Built for Greatness: Dylan Harper Is Proving the Hype Is Real

Basketball runs deep in the Harper family. Dylan’s father, Ron Harper, is a five-time NBA champion who enjoyed a 15-year professional career. His mother, Maria Pizarro-Harper, played college ball at the University of New Orleans and now serves as an assistant coach at Don Bosco Prep. His older brother, Ron Harper Jr., starred at Rutgers before signing with the Toronto Raptors. With such a lineage, it’s no surprise that Dylan carries himself with a maturity and understanding of the game that’s rare for an 18-year-old.

Ron Harper’s influence is particularly evident in Dylan’s savvy and versatility. Growing up with a father who won titles with the likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, Dylan has absorbed lessons about winning and leadership that shine through in his play. He’s not just a scorer—he’s a team player willing to do whatever it takes, whether that’s diving for loose balls or facilitating for his teammates.

In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, few players have captured the attention of fans, scouts, and analysts quite like Dylan Harper. As a freshman guard for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Harper has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the 2024-25 season. With a combination of skill, basketball IQ, and an undeniable competitive spirit, he’s not just turning heads—he’s making a compelling case as a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft.

At 6’6” with a reported 6’10” wingspan, Harper has the size and length of a prototypical “big guard,” an increasingly valuable trait in today’s positionless basketball landscape. His left-handed game is smooth and polished, featuring a tight handle, advanced footwork, and a knack for changing pace to keep defenders off balance. Whether he’s weaving through traffic in the pick-and-roll or using head fakes to create space, Harper’s shot-creation ability is a cut above most freshmen.

What truly elevates Harper, though, is his basketball IQ. He plays with a composure that belies his age, rarely getting rattled under pressure, and consistently making smart decisions with the ball. His vision as a playmaker allows him to elevate his teammates, while his craftiness around the rim—finishing with either hand and absorbing contact—makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Add in his clutch performances, like a game-winning shot against Seton Hall, and it’s clear Harper thrives in big moments.

Defensively, Harper is no slouch either. His size and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, and he’s already averaging 1.4 steals per game. While he’s not yet a lockdown defender, his effort and instincts suggest he has the tools to become a two-way force with more experience.