Drafting is far from an exact science. There are many things that can influence a player’s career, from luck to maturity, all the way to health or being in the right environment.

That being said, Rutgers star Ace Bailey does look as close as it can be to a sure thing ahead of the NBA Draft. Even so, NBA analyst Morten Stig Jensen of Sports Illustrated isn’t that sure, especially because of his seemingly one-dimensional play.

NBA analyst reveals his biggest concern about Ace Bailey

“Does he pass enough? Can he offer something more than scoring? Both are fair concerns,” he wrote in his latest column. “The 6-foot-10 forward is nine games into his college career, which is still a small sample size, but he’s yet to really break through in any meaningful way.”

Jensen continues by stating that as much as Bailey’s scoring averages are impressive for the college basketball standard, he doesn’t provide much more in other areas of the game:

“Bailey’s 17.9 points per game look fine if you follow the box score, but it’s taking him 15.2 shots to get there, and he hasn’t exactly been a pillar of efficiency, sporting a true-shooting of just 52.7% on the season. Making matters even more complicated is the fact that Bailey isn’t exactly helping out elsewhere,” he added. “He has gathered a total of just five assists on the season, spread out across 305 minutes, and has yet to produce two or more assists in a single game.”

Bailey was an elite shot-blocker in high school, but he hasn’t been as impactful as a rim protector against bigger, better, and more athletic competition. Even so, some of his flaws can definitely be coached out of his game, and he’s too talented to overlook.

Rutgers have two players who could legitimately be in the mix to be either the No. 1 or No. 2 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. They could even go first and second.

Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper have turned a lot of heads this season. That’s why Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway had no choice but to tip his hat to Brandin Knight for recruiting them.

Shaheen Holloway admits Rutgers duo is special

“Brandin Knight did a tremendous job,” Holloway told NJ Media ahead of Saturday’s Garden State Hardwood Classics vs. Rutgers. “He had a relationship with both of those guys for a very long time.”

Harper is currently averaging 23.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 51% from the floor, while Bailey is chipping in with 17.5 points and 7.1 rebounds a contest. Needless to say, that’s not great news for their opponents.

Shaheen Holloway admits Seton Hall could be in trouble vs. Rutgers

“It’s good for Rutgers basketball if they are No. 1 and No. 2 or in the top five, it’s good for their program,” Holloway said. “It ain’t good for Seton Hall. Those guys are very good players. For them to get talked about [as the No. 1 pick], its an honor for those guys. It’s good for Rutgers basketball, is it good for Seton Hall? No, it ain’t good for us. It doesn’t do anything for us. I mean that in the most respectful way.”

Not many teams can brag about having two top-three picks in the same class. It goes without saying that it also puts plenty of pressure to deliver on their shoulders.

Notably, Rutgers freshman PG Dylan Harper is making big strides. He’s averaging almost 24 points and 4.5 assists per game, climbing the ladder as a potential challenger for the top spot.

With that in mind, former NBA champion Ron Harper — Dylan’s father — made it loud and clear that he doesn’t want his son to play for the Utah Jazz, who currently has one of the worst records in the NBA.

Ron Harper doesn’t want his son in Utah

Harper claimed that “a trade would happen” if his son were to land in Utah. He reportedly turned down a trade to the Jazz when he was a player as well. Shortly after, after a social media frenzy, the former champion backpedaled and claimed that he was just joking:

“Stop believe (sic) what I said about my son playing in Utah Jazz.
if me and a friend have a tweet about what team want him it’s all about fun…. I don’t control my son or a NBA team draft board… lol I see pictures of a few teams that I wouldn’t want him on but it’s not my career,” Harper tweeted.

Harper is climbing the big boards

Harper is currently penciled in as the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft, but ESPN expert Jonathan Givony believes that he could be a serious challenger to end the season as the first one off the board:

“Dylan Harper has been the best freshman in college basketball one month into the season,” Givony wrote on X. “Making a strong case to challenge Cooper Flagg as a No. 1 pick candidate.”

It’s still early, but he does come from an NBA lineage. And with the way he’s playing and Flagg’s recent struggles with Duke, he could give him a run for his money.

Both Harper and Ace Bailey are among those expected to be the next big stars in college basketball. In fact, many are predicting a future in the NBA for both players, provided their talent and physical attributes lead them in that direction.

Given his father’s close relationship with one of the greatest basketball players in history, Harper had the opportunity to meet Michael Jordan on several occasions. It was Dylan himself who, in statements to the press, revealed the advice that His Airness gave him before the start of the season.

