Dylan Harper makes his Rutgers basketball debut during introductions
Watch: Dylan Harper makes his Rutgers basketball debut during introductions
In the news-announcement equivalent of an open-court layup, Rutgers basketball freshman Dylan Harper declared his intention to enter the NBA Draft Monday.
The point guard has been projected as a top-five pick in June’s draft since his high school days at Don Bosco Prep.
“I’ll remember all the life lessons this season – the ups and downs and good and bad, staying leveled.” Harper said while making his announcement on ESPN.
There were plenty of ups and downs for Harper, who averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 48 percent from the field but struggled through a nasty flu strain and an ankle injury as Rutgers finished 15-17 and did not come close to making the NCAA Tournament.
Harper began the season on a tear, racking up 73 points over two games against Notre Dame and Alabama in November, and finished with 49 points over his final two contests in March against Minnesota and USC. In between he experienced a typical freshman learning curve, struggling on the defensive end, with his 3-point shot (33 percent on the season) and with consistency as Big Ten coaches zeroed in on his film.
On balance, though, his skill level, feel for the game and nose for the bucket were undeniable. At 6-foot-6 and 19 years old, with a former NBA champion dad in Ron Harper Sr., his upside is obvious to NBA front offices.
“NBA teams saw I am an all-around player,” Dylan Harper told ESPN. “I can do whatever it takes to win. Whether it’s score, defend or facilitate. Anything coach needs me to do.”
Fellow Rutgers freshman phenom Ace Bailey is expected to join him as a top-five pick in the draft, which takes place June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Scarlet Knights’ last first-round draft pick with shooting guard Quincy Douby in 2006. Having players in the NBA should help the program’s brand, despite the disappointment of this past season.
Rutgers projects to return four players from this year’s squad (guard Jamichael Davis, forwards Dylan Grant and Bryce Dortch, and center Manny Ogbole) and has four commitments from the high school class of 2025 on the way. The remainder of the 2025-26 roster likely will be filled in from the transfer portal.
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996 and the college basketball beat since 2003. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
