TheKnightReport - Five programs that have elevated their recruiting profiles
The BYU Cougars are surprisingly in the thick of the race to sign five-star A.J. Dybantsa.
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Possibly the most obvious selection for this list, Rutgers is coming off an absolute dream cycle in 2024, as the Scarlet Knights landed their best recruiting class in program history. How things work out for NBA hopefuls Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, both of whom chose head coach Steve Pikiell's program over multiple bluebloods in the 2024 class, may determine the immediate future of Rutgers hoops.
Should the five-star duo find success at their non-traditional home, there will almost certainly be a positive ripple effect with future classes. Should this season go south, however, things could go back to the status quo rather quickly.
Either way, landing Harper and Bailey sent a message to the country that Rutgers has what it takes to stand toe-to-toe with heavy hitters in the NIL era and could become an even bigger player for elite talent should it start placing guys in the NBA Draft Lottery.
There are the seedlings of something special brewing in Piscataway, and those seedlings could blossom quickly if the upcoming season plays out the way Rutgers fans hope.
