Rutgers’ Harper, Bailey wow Bama’s Oats in loss
LAS VEGAS — Since he was employed in 2019, Nate Oats has coached three freshmen who ultimately grew to become first-round NBA draft picks, together with Brandon Miller, the previous SEC Participant of the Yr and the No. 2 decide in 2023.
After projected top-five picks Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey mixed to attain 59 factors for Rutgers, albeit in a 95-90 loss to No. 9 Alabama on Wednesday within the Gamers Period Pageant, Oats mentioned he was satisfied the duo belongs in the identical dialog with the opposite elite freshmen he has witnessed in faculty basketball.
“We have had a pair ourselves,” the Alabama coach mentioned, “and these guys are up there.”
Harper, a 6-foot-6 guard, scored a career-high 37 factors, changing into the primary Massive Ten freshman previously 20 seasons to attain 94 factors in a three-game span and the primary Division I freshman in that span to report back-to-back efforts of 35-plus factors, in accordance with ESPN Analysis.
Harper, who shot 11-of-19 from the sphere and 15-of-16 from the free throw line, produced his greatest recreation so far on the MGM Grand Backyard Enviornment as his father, former NBA standout Ron Harper Sr., sat courtside.
Oats mentioned he could not discover a components to decelerate Harper, whose layup with 2:23 left lower Alabama’s result in one earlier than the Tide closed out the sport on the free throw line.
“[Harper], I imply he just about will get to the rim at any time when he needs,” he mentioned. “We did not have anyone that would keep in entrance of him on ball screens. We did not do an excellent job. I imply he is received some drive, some physicality, some energy coming down the hill.”
Bailey, a 6-foot-10 expertise who may problem Duke‘s Cooper Flagg for the highest spot within the upcoming NBA draft, additionally excelled Wednesday, largely with high-arching soar photographs that appeared unblockable.
Bailey completed a first-half quick break with a dunk that energized the Rutgers followers who made the journey. Bailey pounded his chest and flexed on his technique to 22 factors on 9-of-18 capturing from the sphere.
“He is the perfect midrange shot-maker I’ve seen,” Oats mentioned about Bailey. “He simply form of rises up over guys. The floaters with the contact, he is powerful. We did not do a terrific job. We wanted extra dimension on him. He is a man that if you do not have dimension on him, he is simply capturing over 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 guards and he’ll trigger some issues.”
Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell mentioned the powerful checks early will assist his group later within the season. For now, he has a bunch that’s nonetheless studying whereas counting on a few elite first-year abilities, he mentioned.
“I feel it is like something, the journey,” he mentioned. “You develop by way of your seasons and also you develop by way of the video games and that is as proficient a group as we’re most likely going to face. It is undoubtedly the deepest group.”
Harper mentioned he is extra centered on the loss than his particular person effort. However he additionally mentioned the rising pains his group endured Wednesday will show to be helpful as he and Bailey proceed to develop throughout their first season of school basketball.
“I feel we simply confirmed that we will compete with anybody within the nation,” he mentioned after the sport. “I imply, clearly we fell quick, however I really feel like as a group, typically it’s a must to fall quick with the intention to have the season you wish to have.”
Regardless of the victory, Oats talked like a coach who thought his group had misplaced. Alabama, which is ranked No. 3 within the nation in adjusted offensive effectivity on KenPom, had 20 turnovers and likewise weathered a prolonged scoring drought within the second half.
Oats mentioned Rutgers would proceed to get higher, particularly as Harper and Bailey develop. And that actuality will create issues for the remainder of the groups on its schedule.
“In the event that they play like they did tonight, they’re probably the greatest groups within the nation,” Oats mentioned. “They have two of probably the most proficient gamers, no matter class.”
