I know most won’t agree, and won’t happen, BUT..here me out.

[SBP]

I think MOST people don’t think Ace nor Dylan pass the NBA eye test right now. I’ve seen numerous players NOW that are better. Don’t get me wrong, they have flashed and are great talents…

Flagg is clearly the best (especially watching tonight) and has an NBA BODY and game. He can start on any NBA team. Ace is too young, thin, and inconsistent. Dylan is loosing stock and is not the same player from the beginning of the season because of sickness and injury. That said..

They BOTH should say “run it back”, and gain valuable experience and be clearly 1 and 1A, NEXT SEASON, earning soo much more money. Players better than them have stayed at least 2 years and gone on to greatness.

Spare me the “might get hurt” theory, MANY players played a lot more in college BITD with no to little injury.

SHOW THE WORLD THIS YEAR WAS A FLUKE. With BETTER RECRUITS coming, we could be great next year… and deep.

Prove it… Run it back, guys.

 

[winfield102]

First

 

[QD43]

I think MOST people don’t think Ace nor Dylan pass the NBA eye test right now. I’ve seen numerous players NOW that are better. Don’t get me wrong, they have flashed and are great talents…

Flagg is clearly the best (especially watching tonight) and has an NBA BODY and game. He can start on any NBA team. Ace is too young, thin, and inconsistent. Dylan is loosing stock and is not the same player from the beginning of the season because of sickness and injury. That said..

They BOTH should say “run it back”, and gain valuable experience and be clearly 1 and 1A, NEXT SEASON, earning soo much more money. Players better than them have stayed at least 2 years and gone on to greatness.

Spare me the “might get hurt” theory, MANY players played a lot more in college BITD with no to little injury.

SHOW THE WORLD THIS YEAR WAS A FLUKE. With BETTER RECRUITS coming, we could be great next year… and deep.

Prove it… Run it back, guys.

Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Nearly ALL of the main NBA draft outlets (which have been recently updated and are aware of Rutgers’ shit season) have Dylan & Ace locked in at #2 & #3. I use the word “nearly” as insurance; every mock I’ve looked at has them rounding out the top 3 picks.

Spare me the assertion that they’d earn “soo much more money” by coming back for another season. Dylan, Ace, and all of the people advising them would have to become opioid addicts in order to conclude that passing up being a top 3 pick (or even top 5) is a good idea.

And even IF either of them felt that they could use one more year in college, they should pursue that opportunity elsewhere. Frankly, Dylan would have been better off at Duke and Ace at Auburn, and it’s too bad we won’t get to see either of these guys on the big stage in March.

I do appreciate them taking a chance on experiencing the RU Screw like the rest of us schmucks. It is truly a testament to their talent that they are STILL projected as top 3 picks, despite the coaching and supporting cast — a pair of cement shoes which have already sunk their short college bball careers.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I am down on Ace as a college player……not as a NBA olayer. He should be in the NBA RIGHT NOW.

 

[AdventureHasAName]

Dylan is a point guard who can get to the basket (and finish) at will. He's Allen Iverson. He will easily be a Top 3 pick in this draft, with a good chance of being the #1 pick.

 

[MrsScrew]

*Hear

 

[RUtix4me]

I thought another fan was out of here.

 

[RUBlackout]

put down the crack pipe

 

[seansherm]

Dylan is a point guard who can get to the basket (and finish) at will. He's Allen Iverson. He will easily be a Top 3 pick in this draft, with a good chance of being the #1 pick.

Iverson is a comp I never thought I'd see

 

[RRRRUUUU]

These guys will be nba all stars in 3 years. What on earth are you talking about?

Best chance now is Dylan rests until his ankle is back to 100%. Maybe 2 weeks? And we win enough games to make the big ten tournament. And then a healthy roster with 2 future NBA stars makes a run.

 

[Knight Shift]

*Hear

Here, here. And don't loose it.

 

[RUskoolie]

I don't think OP is wrong about them needing time but they can develop in the NBA making gazillions as top 5 picks, not playing for .500 Rutgers who can barely run an offensive set or recruit P4 capable starters to compliment them.

 

[NickRU714]

I think MOST people don’t think Ace nor Dylan pass the NBA eye test right now. I’ve seen numerous players NOW that are better. Don’t get me wrong, they have flashed and are great talents…

Flagg is clearly the best (especially watching tonight) and has an NBA BODY and game. He can start on any NBA team. Ace is too young, thin, and inconsistent. Dylan is loosing stock and is not the same player from the beginning of the season because of sickness and injury. That said..

