Dylan Harper is headed to the NBA.
The expected decision from Rutgers’ five-star freshman — who is projected to be picked in the lottery of this year’s draft — became official on Monday when he announced his decision on ESPN’s “NBA Today.”
“I’ll remember all the life lessons this season,” Harper told ESPN. “The ups and downs and good and bad. Staying leveled.”
While the Scarlet Knights (15-17, 8-12) did not have collective success with Harper on their roster, the Don Bosco Prep product left his mark during his lone collegiate season.
He set the program record for points in a single season by a true freshman (564) and finished with the 20th-highest scoring average (19.4) by any player in a single season.
Across 29 appearances — some of which came as he dealt with illness and an ankle sprain — Harper averaged 19.4 points on 48.4% shooting (57.4% on twos, 33.3% on threes, 75% on free throws), 4.6 rebounds, four assists, 1.4 steals and 0.6 blocks in 32.6 minutes per game.
“NBA teams saw I am an all-around player,” Harper sad. “I can do whatever it takes to win. Whether it’s score, defend or facilitate. Anything coach needs me to do.”
Harper is projected to be among the first three players to be selected in the 2025 NBA Draft among a majority of mock drafts, including ESPN’s latest installment.
“At 6-foot-6, Dylan Harper has excellent size for a point guard, with a combination of shot-creation prowess, passing creativity, finishing skill and overall scoring instincts that have drawn comparisons in NBA circles to a young James Harden,” ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony wrote.
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Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com.
