"We going to fight with each other": Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper divulge into Rutgers' practice and HC Steve Pikiell's intensity
Rutgers freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper are regarded as top prospects for the 2025 NBA draft. The duo seem to get along as teammates. However, there are moments when they cannot stand each other.
In a chat with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks on Monday, the freshmen revealed they had fought during practice. When asked how they had made each other better players, Harper said (Timestamp: 6:50):
"Competing every day, I'd say, because practice don't get easy at all. Shout out to Coach (Steve) Pikiell. Today was a great example. We was going at it, arguing about calls, stuff like that.
"But, you know, practices like that get us better because, you know, we going to fight with each other, we going to fight for each other when we get on that court against other people.
"So, I mean, all we do is compete, compete, compete, you know. Even with me and him working out, we always competing, whether it's shooting and stuff like that."
The duo talked about why the practice was intense and how it made them better basketball players. Bailey credited the intensity of the practice to Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell.
"So, practice was already intense because Pikiell came in 'cause we didn't do very good on the defensive side," he said. "So, he on our tails already about the scrimmage. So, we watching film, he's hot. So, get into practice so we know today is going to be intense. It's always intense, but, like, today's gonna be one of them days."
However, the players said that the intensity of the practice brought out the best in them. It brought them together and they had fun. Harper said the practice made them feel great. He said they had not had a practice like that because they had so many games and they had to rest their bodies.
They also said they had a lot of synergy on and off the court.
Dylan Harper shines, Ace Bailey struggles in Rutgers' loss to Kennesaw State
The No. 24 Rutgers Scarlett Knights fell 79-77 to Kennesaw State on Sunday afternoon. The game was also a test for Harper and Bailey.
Harper had 21 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals while shooting 10-for-18. He also showed consistency attacking the basket. Bailey, on the other hand, struggled for most of the game. However, he finished with 17 points, a steal, and a block on 6-of-17 shooting.
The freshmen made a combined 17 points to lead a comeback in the last eight minutes. But their spirited efforts failed to bring the Scarlett Knights to a win.