“Just stay in the gym, and work hard, because he said he wasn’t great to have vitality, but he stayed in the gym and worked hard, and you know, that’s where he’s at now, look where he’s at,” Dylan Harper stated.

The talented point guard for the Scarlet Knights received offers from other prestigious programs such as UCLA and Duke, among others, but ultimately decided to commit to Rutgers.

Harper highlights the importance of staying close to home

Dylan Harper’s innate talent has drawn attention from many programs, all eager to add him to their roster. However, the point guard chose to commit to Rutgers, staying close to his roots and family.

“Staying home was the biggest thing to me,” Harper said via Sports Illustrated. “Just to be able to play my next level of basketball at home in my backyard — with all of my family, friends and everyone who has seen me grown up and supported me — that was the main factor.”

The promising start of the Scarlet Knights

After a handful of games, Dylan Harper’s Rutgers team has started strong, securing dominant victories over St. John’s, Wagner, Saint Peter’s, Monmouth, and Merrimack.

In his latest performance, Harper finished the game with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, emerging as one of his team’s leaders in the statistics.

These are the upcoming matchups they will face:

• vs Kennesaw State, November 24th
• vs Notre Dame, November 26th
• vs Alabama, November 27th

Maryland are a huge 14.5-point favorite to finish the season with a win against Rutgers to post a 7-5 record. The Terrapins are on a three-game losing streak after facing contenders such as Wisconsin, Penn State and Ohio State. QB sensation Taulia Tagovailoa has already broken the school’s career record for passing yards. Maryland lead the all-time series10-7.

Rutgers have lost four in a row in their toughest stretch of the season: Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State. Last week, the Scarlet Knights were crushed by the Nittany Lions 55-10. Rutgers will try to end the season on a good note considering they’re no bowl elegible.

Marylandvs Rutgers:Date

The Maryland Terrapins willhost the Rutgers Scarlet KnightsinWeek 13of the2022 NCAA College Football SeasononSaturday, November 26at 12PM (ET). The game will be played at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland.

Marylandvs Rutgers: Time by State in the US

ET: 12 PM
CT: 11 AM
MT:10 AM
PT: 9 AM

How to watch Marylandvs Rutgers in the US

Maryland and Rutgers willclash inWeek 13ofthe2022 NCAA College Football Season. This matchupwill be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US.If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you canclick here.Another optionif you don’t want to miss the game in the United States is the Big Ten Network.

The Scarlet Knights lost the first two games of November against Michigan 17-52 and against Michigan State 21-27, those two losses being part of their current losing streak of three consecutive weeks.

The Nittany Lions are the No. 11 team in the nation, the last two weeks being victories against Indiana 45-14 and Maryland 30-0. But so far they haven’t won against Top 25 teams, as the games against Michigan and Ohio State were losses in October.

Rutgers vs Penn State: Date

Rutgers and Penn State play for a Week 12 game of the 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season today, November 19 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. The Scarlet Knights are going through a rough time, but the Visitors have won over the past two weeks.

Rutgers vs Penn State: Time by state in the US

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch Rutgers vs Penn State at the 2022 NCAA College Football Week 12

This game for the Week 12 of 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season, Rutgers and Penn State at the SHI Stadium in Piscataway on Saturday, November 19, will be broadcast in the US by BTN.

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

The Scarlet Knights lost the last game of October against Minnesota 0-31 in what was the last loss of October and one of the most humiliating for them. The last four games of the season for Rutgers will be in November, two at home and two on the road.

The Wolverines haven’t stopped since the first week of the season when they won against Colorado State at home, since then the Wolverines have a perfect record of 8 wins.

Rutgers vs Michigan: Date

Rutgers and Michigan play for a Week 10 game of the 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season today, November 5 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway. The home team knows this game will be tough, the visitors have an easy game to win.

Rutgers vs Michigan: Time by state in the US

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch Rutgers vs Michigan at the 2022 NCAA College Football Week 10

This game for the Week 10 of 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season, Rutgers and Michigan at the SHI Stadium in Piscataway on Saturday, November 5, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is BTN

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

The Golden Gophers have only one win in the conference, Big Ten, against Michigan Stage, but after that win they lost three straight against Big Ten teams Purdue, Illinois and Penn State.

The Scarlet Knights won last week against Indiana 24-17, that victory was a relief for them after a tough losing streak of three consecutive weeks where they lost to Iowa, Ohio State and Nebraska.