They BOTH should say “run it back”, and gain valuable experience and be clearly 1 and 1A, NEXT SEASON, earning soo much more money. Players better than them have stayed at least 2 years and gone on to greatness.

Spare me the “might get hurt” theory, MANY players played a lot more in college BITD with no to little injury.

SHOW THE WORLD THIS YEAR WAS A FLUKE. With BETTER RECRUITS coming, we could be great next year… and deep.

Prove it… Run it back, guys.

Just a couple easy follow up questions:

1. Name one player who was a projected Top 5 pick who returned to college? Don’t even worry about the “gone on to greatness”. Just name one player you are talking about.
2. Give a high level (don’t even need details) of how they will “make so much more money”. Then read this post from 2 years ago where I explain how you are completely wrong.

Thread 'OT: NBA Rookie Max Extension Contract - 5y 260m ($205m guaranteed)'
https://rutgers.forums.rivals.com/t...sion-contract-5y-260m-205m-guaranteed.262854/

 

[RUJMM78]

Stamina and strength wise 18 year old Bailey and Harper could use another year in preparation for the NBA.Its not happening,however, because the financial rewards are available now and NBA teams have better coaching and support staff to prepare them for high level professional basketball competition.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Iverson is a comp I never thought I'd see

Iverson was much quicker and obviously smaller. I know this is college, but I can't think of anyone that can finish at the rim like Dylan.

My pro questions for Dylan.....
1. Will his low release be an issue getting shots off
2. Can he finish at the rim against NBA length
3. Is he, right now, a point guard?

I think the answers are all positive for Dylan, but am not sure. If I were building a team I might be inclined to take Ace over Dylan because I think he is a safer pick.

 

[DHajekRC84]

Unfortunately wishful thinking. A few years ago? Maybe a long shot. Now? Buh bye $$$. This was their mandatory check the box audition and get paid season.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

they wouldnt be in college now if they werent forced

 

[fatsam98]

This board has lost its mind.

 

[superfan01]

@SBP just doesn't get it.

 

[Joey Bags]

This beats Nervous Lou in terms of aloofness

 

[seansherm]

Iverson was much quicker and obviously smaller. I know this is college, but I can't think of anyone that can finish at the rim like Dylan.

My pro questions for Dylan.....
1. Will his low release be an issue getting shots off
2. Can he finish at the rim against NBA length
3. Is he, right now, a point guard?

I think the answers are all positive for Dylan, but am not sure. If I were building a team I might be inclined to take Ace over Dylan because I think he is a safer pick.

Yeah, that was my point, Iverson was almost complete opposite of Dylan in body and pace of play.

I thought he may have an issue in college w his release. He hasn't really, but is shooting what, less than 33% from outside? Still needs to work on that part of his game. I see Dylan much like Harden. Harden, I don't think, has ever had a year where he shot that low from 3.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Isnt Harden fat?

A bit of a different. Player…..Grant Hill?

 

[fluoxetine]

I think MOST people don’t think Ace nor Dylan pass the NBA eye test right now. I’ve seen numerous players NOW that are better. Don’t get me wrong, they have flashed and are great talents…

Flagg is clearly the best (especially watching tonight) and has an NBA BODY and game. He can start on any NBA team. Ace is too young, thin, and inconsistent. Dylan is loosing stock and is not the same player from the beginning of the season because of sickness and injury. That said..

They BOTH should say “run it back”, and gain valuable experience and be clearly 1 and 1A, NEXT SEASON, earning soo much more money. Players better than them have stayed at least 2 years and gone on to greatness.

Spare me the “might get hurt” theory, MANY players played a lot more in college BITD with no to little injury.

SHOW THE WORLD THIS YEAR WAS A FLUKE. With BETTER RECRUITS coming, we could be great next year… and deep.

Prove it… Run it back, guys.

Dylan absolutely 100% passes the NBA eye test when healthy. Ace did not at the beginning of the season but is starting to now, and his rapid pace of improvement demonstrates what the scouts see in him and why he will be a top pick.

Unless we are finding them $5mm+ each in NIL or something it would be a bad, bad decision by either of them to stay.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Dylan absolutely 100% passes the NBA eye test when healthy. Ace did not at the beginning of the season but is starting to now, and his rapid pace of improvement demonstrates what the scouts see in him and why he will be a top pick.

