Rutgers Basketball: Recruiting class ranked No. 2 in the nation in final rankings

The Scarlet Knights are preparing to welcome their best recruiting class in program history — and it is one of the best in the nation.

The final class rankings for 2024 have been released by ESPN and it features Rutgers slated No. 2, behind only Duke.

Here is what ESPN had to say about the incoming class:

“Rutgers completed its dream duo in early December, landing No. 4 prospect Dylan Harper while beating out the likes of Duke, Indiana, Kansas and Auburn for the in-stage guard. Harper teams with Bailey (No. 2) to form arguably the most dynamic tandem entering college next season. A 6-foot-8 wing from Georgia, Bailey has incredible physical tools and can make an impact on the offensive end with his ability to get to the rim, shoot from the perimeter and distribute. The Scarlet Knights also have four-star frontcourt players Lathan Sommerville and power forward Dylan Grant and three-star forward Bryce Dortch.”

READ MORE: Lathan Sommerville Gives Glimpse Into What Rutgers Is Getting

The duo of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper headlines a historic class for the Scarlet Knights. Both projected top five picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper and Bailey have a chance to be one of the best duos in the nation. Bailey is being put up there with Cooper Flagg when discussing the best incoming freshmen in all of college basketball.

While the duo brings great attention, Lathan Sommerville can’t be forgotten. The big man has showed his game on social media, sparking excitement from fans. Sommerville is working on his game in many ways while showing off great agility and athleticism on the block.

The 2024-25 basketball season for Rutgers is the most anticipated in recent memory. Steve Pikiell recruited the best class he has and also added some major pieces in the transfer portal to replace those who left. It will be a new-look Scarlet Knights team that is expected to return to the NCAA Tournament this season.