Latest news with #RutgersScarletKnights
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Draft: Ace Bailey got grilled while Dylan Harper got softballs before big night
NEW YORK – Dylan Harper stepped to the dais for NBA Draft media day and fielded questions about the first player jersey he ever owned ('besides my father's, Paul George'), whether he's in touch with his Filipino side ('I would like get out there sometime and rep') and what he thinks of Southwestern cuisine ('I've had a breakfast taco, it's not as good as a bagel, egg and cheese but it's close'). There were more questions, but you get the idea. The softballs kept coming, and Harper was having a blast swinging away. Advertisement A few minutes later, Ace Bailey entered the room for his media session and the gloves came off. He was grilled, fastball after fastball, and although Bailey tried his best to be good natured, it seemed like torture. Mar 9, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images On canceling a pre-draft workout for the Philadelphia 76ers: 'I'm just working on basketball,' he said. 'That's all I'm working on.' On perceptions that he's difficult to deal with because he didn't do any pre-draft workouts and ESPN's reporting that he's made a poor impression with NBA executives: 'I can only control what I can control – me playing basketball,' he said. 'People are going to think what they think.' Advertisement On the dynamics of his inner circle: 'They control what they control,' he said. 'I control what I control – the basketball. They control the other things.' On his message to critics who think his shot selection is poor: 'I don't really got no message,' he said. 'I control what I control.' There were about a dozen more exchanges like that until the media throng dwindled and Bailey got to discuss some other things, but you get the idea. This was a tale of two Rutgers alums heading into the 2025 NBA Draft: One a feel-good story about the son of five-time NBA champ Ron Harper taking the reins of the family business, the other about a generally likable young guy who's been painted as a villain – with even the governor of Pennsylvania referring to him as bad news – because of the way his representatives have handled the pre-draft process. Harper defended Bailey Dylan Harper speaks during a Media Availability session prior to the 2025 NBA Draft at Lotte New York Palace on June 24, 2025 in New York City. One person who spoke up on Bailey's behalf was Harper, the Don Bosco Prep grad and Bergen County native who developed a bond with Bailey as fellow freshmen at Rutgers this past season. Advertisement 'Ace is a great kid,' Harper said. 'Whatever team takes him is going to be very happy, very lucky. For both of us, this is a dream come true.' Asked about the way Bailey's camp has handled the pre-draft process, Harper replied, 'I'm not going to get too deep into it, but for him, he just wants to play basketball. He's going to make his way – however he has to get there.' Harper was thoroughly prepared for his pre-draft close-up. The point guard was asked several questions about the San Antonio Spurs, who are widely expected to select him with the No. 2 overall pick despite being already guard-rich. 'Positionless basketball is a thing in this league,' he said. 'The way to be the best is play with the best players – being one of those guy who fits in even if you have to sacrifice.' Advertisement He tipped his cap to his family. His big brother Ron Harper Jr., also a former Rutgers standout, has been by his side for most of the pre-draft process and was staying with him in New York City during draft week. His mom Maria Harper 'coached me from first grade to senior year of high school' and his father instilled a sense of what it took to play at the highest level. He also nodded to his time at Rutgers. 'It probably didn't go as everybody expected, but it shaped me to be a better man off the court and a better player on the court, with the coaching staff pouring it all into me for that one year,' he said. 'Obviously what matters most is winning and we didn't do a lot of winning, but from the beginning of the season me and Ace developed a lot. Just playing on the same court as him, I'll miss that, but it was special.' Bailey repped the Block R NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 24: Ace Bailey speaks during a Media Availability session prior to the 2025 NBA Draft at Lotte New York Palace on June 24, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Ace Bailey walked out in a Rutgers basketball hoodie, the block R on his chest – one of the few players to don college gear at the pre-draft interview session. Advertisement 'I love Rutgers – I'm supporting the home team,' he said when asked about the attire. 'I grew a lot mentally, physically and IQ-wise there. Rutgers fans are the best. They were so supportive of me. I felt the love everywhere we went.' He called Harper 'my best friend' and said of him, 'he's going to put people in position to succeed' on any NBA team. Bailey talked about how he taught himself to Yo-Yo as a kid, how he wants to give back to his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee and how much energy he's going to bring wherever he goes. Where that is, no one knows. He could go as high as No. 3 or drop several spots. It's the biggest wild card in the draft, largely because of the way he's been handled, and a situation he did not want to discuss. Advertisement 'It's a blessing to play basketball every day,' he said, fending off questions about his interest in playing for the Nets, the Wizards and seemingly half the teams in the draft. 'I'll be blessed wherever I go.' Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@ This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NBA Draft: Ace Bailey. Dylan Harper face totally different questions
