PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Fans looking forward to the Airious Bailey and Dylan Harper show didn't wait long Saturday afternoon, as the two opened up the "Knighthood Showcase" intrasquad scrimmage with three-pointers on back-to-back possessions.

The event kicked off with player introductions -- the Scarlet faithful welcomed the new-look Knights for the first time this season before the first of two 12-minute scrimmages.

"Thank you for coming on a Saturday," Rutgers men's basketball head coach Steve Pikiell said addressing the crowd. "There's a lot of things you could be doing but you all chose to be here."

In a back-and-forth battle, the first scrimmage ended with Harper drawing a double-team before firing a pass cross-court to a wide-open game-winning PJ Hayes three. Hayes shot 75 percent finishing with eight points.

Bailey and Harper were the two highest scorers of the day, finishing with 17 and 15 points respectively. Harper also led the way with six assists, while Bailey corralled in the most rebounds with nine.

Assistant coach Marlon Williamson encouraged the crowd to continue their early support into and throughout the season -- it will be an important factor when trying to make history later on.

Captain Jeremiah Williams, Emmanuel Ogbole, and Harper were the most efficient -- they outscored their opponents by 10 while on the floor. Williams and Ogbole found their groove in the second scrimmage, combining for a perfect 5-for-5.

Jamichael Davis was another standout -- the 6-foot-2 sophomore posted 13 points. His hustle and quick first step allowed him to easily attack the rim.

Mike Dabney, a Rutgers basketball hall of famer and Knights of Honor member who helped reach the Final Four in 1976, had high praise for the new bunch.

"I fully believe that not only will this team live up to all of the hype and expectations, but they will exceed them," Dabney said. "This is the most talented team in Rutgers history and that's counting our Final Four team!"

Tyson Acuff, a fifth-year grad student who transferred from Eastern Michigan, supported from the sideline as he recovered from a foot injury earlier this summer.



"I love what I'm seeing so far and I can't wait to be back out there with my guys," Acuff said.

Acuff was the seventh-highest scorer in the nation last year and is expected to fully recover prior to the start of the season.
 
Fans who chose to participate in the "On-Court Experience" following the event received a poster autographed by each member of the team as well as a hand-shake and greeting from Pikiell.

"We only showed a little bit today but we will continue to improve," Pikiell said. "These guys work hard and are great kids from great families. I appreciate you guys being here today, and I look forward to a great season."

Rutgers will be back in action on October 17 when they host St. Johns for exhibition play at 7 pm before tipping off the season on November 6 against Wagner.