Rucker Ramblings: A Look At Top Performers Nearly A Year Later
By Zach Smart
The number of intriguing subplots to last year's SLAM Volume 5 Summer Classic on the fabled asphalt of Rucker Park was vast.
They created buzz around what turned out to be a wild, pulsating, high-scoring game. The event ultimately helped showcase top-shelf national talent at a traditional proving ground.
To hark back on it all now, nearly one year later, there were several players who made loud statements.
Ace Bailey, a 6-foot-9 Swiss Army knife forward with uniqueness as a multi-faceted offensive threat who guards nearly every position, was a revelation with his ability to impact every connotation of the stat sheet.
Bailey was the most highly rated recruit in Rutgers history when he committed to Steve Pikiell and the Scarlet Knights roughly a year and a half ago.
Bailey, who really shined with his ability to put the ball on the floor and distribute, displayed the intangibles of a mismatch headache.
He fired in 3-pointers, delivered three-quarter-court passes, and levitated above the rim for thunderous finishes.
Bailey and Don Bosco Prep (NJ) guard Dylan Harper, who was recently named Morgan Wootten 2024 National Player of the Year, headline a star-spangled recruiting class that's expected to alter the national perception of Rutgers.
While Cooper Flagg (25 points) was as good as expected and hit the biggest shot of the night with a step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer, lifting the game into overtime, Class of 2025 forward AJ Dybantsa showed out with his extraterrestrial athleticism and refined, all-around skill set.
The Massachusetts native stuck pull-up jumpers, attacked the baseline, and utilized a devilish first step.
Dybantsa, who is the projected first pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, is slated to visit BYU on Monday, as reported by recruiting analyst Robby McCombs of SB Nation. As McCombs explained, BYU has been recruiting Dybantsa since Kevin Young was hired in April.
Dybantsa's motor and knack for getting above the rim were noteworthy facets of his game, which have resonated.
Having recently decided to transfer to Utah Prep, Dybantsa has thrived on the EYBL circuit this spring. At 6-foot-9 and putting the ball on the deck comfortably, Dybantsa possesses significant elevation on his shot.
He's able to play-make and create space with the ball in his hands, sticking shots on the move and dialing in from 3-point territory.
Utah, BYU, Rutgers, and the University of Southern California are among the recent offers for Dybantsa, who has accumulated in the neighborhood of 25+ Division-I offers.
Those bright Rucker Park lights went on that scalding night.
And, UNC incoming freshman Ian Jackson went off.
The Bronx native, buoyed by dazzling athleticism and explosiveness, scored a game-best 45 points while leading his team to a 160-153 overtime victory over Team Dylan and subsequently garnering Game MVP honors.
Jackson, who played at Our Savior Lutheran HS in the Bronx under Pete Wehye his senior season, cemented his status as a five-star after developing a consistent outside touch during his transition from his sophomore to his junior year.
The big 6-foot-6 guard had multiple games of four 3-pointers or more as a junior at Cardinal Hayes HS, emerging into a floor-spreader with NBA 3-point range. Jackson, who was a McDonald's All-American during a memorable senior season, said his relationship with UNC head coach (and former New York Knicks sharpshooter) Hubert Davis was a major factor in his decision.
"Whenever somebody asks me why I committed, it's because of HD," Jackson said during his "Captain Jack" podcast. "When I met him, I got his vibe, I was like, 'Yeah, I gotta come here and play for him.'"
Coming off a stellar career with the Tar Heels, Armando Bacot joined Jackson on his podcast. Bacot explained that Jackson will have significant offensive freedom in Davis' system.
"Ian, going in there, you're gonna love it because you're gonna be able to take a bunch of shots," Bacot said.
"Coach Davis, he's never gonna tell you, 'That's a bad shot,' or something like that. He's gonna always encourage you to get into your bag."