Dylan Harper, the 19-year-old guard out of Rutgers University, has emerged as one of the premier prospects in this year’s class, widely projected as the No. 2 pick behind Duke’s Cooper Flagg. With his combination of size, skill, and playmaking ability, Harper is seen as a potential franchise cornerstone for years to come.

Harper is known for his downhill attacking style and exceptional playmaking skills. He thrives with the ball in his hands, capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Dylan Harper’s freshman season

During his freshman season at Rutgers, Harper averaged around 19.5 points and four assists per game while shouldering a heavy offensive load on a team that struggled overall. Despite Rutgers’ underwhelming record, Harper’s individual performances stood out, showcasing his ability to take over games and make plays under pressure.

One of Harper’s biggest assets is his ability to get to the rim efficiently. He converted nearly 68% of his attempts at the basket, a remarkable figure for a guard, and showed a strong finishing ability even when facing contact.

His passing is another key strength, as he averaged about four assists per game with a 27% assist rate, demonstrating his vision and ability to manipulate defenses. Harper’s passing repertoire includes wraparound feeds, skip passes, and creative playmaking in pick-and-roll situations.

NBA Draft Outlook

Harper’s skill set makes him an attractive prospect for teams seeking a big lead guard who can create offense and defend multiple positions. The San Antonio Spurs, holding the No. 2 pick, are widely expected to select him given their need for a primary shot-creator to complement Victor Wembanyama.

Other teams with backcourt needs may also look to trade up to secure Harper, whose combination of size, playmaking, and scoring upside is rare in this draft class.

Dylan Harper is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, which adds an intriguing narrative to his rise. Despite the pressure of living up to his family name, Harper has carved out his own path through hard work and standout performances at Rutgers.

His maturity on the court and ability to handle significant responsibility as a freshman highlight his readiness to make the jump to the NBA.