In the world of basketball, young talents are constantly emerging, and one name that has been making waves recently is Dylan Harper. The son of former NBA player Ron Harper, Dylan has been under the spotlight for quite some time. But the question on everyone's mind is: is Dylan Harper good? Let's delve into his game and find out.
Background and Early Success
Dylan Harper was born into a basketball family. His father, Ron Harper, had a successful 15-year NBA career, winning five championships and averaging 13.8 points per game. Growing up in such an environment, it was only natural for Dylan to develop a passion for the sport. He started his basketball journey at a young age and quickly showed promise.
In high school, Harper attended Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. Under the guidance of his coach, Steve Pikiell, he began to make a name for himself. During the 2023 - 24 high school season, he averaged an impressive 23 points per game. His performance in the northern non - public A semi - final against Bergen Catholic, where he scored a career - high 38 points, was a testament to his scoring ability. Another standout moment was his 36 - point performance against five - star DJ Wagner, which caught the attention of the entire nation.
His high school achievements didn't stop there. He was named the McDonald's All - American MVP, becoming the first player in Rutgers University history to achieve this feat. He was also the New Jersey Gatorade High School Player of the Year, a finalist for the Naismith National High School Player of the Year, and Max Preps National High School Player of the Year. These accolades clearly show that Harper was a dominant force in high school basketball.
College Debut and Performance
After a successful high school career, Harper joined Rutgers University. In the 2024 - 25 season, he made an immediate impact. He was the only freshman in the Big Ten to be named to the All - Preseason Big Ten Team. He also found himself on the watch list for the Bob Cousy Award and was among the top 50 in the Naismith National Player of the Year watch list.
In his debut game against Wagner, Harper led the 25th - ranked Rutgers University to a 75 - 52 victory, scoring 20 points. His performance in the NCAA has been closely monitored, and as of now, he is a top - tier prospect for the 2025 NBA draft, with many considering him a potential top - three pick. His stats at Rutgers, including points, rebounds, and assists, have been solid, and he has shown the ability to perform under pressure.
Physical Attributes and Their Impact
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) and weighing 215 pounds (98 kg), Harper has a physical advantage over many of his opponents. His large frame allows him to absorb contact and finish at the rim. His standing reach is approximately 2.75 meters, and his 2.06 - meter wingspan gives him an extended defensive range.
In terms of athleticism, while he may not have the blistering first - step speed of some players, his strength and basketball IQ more than make up for it. His physicality is a major asset in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. On offense, he can bully smaller defenders in the post and use his body to create space for his shots. Defensively, his size and strength allow him to contest shots and hold his ground against bigger opponents.
Offensive Skills
Scoring Ability
Harper's scoring ability is one of his most notable traits. He is an efficient scorer in the paint, with a high basket - finishing rate of 66.9%. His offensive footwork is extremely delicate, and he is patient when attacking the basket. He is skilled at using counterattacks and changes of direction to find gaps in the defense. His left - handed shot, combined with his physicality, makes him a difficult player to stop around the rim.
He also has a reliable mid - range game. His two - stage shot allows him to shoot over defenders at the highest point. Although his long two - point shots may not always be the most efficient in terms of overall offensive strategy, they do give him the ability to score from anywhere on the court. He is not afraid to take tough shots, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes, it leads to him getting his team much - needed points, while other times, it may result in a lower shooting percentage.
Shooting
When it comes to shooting, Harper has room for improvement. His three - point shooting percentage currently stands at around 33%, and his free - throw shooting percentage is 75%. These numbers indicate that there is potential for growth in his shooting skills. However, his shot selection and the way he uses fakes and hesitations before shooting can be quite effective. He often combines his shot attempts with dribble moves, making it difficult for defenders to anticipate whether he will shoot or drive.
Passing and Playmaking
As a point guard, Harper has shown good playmaking skills. His assist - to - turnover ratio of 4.0 assists to 2.4 turnovers per game is decent, considering he is often the primary ball - handler for Rutgers. He has a good understanding of the game and can find open teammates in the pick - and - roll. His ability to see the floor and make the right pass, even when under pressure, is a valuable asset. He is not afraid to take on the role of a playmaker and has the confidence to make decisions that can change the course of a game.
Defensive Skills
On the defensive end, Harper has his strengths and weaknesses. His size and strength allow him to be a solid one - on - one defender. He can use his body to stay in front of his opponent and his long arms to disrupt passing lanes. He averages 1.4 steals per game, which shows that he has the ability to anticipate passes and make plays on the ball.
However, his defensive awareness and effort can be inconsistent at times. He can get caught ball - watching or be slow to rotate in help - side defense. In some cases, he may rely too much on his physical abilities and not always be in the right position to make a defensive play. His rebounding, while not poor, could also be improved considering his size. He has the potential to be a better rebounder, especially on the defensive end, where his height and strength should give him an advantage.
Comparing Harper to Other Players
When looking at Harper's game, many analysts have drawn comparisons to established NBA players. Some have compared him to James Harden due to his scoring ability, his ability to draw fouls, and his style of play. Like Harden, Harper is a left - handed player who is difficult to stop when he gets into the paint. He also has a knack for creating his own shot and drawing contact, which leads to a high number of free - throw attempts. However, Harper's passing and playmaking skills are not as developed as Harden's at this stage of his career.
Others have compared him to Cade Cunningham. Both players are tall for their position and have a good all - around game. They are capable of scoring, passing, and rebounding. Cunningham is known for his high basketball IQ and his ability to make plays for his teammates, and Harper shows similar signs of being a smart player who can impact the game in multiple ways. However, Cunningham has a more polished jump shot, while Harper is still working on improving his shooting consistency.
Conclusion
So, is Dylan Harper good? The answer is a resounding yes. Based on his high school achievements, his strong start to his college career, and his overall skill set, there is no doubt that Harper has the potential to be a great basketball player. His physical attributes, combined with his offensive and defensive skills, make him a valuable asset on the court.
However, like any young player, he still has areas to improve. His shooting, especially from three - point range and at the free - throw line, needs work. His defensive consistency also needs to be addressed. But with his talent and the right coaching, there is no limit to how far he can go.
In the 2025 NBA draft, Harper is expected to be a top pick. He has the opportunity to join an NBA team and continue to develop his skills at the highest level of professional basketball. Whether he will live up to the hype and become a star in the NBA remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Dylan Harper is a player to watch in the world of basketball.