Rutgers basketball expectations sky high thanks to superstar freshman duo

The arrival of Dylan Harper and Airious “Ace” Bailey has changed so much for Rutgers.There is the potential of a preseason top-25 ranking, and already there is significant hype rarely attached to the New Jersey state school.NBA scouts will flock to Jersey Mike’s Arena to see the two five-star prospects and projected one-and-done lottery picks.Along with that comes pressure, the weight of expectations before a game is even played.

Rutgers will be a national story, eyeballs fixed on these Scarlet Knights.Much is expected.That’s just fine with Steve Pikiell.

He loves it.“From Day 1, the first year I got here, I’ve been trying to win a national championship,” the ninth-year Rutgers coach said Tuesday as the school held media day.“Expectations? Bring ’em on.

We’ve always had high expectations.”Pikiell has accomplished a series of firsts at Rutgers, most notably the school’s first NCAA Tournament berth and win in 30 years back in 2021.Still, this is new territory for him, coaching two players like Bailey and Harper.

They were ranked second and third in the country among high school seniors last year by 247Sports.com and are viewed as future NBA players.In a practice open to the media, the two showcased their world-class ability, sinking long jumpers, getting to the basket at will and finding open teammates.If not for Duke’s freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, the sweet-shooting, 6-foot-10 Bailey from Chattanooga, Tenn., would be in consideration as the potential top pick in next year’s NBA draft.“They’re not sleepers, that’s for sure,” Pikiell said jokingly.

“What you saw is they’re elite passers, they’re great kids from great families.Thankful that they’re here.

… They’re really talented players, but they work.They’re good workers and they’re good teammates.”Added Duquesne transfer guard Tyson Acuff: “Every day they amaze me.

From shotmaking to dunks to communicating to playing defense — everything.They’re rea...