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alabama Flips 4-Star RB From Big Ten Program
Alabama Flips 4-Star RB From Big Ten Program originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Entering June, the Alabama Crimson Tide had just five hard commits for the 2026 class, a stark contrast from their elite recruiting efforts in years prior. Advertisement On Monday, Alabama landed their fourth verbal commit in the last three weeks in the form of four-star running back Javari Barnett. An Illinois Fighting Illini commit, Barnett flipped his commitment to the SEC power. Barnett visited Tuscaloosa this weekend, marking just his second official visit of his recruitment, with the running back touring Illinois last April. Jan 13, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; The University of Alabama introduced new head football coach Kalen DeBoer with a press conference at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Nicole and Kalen DeBoer hold up an Alabama jersey after the press conference. © Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK Head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide staff undoubtedly made a good impression on Barnett, as the Tampa, Florida native ditched his plans to join the Fighting Illini. Barnett is the second of two commitment flips for the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday. Alongside Barnett, three-star safety Rihyael Kelley flipped his commitment from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to the Tide. Advertisement As for Barnett, he becomes the first running back to give a verbal commitment to the Crimson Tide for 2026. At Tampa Bay Tech last season, the six-foot rusher averaged 83 rushing yards per game on 8.3 yards per attempt. He ran for 482 yards and eight touchdowns the year prior. Alabama's 2026 recruiting group continues to strengthen as the summer months continue. According to 247Sports, they now have the 28th-ranked recruiting class for 2026, following the verbal commitments of Barnett and Kelley. Five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds highlights the recruiting class. He is the top-ranked corner in the country and the second best player in the state of Georgia, according to the 247Sports database. Related: Alabama 4-Star Commit Shuts Down Recruitment This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dylan Harper's 'Stunning' Mom Goes Viral At NBA Draft
Dylan Harper's 'Stunning' Mom Goes Viral At NBA Draft originally appeared on The Spun. Dylan Harper's mom is going viral at the 2025 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York on Wednesday night. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights star went No. 2 overall in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. Harper, a five-star recruit, was one-and-done at Rutgers. He and Ace Bailey, another top five prospect, failed to lead the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament, but both are projected to do big things at the next level. Advertisement Harper ended up going No. 2 overall to the San Antonio Spurs, where he'll look to team up with former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Victor Wembanyama. After going No. 2 overall, Harper shared an embrace with his mom, Maria Harper. She quickly went viral on social media. Dylan Harper's Harper's mom, Maria, quickly went viral on social media after her son was taken No. 2 overall. She looked stunning in her NBA Draft outfit, rocking a black dress. The Jersey Sports Zone had more on Harper's mom ahead of the NBA Draft. "How did NBA Lottery Pick Dylan Harper turn into the player he is today?" they wrote. Advertisement "You can look directly to his mom. Maria Harper coached Dylan through high school at Don Bosco Prep and watched every step he evolved into one of the best players in the country. We go back in time to 2023 - following Harper's junior season - with this story that will assuredly be talked about tonight on the NBA Draft. "Stay tuned for more Dylan Harper coverage throughout the day!" Harper's mom made a lot of headlines for her appearance at the NBA Draft on Wednesday night, that's for sure. It's easy to see why she was going viral. The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is continuing to air live on ABC on Wednesday night. Advertisement Dylan Harper's 'Stunning' Mom Goes Viral At NBA Draft first appeared on The Spun on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
25-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ace Bailey mock draft roundup: Where will the Rutgers star land?
