ESPN.com · Nov 28, 2024
Rutgers' Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey wow Alabama's Oats in loss
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LAS VEGAS -- Since he was hired in 2019, Nate Oats has coached three freshmen who eventually became first-round selections, including Brandon Miller, the former SEC player of the year and the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA draft.
After projected top-five picks Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey combined to score 59 points for Rutgers Scarlet Knights, albeit in a 95-90 loss to the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide on Wednesday in the Players Era Festival, Oats said he is convinced the duo belongs in the same conversation with the other elite freshmen he has witnessed in college basketball.
"We've had a couple ourselves," Oats said, "and these guys are up there."
