The 2025 NBA Draft had several memorable moments, but one moment meant the most to Ace Bailey. His close friend and former teammate Dylan Harper was selected second overall by the San Antonio Spurs.
For Bailey, it was more than just watching a friend succeed. He described it as an emotional moment and said he was close to tears, showing how much their friendship means to him and how deeply it affected him.
Ace Bailey opens up about his strong feelings as Dylan Harper gets picked no. 2
Bailey opened up about his strong feelings after Harper’s high draft selection. The two played together before entering the NBA and share a bond that goes beyond basketball; they are like brothers. When the Spurs picked Harper at No. 2, Bailey watched with pride and deep emotion. It was a moment that meant a great deal to him.
“I almost shed a tear when his name was called like it was mine,” Bailey said.
Though they are not related by blood, Bailey thinks of Harper as a brother. Hearing Harper’s name called made him remember all the hard work and effort Harper put in. Bailey knows this success is well deserved.
It was a historic night for Rutgers basketball. Harper went No. 2 overall to the San Antonio Spurs, the highest draft pick in Rutgers history. He also became the first Scarlet Knight ever drafted by the Spurs, who were the 17th NBA team to draft a Rutgers player.
🎯 HILO – Los 30 primeros picks del NBA Draft 2025 🏀🔥
Aquí os dejo los elegidos del 1 al 30. 👇
1️⃣ Mavs – Cooper Flagg (SF/PF)
2️⃣ Spurs – Dylan Harper (PG/SG)
3️⃣ 76ers – VJ Edgecombe (SG/SF)
4️⃣ Hornets – Kon Knueppel (SG/SF)
5️⃣ Utah – Ace Bailey (SF)(1/6) pic.twitter.com/azPXnyfRSR
– Jesús (@nba___drop) June 26, 2025
Not long after, Bailey heard his name called. He went No. 5 to the Utah Jazz, making more school history. Bailey is the first Rutgers forward drafted since Roy Hinson back in 1983. He is also the first Scarlet Knight ever taken by the Jazz, who became the 18th NBA team to draft from Rutgers.
There may have been a few who were surprised by how early Harper was picked. Still, recall that most experts thought he would go exactly at No. 2 in the first round. The Spurs obviously saw his skill and potential from the very beginning. They believed he could make a big impact right away.
The NBA Draft, of course, is a huge moment for young players. It is where the aspiring NBA players start their professional careers. Likewise, for Bailey and Harper, it is a new chapter.
For Bailey, this draft night will be remembered not just for his own selection, but for witnessing a life-changing moment for a close friend. Their story tells us how basketball can build strong bonds and create lasting memories in players.
Their draft night moment was not just about getting picked. It was about everything they had been through. Every practice. Every challenge. Every dream they shared. That’s what made the moment unforgettable. It wasn’t just about basketball. It was about the people, the bonds, and the journey they share.