Minnesota vs Rutgers: Date

Minnesota and Rutgers play for a Week 9 game of the 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season today, October 29 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis . The home team is ready to win this game, but the visitors are coming off a good week.

Minnesota vs Rutgers: Time by state in the US

ET: 2:30 PM
CT: 1:30 PM
MT: 12:30 PM
PT: 11:30 AM

TV Channel in the US to watch Minnesota vs Rutgers at the 2022 NCAA College Football Week 9

This game for the Week 9 of 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season, Minnesota and Rutgers at the Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday, October 29, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is BTN

Last week, Rutgers wasted a 13-0 lead against Nebraska and the Cornhuskers took away that game (14-13). After that devastating episode, the Scarlet Knightshave a 3-3 record with three consecutive losses, including a 49-10 blowout by Ohio State. A big problem for Greg Schiano’s team has been the offense averaging only 12 points in the last four games and rotating three QBs:Noah Vedral and Gavin Wimsatt with injuries and Evan Simon as the recent starter. Finally, the three of them are healthy.Sean Gleeson was fired and Nunzio Campanile is the new offensive coordinator.

On the other side, things are not that different. Indiana started the season 3-0, but, the Hoosiers are now on their worst moment with a four-game losing streak: Cincinnati, Nebraska, Michigan and Maryland. Indiana are a 3-point underdog on the road, but have won five of the last six meetings between these two teams.

Rutgersvs Indiana:Date

The Indiana Hoosierswill visit the Rutgers Scarlet KnightsinWeek 8of the2022 NCAA College FootballSeasontoday, October 22at 12PM (ET). The game will be played at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Rutgersvs Indiana: Time by State in the US

ET: 12PM
CT: 11 AM
MT: 10 AM
PT: 9 AM

How to watch Rutgersvs Indianain the US

Thismatchup between Rutgers and Indiana inWeek 8of the2022 NCAA College FootballSeasonwill be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US. Another option if you don’t want to miss the game in the United Statesis the Big Ten Network.

The Cornhuskers seem to be in another rebuilding process under interim head coach Mickey Joseph and Nebraska’s historic good old days are very far at this moment. They have a 2-3 record with disappointing losses against Northwestern (31-28), Georgia Southern (45-42) and Oklahoma (49-14). That game with the No.6 ranked Sooners was simply another reality check for Nebraska. Still, the team had an emotional boost last week after beating Indiana (35-21). Another problem for Nebraska is that quarterback Casey Thompson confirmed he has played this season through a lot of injuries (at leastfour).

Meanwhile, Rutgers are on their quest to secure a spot in a bowl game by the end of the season. Last week, the Scarlet Knights had a huge test and were blown out 49-10 by Ohio State, the No.3 ranked team in the nation. Nevertheless, the season is not over for them. A victory in the game with Nebraska might put everything back on track considering there are still two powerhouses left on their calendar: Michigan and Penn State. Even though they’ll be at home, Rutgers are a three-point underdog.

Nebraska vs Rutgers:Date

The Nebraska Cornhuskers will visitthe Rutgers Scarlet Knights inWeek 6of the2022 NCAA College FootballSeason on Friday, October 7at 7PM (ET). The game will be played at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Nebraska vs Rutgers: Time by State in the US

ET: 7PM
CT: 6PM
MT: 5PM
PT: 4PM

How to watch Nebraskavs Rutgersin the US

The matchup between theNebraskaCornhuskers and RutgersinWeek 6of the2022 NCAA College FootballSeasonwill be available to watch or live stream onfuboTV (7-day free trial)for the US. The other option if you don’t want to miss the game in the United Statesis FS1.

The Buckeyes were lethal during the first four weeks of the season against Notre Dame, Arkansas State, Toledo and during their most recent victory against Wisconsin. After four weeks the Buckeyes are No. 4 in the nation.

The Scarlet Knights lost in Week 4 against Iowa in what was the end of their winning streak of three consecutive weeks. Rutgers’ record within the conference is negative at 0-1 and 3-1 overall.

Ohio State vs Rutgers: Date

Ohio State and Rutgers play for a Week 5 game of the 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season today, October 1 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. The home team could become one of the few teams with five consecutive wins in the current season.

Ohio State vs Rutgers: Time by state in the US

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch Ohio State vs Rutgers at the 2022 NCAA College Football Week 5

This game for the Week 5 of 2022 NCAA Division I College Football season, Ohio State and Rutgers at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, October 1, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial) an other options to watch this game in the US is BTN