The college basketball scene moves fast — and its stars, even quicker. Dylan Harper is the newest NBA prospect on the scene.
The Rutgers freshman who averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4 assists in his one-year stint as a Scarlet Knight recently declared for the NBA Draft and is projected to go No. 2.
Where Is Dylan Harper From?
Eagled-eyed Rutgers recruiters scouted the guard in his days at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in New Jersey, where Harper spent his childhood.
Harper grew up in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, in a family that lives and breathes basketball. Harper’s father, Ron Harper, boasts a formidable resume as a five-time NBA Champion and 15-year NBA veteran who played alongside Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls.
Harper was not the first of his family to wear a Rutgers jersey — his brother, Ron Harper Jr., played for the Scarlet Knights from 2018 to 2022 and averaged 12.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Harper Jr. also recently signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons.
It’s an understatement to say that Harper’s family impacted his basketball work ethic as a child. Notably, Harper attributes his competitiveness and love of the game to his brother.
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“Growing up, [Ron] never let me win anything. It was more of like, ain’t no one in this world is gonna let you win, why would I let you win? …Just really watching how he worked day in and day out, like when I was younger, going to the gym, watching him work out two or three times a day, little stuff like that,” said Harper. “You are fighting for your life everyday in the G League, everyday is not guaranteed. He does a great job just always keeping his head high and I really admire that,” the youngster added.
Harper’s admiration of his family’s accolades extended to his decisions off the court, as well. For instance, the Harper-Rutgers connection was far from coincidental.
When asked why the five-star recruit chose Rutgers over more historically-renowned basketball schools like Duke, Kansas, and Auburn, Harper responded, “I like to go family over everything. I’ve known the people here forever, Coach Pike, Coach B Knight, TJ Thompson the whole staff, just how much love they bring you.”
They tell you they’re always gonna do right by you no matter what, and they’re gonna be by your side even when you leave Rutgers,” he added.
As Harper prepares to step into the bright lights of the NBA stage, the rising star will not forget his roots as a young hooper in Franklin Lakes with dreams of playing in the big leagues. Thankfully, the blood of basketball runs deep in his veins.