Rutgers Five-Star Plus+ CG commit Dylan Harper shining at McDonald's All-American Game

On3 imageby:Hunter Shelton04/02/24

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Paterson (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep Five-Star Plus+ combo guard Dylan Harper is one half of the elite duo set to head to Rutgers next season.

The No. 3 overall prospect in the 2024 class is giving the Scarlet Knights plenty to fawn over on Tuesday night at the McDonald’s All-American Game in Houston.

In the first half, Harper led the way with 14 points on 6-8 shooting. He also grabbed four rebounds and landed a pair of assists.

Harper has been making his presence felt in the Space City for a couple of days now, as he was also a top performer for On3’s Jamie Shaw in a private scrimmage held between the two teams over the weekend.

“The game is never sped up for Dylan Harper and he always finds a way to contribute in all facets. At 6-foot-6, Harper is a good rebounder, not afraid to mix things up around the rim and start the break. He is also an adept passer, moving the ball in the half-court as well as pitching it ahead on the break. The Rutgers signee plays with excellent leverage on the ball and great balance as he gets to the rim. His pace and feel continue to shine,” Shaw wrote.

Harper pledged to Rutgers in December, joining Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern Five-Star Plus+ small forward Ace Bailey — the No. 2 overall recruit — to form a stellar duo in Piscataway. Harper is the son of five-time NBA Champion Ron Harper. He’s also the younger brother of former Rutgers star guard Ron Harper Jr.

“It’s home, you know? Every time I go there, it’s family, affection,” Harper said of Rutgers. “The coaches really emphasize that. They’re not recruiting me just because of my brother (Ron Harper Jr.). They’re recruiting me, for me.”

Dylan Harper Scouting Report

“It is the feel of the game that really pops for Dylan Harper. The lefty is a big guard; he has a strong frame with good length. While he lacks top-end burst, he always gets to his spots. Harper has a supreme feel for angles and footwork, and he does a great job of using his body and his hips to put defenders in ‘jail.’ His pace is never rushed; he always has a plan with the ball in his hands. He is more of a scorer than a shooter. While he can knock down a spot three, he does need to clean some things up there. Harper has a crafty handle with an array of hesitates and counters. He is great with angles around the basket and can score through contact without playing above the rim. He has great balance in the paint and – again – uses his body really well. At 6-foot-5, he really competes and plays with the utmost confidence. Harper is a good team defender.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw