Rutgers’ expectations for this season have been building to a fever pitch ever since two five-star high school recruits committed to the program.They’re not just any two five-stars, either, but potential future NBA players who were often ranked second and third in the Class of 2024: Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper.Rutgers believes it has constructed a formidable team around Bailey and Harper for 2024-25. The Scarlet Knights are ranked No. 25 in the AP preseason poll and will open a unique season Wednesday against Wagner in Piscataway, N.J.Bailey is a 6-foot-10 Atlanta-area native who will be used all around the court, but primarily at forward and wing. Harper is a lead guard whose brother Ron Harper Jr. was one of the best players in recent Rutgers history. Bailey actually committed before Dylan Harper, and their long-distance friendship and occasional opportunities to play with one another during the summer helped form early chemistry.They combined for 45 points, six made 3-pointers and nine rebounds in a 91-85 exhibition loss to St. John’s in October.”Those two kids are talented. They’re great kids and they’re really good passers,” coach Steve Pikiell said. “They definitely have to learn some things. College defense is something they’re going to continue to get better at.”The Scarlet Knights’ three returning players are guard Jeremiah Williams, a captain; guard Jamichael Davis, a high school teammate of Bailey; and Emmanuel Ogbole, who could be the team’s starting center after missing most of last year recovering from a knee injury.Rutgers is usually known for its defense and had one of the worst offenses in power-conference basketball a season ago (65.4 ppg). In addition to Bailey’s and Harper’s contributions, the Scarlet Knights will lean on transfers like Tyson Acuff, Zach Martini and PJ Hayes.