Former Rutgers teammates Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey continue making headlines as Wednesday’s NBA Draft approaches. Recent social media posts show Harper publicly supporting Bailey despite concerns about the latter’s pre-draft conduct and professionalism questions.
Bailey’s draft stock faces scrutiny after canceling multiple team workouts, including a scheduled session with the Philadelphia 76ers. The duo’s bond from their disappointing college season remains strong as both prepare for their professional basketball careers.
Dylan Harper Supports Ex-Teammate Ace Bailey Amid Skipped Workout Controversy
Dylan Harper supported his former Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey this week, stating, “Whatever team will pick him, he’s gonna be a great option” when asked about Bailey. The public endorsement comes as Bailey faces mounting criticism for his pre-draft approach.
‘Whatever team will pick him, he’s gonna be a great option’
Dylan Harper on Ace Bailey of @RutgersMBB https://t.co/sW8Zi8RAUL
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 24, 2025
Bailey has canceled his visit with the Philadelphia 76ers and remains the only U.S.-based prospect yet to work out for any NBA teams ahead of next week’s draft. His unusual strategy has perplexed league executives who typically expect top prospects to participate in team workouts and meetings.
ESPN’s Jay Bilas offered perspective on Bailey’s controversial approach, saying, “I’m not bothered by not wanting to work out for different teams if he wants to go a certain place. If it was OK for Eli Manning and John Elway to do it, I don’t see why it’s not OK for him.”
Bilas continued, “I wouldn’t schedule something and then cancel out. That’s a question of professionalism, but he’s 18 years old, so he’s navigating this process for the first time, so I’m not bothered by that too much.”
Bailey Addresses Draft Strategy Amid Criticism
Bailey’s camp has informed interested teams that it believes he is a top-three player in the draft, but also seeks a clear path to stardom. His camp is looking for teams in the East Coast region that can offer optimal development opportunities.
Bailey recently addressed his pre-draft approach, stating, “I’m just glad to be in this position. I’m taking it day by day… I’m focused on basketball” when asked about his workout strategy.
‘I’m just glad to be in this position. I’m taking it day by day …I’m focused on basketball’
Ace Bailey when asked why he didn’t want to work out for the 76ers@RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/rm8gzUSb7z
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 24, 2025
The former Rutgers Scarlet Knights star averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game during his freshman season, establishing himself as one of college basketball’s premier talents. Both Harper and Bailey are projected as top-five picks, with Harper expected to go second overall to the San Antonio Spurs.
RELATED: Ace Bailey’s NBA Draft Issues May be Down to ‘Bad Characters’, Says New Insider Report
Their connection dates back to AAU basketball, where they developed both their on-court chemistry and personal friendship. “He showed loyalty. I showed loyalty. One thing I’m always big on is loyalty, I’ll take that over love any day,” Bailey previously said about their relationship.
Ace Bailey says he’s added weight and is up to 215-220 pounds @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/8wklHXSOHA
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 24, 2025
Harper’s support demonstrates this loyalty continues as they navigate separate paths to the NBA.
If both are selected as expected in the top five, they will mark the first college teammates selected in those positions since Duke’s Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett in 2019.