Unless we are finding them $5mm+ each in NIL or something it would be a bad, bad decision by either of them to stay.

wouldn't it be more like $50M as we would be robbing them of 1 year on the back end of their career?

 

[NickRU714]

Dylan absolutely 100% passes the NBA eye test when healthy. Ace did not at the beginning of the season but is starting to now, and his rapid pace of improvement demonstrates what the scouts see in him and why he will be a top pick.

Unless we are finding them $5mm+ each in NIL or something it would be a bad, bad decision by either of them to stay.

Much more than $5m would be needed.
Last year #5 pick Reed Shepard got a 4 year $37.6m contract.
$9.4m/year

Let's round up to $10m next year for #5 pick.
So $10m would be the starting point. Plus more because if they fall in the 2026 draft (Dybantsa and a whole class of younger guys would be competing with them for spots now).

 

[Plum Street]

lol

 

[NickRU714]

wouldn't it be more like $50M as we would be robbing them of 1 year on the back end of their career?

See my above post.
You are 100% correct.
They get to the 2nd contract max potential 1 year later.

As I asked the OP - name just 1 Top 10 (not even Top 5) projected pick who returned.

The closest is Kyle Filipowski from Duke but he was just a 1st round pick projection.
He tumbled in the draft the next year and went in the 2nd round I believe.

 

[fluoxetine]

wouldn't it be more like $50M as we would be robbing them of 1 year on the back end of their career?

Much more than $5m would be needed.
Last year #5 pick Reed Shepard got a 4 year $37.6m contract.
$9.4m/year

Let's round up to $10m next year for #5 pick.
So $10m would be the starting point. Plus more because if they fall in the 2026 draft (Dybantsa and a whole class of younger guys would be competing with them for spots now).

Yeah I pulled the $5mm number out of my ass, but $50mm sounds way too high.

I did not realize that people got that much straight out of the draft so yeah if they are going to start at $10mm/yr we would have to substantially beat that in order to make it make sense financially, maybe $15mm or so. Maybe more since they would get at least a couple years guaranteed out of that first contract.

 

[NickRU714]

Yeah I pulled the $5mm number out of my ass, but $50mm sounds way too high.

I did not realize that people got that much straight out of the draft so yeah if they are going to start at $10mm/yr we would have to substantially beat that in order to make it make sense financially, maybe $15mm or so. Maybe more since they would get at least a couple years guaranteed out of that first contract.

Some would say "but college is an experience they'll never get back! You can be a professional later."

How many would give up $10m for that experience?
I had fun at Rutgers but not that much fun.

 

[biazza38]

Here’s Ace Bailey and Cooper Flagg’s stat line. They are very comparable. A lot of people like to bring up Ace’s shot selection and turnovers, well Cooper Flagg is very much in line with Ace and Cooper has the benefit of actually playing on a cohesive team with ACC/B1G around while also playing in a lesser conference than Ace. Just going through this thread, it’s clear you guys had wild expectations because Ace and Dylan were 5 stars. The two of them have played very very well.

Ace Bailey Career Stats - NCAAM - ESPN

Complete career NCAAM stats for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Guard Ace Bailey on ESPN. Includes points, rebounds, and assists.

www.espn.com

Cooper Flagg - Duke Blue Devils Guard - ESPN

View the profile of Duke Blue Devils Guard Cooper Flagg on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.

www.espn.com

 

[fluoxetine]

Some would say "but college is an experience they'll never get back! You can be a professional later."

How many would give up $10m for that experience?
I had fun at Rutgers but not that much fun.

I also imagine being a young NBA star would be a lot of fun lol

 

[fluoxetine]

Here’s Ace Bailey and Cooper Flagg’s stat line. They are very comparable. A lot of people like to bring up Ace’s shot selection and turnovers, well Cooper Flagg is very much in line with Ace and Cooper has the benefit of actually playing on a cohesive team with ACC/B1G around while also playing in a lesser conference than Ace. Just going through this thread, it’s clear you guys had wild expectations because Ace and Dylan were 5 stars. The two of them have played very very well.

