HOUSTON, Texas - Tuesday night marked the first time two future Rutgers Scarlet Knights competed in the same McDonald's All-American game.
Guard Dylan Harper (Don Bosco Prep) and guard Ace Bailey (MacEachern High School) teamed up on the West squad in the 2024 McDonald's All-American game in Houston, Texas. The West was defeated by the East 88-86 in a close matchup featuring the most elite high school players in the country.
Harper represented Rutgers and his home state of New Jersey well as he was named the Morgan Wooten High School Player of the Year before the game and backed that up with a performance that awarded him the Co-Most Valuable Player on Tuesday night at the Toyota Center.
Gallery: (4-3-2024) Knights at McDonald's All-American Game
Harper scored 22 points, had five assists and six rebounds. He shared the honor along with Derik Queen who plans to attend Maryland next season. Harper dropped 14 of his points in the first half. Harper is the first Scarlet Knight to receive the MVP award at the McDonald's All-American game.
"Rutgers has had great players like my brother (Ron Harper, Jr.),
Geo Baker and people like that," Harper said. "But I think for me and Ace to come in there and just change the culture, I think it's going to change a lot of Rutgers history."
"I've been excited since I saw Dylan play five years ago," Pikiell said on Wednesday. "He's a terrific young man from a great family. I was lucky enough to coach his brother Ron Jr. and they are a family of workers. He could've gone anywhere in the country and he chose to stay home in his state of New Jersey to try and do some special things next year. The way we've seen him play all year is the way he played in the New Jersey State Championship and the same last night. He's a quality person and a quality basketball player."
Ace Bailey showed out all weekend and played alongside with Harper scoring six points and adding five boards. Bailey, the Chattanooga, Tenn. native competed in the dunk contest on Monday night and finished second in the event alongside eight contestants including Harper. Bailey flashed some NBA-style dunks including dunking over two teammates, and a flashy two-handed windmill. NBA legend Tracy McGrady was the lead judge who scored Ace's dunks during the competition.
"Ace is one of the most excited players in the country," Pikiell said. "I have seen him grow over the years. He's a terrific passer, can defend any position, and plays with a passion on the defensive end. He's another great worker from an awesome family. The sky is the limit. The two of them together along with our class of five players makes me excited for the future of Rutgers basketball."
Pikiell added that he can't wait to get his freshman class in the building on June 15 as he prepares for the most exciting season of Rutgers basketball.
Bailey loves the chemistry he's already creating with Harper on and off the court.
""For me and Dylan to come and support and show what we are going to bring to Rutgers," Bailey said. "It's just a blessing. The bond on the court between us has been good, but off the court, it's been even better. We talk to each other every day. On the court, it's there. We know what each other can do. It's just great."
