NBA Scouts Eye Harper and Bailey Amid Rutgers Struggles

EUGENE, Ore. — The Rutgers Scarlet Knights faced the Oregon Ducks on Sunday at Matthew Knight Arena, showcasing two of college basketball’s top prospects: Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Despite high expectations, Rutgers fell to 12-14 following a 75-57 defeat, casting doubt on the potential impact of the two freshmen on an NBA team.

Approximately 15 NBA scouts and executives, including representatives from the Portland Trail Blazers, attended the game, likely drawn not only by Harper and Bailey’s potential but by the need for a franchise player in the NBA. Harper, a 6-foot-6 guard and son of NBA champion Ron Harper, ended the game with 13 points. Conversely, Bailey struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just eight points on 4-of-13 shooting.

The matchup served as a critical opportunity for Harper and Bailey, yet questions surrounding their ability to elevate Rutgers linger. “How is either Harper or Bailey supposed to save an NBA team when they can’t save Rutgers?” questioned Bill Oram, a sports columnist at The Oregonian.

Despite their individual talent, both players have been unable to transform their college team into a contender. Harper’s shooting performance was less than stellar, and Bailey’s athleticism didn’t translate into effective scoring against Oregon’s tough defense, exemplified by a missed reverse dunk off an alley-oop.

Oregon showcased its depth and skill with leading performances from Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle. Shelstad scored 19 points while Bittle added a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks, underscoring the gap between the two teams. Oregon’s impressive play positions them firmly in the NCAA Tournament conversation, while Rutgers continues to flounder.

The disparity in performance raises skepticism regarding the future of Bailey and Harper in the NBA. NBA franchises often gamble on college prospects, hoping for a breakout star. However, as history shows, a strong college career does not guarantee professional success. “Rutgers is just a layover for Bailey and Harper,” noted Oram.

Looking ahead to the NBA draft, with Duke’s Cooper Flagg projected to go first overall, Harper and Bailey are seen as potential consolation prizes for teams looking to fortify their rosters. The Blazers find themselves in an advantageous position, standing at ninth-worst in the NBA and holding a modest chance of landing a top pick.

“Sure, there may be some jostling. But this is more or less where they’ll land in May’s lottery,” Oram explained. The Blazers will depend on insights gained from scouting events like the one at Matthew Knight Arena, where talent evaluation extends beyond immediate statistics and aims to foresee future potential.

Despite past successes, the Blazers are currently a team of role players in search of a cornerstone franchise player. As fans and executives alike reflect on Harper and Bailey’s performances, the hope is that they are indeed the future stars the franchise needs.

The ultimate question remains: will either prospect develop into a franchise savior, or will they fade into obscurity like many others before them?