Ace Bailey Career Stats - NCAAM - ESPN

Complete career NCAAM stats for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Guard Ace Bailey on ESPN. Includes points, rebounds, and assists.

www.espn.com

Cooper Flagg - Duke Blue Devils Guard - ESPN

View the profile of Duke Blue Devils Guard Cooper Flagg on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.

www.espn.com

Eh, Flagg's are significantly better. The potential was always obviously there, but Ace was not a particularly good college player until the calendar hit 2025.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Yeah I pulled the $5mm number out of my ass, but $50mm sounds way too high.

I did not realize that people got that much straight out of the draft so yeah if they are going to start at $10mm/yr we would have to substantially beat that in order to make it make sense financially, maybe $15mm or so. Maybe more since they would get at least a couple years guaranteed out of that first contract.

You are shortening their career by 1 year so it was way more than $10,000,000

 

[RUtrumpet92]

We have a better chance of winning out and cutting down the nets twice along the way than the odds of either Ace or Dylan playing in another college game once this season is over.

 

[RUPete]

Isnt Harden fat?

A bit of a different. Player…..Grant Hill?

He's full figured. The beard makes him look fat.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

He's full figured. The beard makes him look fat.

it doesn't matter, he is in the NBA so he doesn't exist in my world

 

[biazza38]

Eh, Flagg's are significantly better. The potential was always obviously there, but Ace was not a particularly good college player until the calendar hit 2025.

Significantly better is quite the stretch.
I think if you actually watched Flagg, even early on, you’d notice he made the same mistakes the RU fans get upset over Ace about. It’s really laughable the way some fans talk about him. And again, keep in mind Flagg’s competition in the ACC is lesser.
Here’s his game log. Not impressive pre 2025.

Cooper Flagg 2024-25 Stats per Game - NCAAM - ESPN

The 2024-25 NCAAM season stats per game for Cooper Flagg of the Duke Blue Devils on ESPN. Includes full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason.

www.espn.com

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Significantly better is quite the stretch.
I think if you actually watched Flagg, even early on, you’d notice he made the same mistakes the RU fans get upset over Ace about. It’s really laughable the way some fans talk about him. And again, keep in mind Flagg’s competition in the ACC is lesser.
Here’s his game log. Not impressive pre 2025.

Cooper Flagg 2024-25 Stats per Game - NCAAM - ESPN

The 2024-25 NCAAM season stats per game for Cooper Flagg of the Duke Blue Devils on ESPN. Includes full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason.

www.espn.com

You are ignoring 50% of the game and perhaps 85% of it. The 10-15% of the action where you have the ball or are directly defending the ball is very important, but what occurs in the other 85-90% usually determines who wins and loses basketball games.

 

[The RUT]

Am I having a reading comprehension issue with this post? Ace and Dylan don’t pass the NBA eye test?

For who? Whoever is saying that needs to stop commenting on all things basketball.

Dylan (when 100%) would have started or gotten significant playing time on a lot of NBA teams this year.

Ace is OOZING with talent, guy is going to be a walking 25-30PPG NBA star.

Them coming back to RU does absolutely nothing for their careers. There is literally no benefit.

Cooper Flagg is a very good basketball player, but will not be able to carry a franchise like Dylan and will not ever have the pure scoring ability Ace has. Flagg will go #1 because of his recent streak, but also because not drafting him #1 will get you fired as a GM.

The best thing Rutgers can hope for is that our core stays intact, Ace and Dylan become household names with RU attached, and Pike figures out what the hell is going on next year so he can cash in with wins next season while hitting the recruiting trail.

That’s it. That’s R Basketball’s future right now. If Ace/Dylan come back to RU there should be a statue built for them even if they go 10-10 again because it would be the most selfless act by any R athlete ever.

 

[PhillyRU]

Significantly better is quite the stretch.
I think if you actually watched Flagg, even early on, you’d notice he made the same mistakes the RU fans get upset over Ace about. It’s really laughable the way some fans talk about him. And again, keep in mind Flagg’s competition in the ACC is lesser.
Here’s his game log. Not impressive pre 2025.

Cooper Flagg 2024-25 Stats per Game - NCAAM - ESPN

The 2024-25 NCAAM season stats per game for Cooper Flagg of the Duke Blue Devils on ESPN. Includes full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason.

www.espn.com

Significantly better is pretty on point. On fairly similar usage Flagg is close to 12 points per 100 possessions better than Bailey. Flagg is one of the best passers in college basketball irrespective of position, gets to and converts at the free throw line at a tremendous rate and one of the sport’s premier defenders.

Ace Bailey does none of that, even if the shooting splits are comparable