The 2025 NBA Draft is set to begin in a few hours at the Barclays Center in New York City, where the top players will hear their names called. One of these top prospects is Ace Bailey from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Bailey has been in the headlines leading up to the NBA Draft due to not working out with teams, including a cancellation with the Philadelphia 76ers that has raised questions about his mindset. This situation has led to speculation among teams and players, causing some doubts. Despite this, Bailey has stated that he is "focused on basketball," via ESPN. Bailey's scoring ability in the paint and his defensive range are his standout features. The freshman guard's impressive average of 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game during his only season with the Scarlet Knights, who finished 11th in the Big Ten. This is where experts predict Bailey will be selected and land during the NBA Draft. More: 2025 NBA Draft live updates: Start time, where to watch, draft order Ace Bailey mock draft roundup Here are the predictions about where Ace Bailey will be drafted. Staff writes: "Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted." Jonathan Givony writes: "Despite the negative publicity this move has generated, rival agents are closely monitoring Bailey's strategy, recognizing the clear benefits of guiding clients to more favorable situations with an eye on maximizing long-term earning potential. Bailey could potentially recoup the money he loses in his first contract with a much larger second contract, especially if he achieves his very high ceiling as an All-Star-caliber shotmaking wing." Kyle Boone writes: "Bailey's curious handling of the pre-draft process -- including canceling on a workout with the 76ers last week days before it was slated to take place -- has potentially cost him millions and imperiled his position as a top-five pick. But his combination of size, scoring and youth at this point feels tough to pass on. Washington could welcome him into a position where he walks in as a rookie averaging 18+ points per game." Kurt Helin writes: "Bailey's predraft decision not to work out for any team, along with interviews at the Draft Combine that teams described as 'immature' and 'poorly prepared' has front offices concerned about his choices and representation — he could fall a lot further than sixth. On paper, Bailey checks all the boxes of a prototypical modern NBA wing: Great size, freak athlete, high motor, can create his own shot, can shoot the 3 (36.7% this season), and is a tough shot maker. However, he doesn't show much desire to apply that athleticism in defense, he doesn't have a great feel for the game or polish, and he had to be a tough shot maker because of his questionable shot selection. He's a project. Washington is a team that has demonstrated patience and has shown, in recent years, that it can develop players, so he's worth the risk." Kevin O'Connor writes: "Maybe there's a method to the madness in Bailey's camp, steering him to a team where he can get more shots and be surrounded by veterans like he could be for the Wizards. There's a chance teams could move above Washington to get Bailey, but most executives around the NBA expect the Rutgers freshman to be the choice if he's still on the board. Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. But his raw edges as a shot creator and defender need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star." How to watch 2025 NBA draft? The 2025 NBA Draft will be held over two days: the first round on Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET, and the second round on Thursday, June 26, at 8 p.m. ET. The first round will air on ABC and ESPN, while the second round will be shown on ESPN. You can also stream both days of the 2025 NBA draft with Fubo. Watch the NBA draft with Fubo
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey became an ace in the court of basketball
How NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey became an ace in the court of basketball (Image Source: Getty Images) Ace Bailey declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after making a name for himself with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He was chosen as one of the five-star recruits and became one of the top players in the 2024 class, after a successful college campaign. But did you know that the name he goes by is not his real name? Ace Bailey was actually born Airious Bailey, but how did he get that nickname that has stuck with him, as he prepares for one of the biggest nights of his professional career? How did Ace Bailey get his ace nickname? The NBA Draft Day is upon us, and like all the others, Ace Bailey is no doubt getting ready for a night that will be the beginning of his professional career in the league. But before we get to that, let's go back in time and find out how exactly he got his nickname - Ace. Born Airious Bailey to college basketball players Ramika McGee of West Virginia University and Richard Bailey from Houston, Ace has strong ties to the game. He has been on and off the basketball court ever since he was a child, which no doubt was a big influence on him. He also had the talent for it, and mix it up with hard work and dedication, and you've got the perfect combo. He recently revealed how he became Ace from Airious, and it's all thanks to his coach. Speaking to Swish Cultures, he said: "Ace was a childhood name given to me by my league coach, shoutout to my coach. Been having that name ever since I was a kid, I just stuck with it, we just went by, Ace Ace Ace. So a lot of people don't even know my real name is Airious, so I tell people my real name is Ace, anyways. So I'll be like it's Ace." He was an Ace since childhood, and the name stuck. Now, Ace Bailey is all set to join the NBA and prove that he really is an ace player, coming to show his mettle on the court with his performance. Also Read: "I can only control what I can control" — Former Scarlet Knights player Ace Bailey breaks silence on his pre-draft approach Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
