Coach proud as Harper and Bailey prepare for NBA draft
Coach Steve Pikiell shares pride as Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey head to the NBA after standout seasons.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper underwent surgery on Friday, according to an ESPN report.
Harper needed to have a partially torn ligament in his left thumb repaired in his left thumb. The injury occurred during a workout on Wednesday.
According to ESPN, Harper is expected to be ready for his NBA debut when the Spurs open the season against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 22.
The Rutgers standout was the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft in June. He averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and four assists in 32.6 minutes played in 29 games during his only college season.
Harper was the highest-drafted Rutgers player in the school’s history.
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