made him one of the most coveted prospects in this year's draft class. A human highlight reel throughout the season, Bailey electrified fans and scouts alike with his above-the-rim play and clutch performances.
 
Bailey had one of the best individual seasons in Rutgers basketball history. Bailey finished regular season play with 527 points good for second in school history as a freshman just behind Harper. Bailey averaged 17.6 points (seventh in the conference), 7.2 rebounds, and shot 45.8 percent from the field.
 
Bailey had two of the top individual performances in the country this season. He matched RU's freshman scoring record (and had the regulation freshman record) with a 39-point outburst at Indiana on Jan. 2, the most points ever scored by an opponent at Assembly Hall. He followed that up with a 37-point winning performance at Northwestern on Jan. 29.  
 
"This is a monumental night for our program," said Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell. "Dylan and Ace represent everything we strive for at Rutgers – hard work, humility, and a team-first mentality. They're not just incredible players, they're incredible people, and we couldn't be prouder."
 
As both players take their talents to the next level, they leave behind a legacy that has elevated Rutgers basketball to national prominence and inspired the next generation of Scarlet Knights.
 
Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper Draft Notes
 
• Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey become the first Rutgers men's basketball first-round draft picks in 19 years (2006 Quincy Douby).
• With both players going in the top five in the draft, they become the two highest picks in school history (Highest pick James Bailey sixth overall in 1979).
• Harper and Bailey are the fourth and fifth first-round picks in school history, respectively.
• Harper and Bailey are be the 25th and 26th Rutgers men's basketball draft picks, respectively.
• They are the first NBA Draft picks to play at Rutgers since Cam Spencer (2024) and the first Rutgers NBA Draft picks to end their college career at Rutgers since Hamady Ndiaye (2010).

Dylan Harper at #2 to the Spurs

• Becomes the highest draft pick in Rutgers history
• Becomes first RU player to be drafted by the Spurs.
• San Antonio became the 17th different team to draft a Scarlet Knight. 

Ace Bailey at #5 to the Jazz

• Bailey is first Scarlet Knight to be drafted by the Jazz.
• The Jazz become the 18th different team to draft a Scarlet Knight.
• Bailey is the first Rutgers forward drafted since Roy Hinson in 1983

 
Rutgers Men's Basketball Previous First Round Picks
 
James Bailey – selected 6th overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics. A 6'9" forward/center who played nine NBA seasons, including stints with the Sonics and Nets
Roy Hinson – taken 20th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1983 NBA Draft, he had a solid pro career, averaging 14.2 PPG over eight seasons
Quincy Douby – taken 19th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft.