By SAM LANCE
KANSAS CITY — Dylan Harper, the 6-foot-5, 180-pound guard from Don Bosco Prep (NJ) and the New York Rens AAU program, is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper Sr.
Ron’s NBA career lasted 17 seasons, and he won three championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Harper is also the younger brother of Ron Harper Jr., who played four seasons at Rutgers and recently signed a Two-Way Contract with the Toronto Raptors.
Duke’s Jon Scheyer and Rutgers’ Steve Pikiell were among the coaches courtside to watch Harper this weekend at the Nike EYBL stop here, the last one before Peach Jam next week.
Here are the four schools Harper said he’s hearing from the most:
Rutgers: “That’s a great program. My brother went there so he told me the ins and outs of it. They really support you as a player and as a person.”
Texas Tech: “I heard they play a lot of defense. When you turn on the TV and watch March Madness, you always see them. So they are a great program and they have a great coaching staff.”
Indiana: “Indiana is really one of those teams you can’t sleep on no matter what year they have. It’s a great coaching staff. They check on me and everything.”
Duke: “I just started talking to them, but I can tell they are loving. Their goal is to win and the leaders have everything you need as a player.”
Harper currently holds offers from the likes of Rutgers, Texas Tech, Indiana, Auburn, Georgetown, Missouri and UCLA.
A key factor in Harper’s final college decision will be finding a place that puts the ball in his hands. Harper showed off his scoring and playmaking skills at the Nike EYBL Kansas City session, averaging 18.4 points and 6.0 assists to lead the New York Rens to a 6-0 record.
“When I get to college, I don’t want to be a third or fourth option,” Harper said. “I want to be the main guy. So I think that’s what’s really going to make the difference.”
As far as Harper’s family ties, he said he’s received tons of advice about the recruitment process from his brother. The main message? To stay humble.
“He’s just told me to always be hungry,” Harper said. “Whatever schools come, be thankful, be blessed and be happy. But at the end of the day you still have a long road to go.”
Ron Harper Sr. has had a slightly different advice-giving role, mainly providing his son with basketball tips and tricks. Harper said overall his father is a great mentor to have.
Harper describes himself as a player who makes others better and said while some people see him as a scorer, he sees himself as a playmaker. He added his IQ and touch are what makes him special.
“I get people open, hit people in their spots,” Harper said. “I’m just all around a great teammate and like to get others going.”
Currently, Harper’s only planned visit is to Rutgers in August.
Follow Sam Lance on Twitter
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram
And Like ZAGS on Facebook
