Rutgers Basketball: Freshmen Harper and Bailey Impress at Media Day
More than 30 reporters and scouts gathered at the Rutgers basketball practice facility to get a glimpse of the 2024-25 season, with a particular interest in freshmen Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, both projected NBA Draft lottery picks. The duo did not disappoint, showcasing their skills and maturity during the team's annual media day. Harper and Bailey were instrumental in leading their team to a strong performance, demonstrating their exceptional passing and shooting abilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell praised Harper and Bailey's passing skills, with Bailey executing a perfect pick-and-roll with fellow freshman Lathan Sommerville to create a layup.
- Harper and Bailey showed a willingness to be team players, with Harper driving left and skipping an on-target bounce pass to backcourt-mate Jeremiah Williams for a reverse layup.
- Bailey made a variety of mid-range shots, including an eye-popping step-back 20-footer, drawing comparisons to players like Paul George and Kevin Durant.
- Freshman Lathan Sommerville, who lost 24 pounds since arriving on campus, impressed with his scoring and physical play, holding his own against Emmanuel Ogbole, the projected starting center.
- Postgrad wing PJ Hayes excelled, leading every wind sprint and showcasing his skill using the shot fake.
- Tyson Acuff, recovering from a broken foot, spent the practice on the sidelines doing dynamics but expressed confidence in his return before the first game.
Statistics:
- Rutgers shot 14-of-22 (63.6 percent) from the free-throw line during the full-court team portion of practice.
- Harper shot 5-of-6 from the line, while Sommerville shot 3-of-4.
- Hayes led every single wind sprint, often by a wide margin.
- Acuff missed 3-4 months due to injury and is aiming to regain full clearance to return to the court.
Sources:
- By Jerry Carino, Asbury Park Press
- June 1996 and 2003 sports beats