Tag: Ron Harper Jr.

Watch: Ron Harper Jr. posterizes an opponent in the NBA Summer League

Ron Harper Jr. has a tremendous dunk in the NBA Summer League.

Former Rutgers basketball standout Ron Harper Jr., currently aToronto Raptors forward, threw down a tremendous dunk on Wednesday night, showing his explosiveness at the NBA 2K24 Summer League.

Harper, in his second season with the Toronto Raptors, is playing for the Raptors in the summer league. On a two-way contract last year, Harper played in nine NBA games, averaging 2.2 points per game and shooting 50 percent from the floor.

One of the most beloved players in Rutgers basketball history, Harper played a huge role in the resurgence of the Scarlet Knights in recent years. In his last two seasons at Rutgers, the program made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.

In three games in the summer league, Harper is averaging 9.7 points per game. He is averaging 28.2 minutes per game.

Harper threw down an impressive dunk on Wednesday night agaisnt the Detroit Pistons, driving the basket and elevating with power and explosiveness. He did so over Pistons’ 6-foot-9 center Amar Sylla. A member of the Senegal national team, Sylla is an experienced big man with strong European experience.

 

It has been a summer of slam dunks for Rutgers basketball. Airious ‘Ace’ Bailey had a tremendous dunk at the Peach Jam. Bailey is a five-star commit and part of the program’s 2024 recruiting class.

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As for Harper, his highlight play came in a game that the Raptors lost 94-90 to the Pistons.

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Dylan Harper interview: On his relationship with Air Bailey and possibly suiting up for Rutgers basketball

Dylan Harper talks Rutgers basketball, his thoughts on staying home and Air Bailey.

Dylan Harper is on the USA Basketball junior national team, the New Jersey guard making the final cutdown last week. It is another achievement for a player who has the chance, were he to commit to Rutgers basketball, the change the arc of the program.

Ranked as the nation’s top prospect by On3, Harper is a member of the class of 2024. He is a five-star guard for Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.).

Speaking last week before the final roster cutdown, Harper spoke with Rutgers Wire following a practice with Team USA. He touched on a number of topics, including updating his recruitment (he will take two official visits this fall) and his thoughts on representing New Jersey throughout this process.

He also talked about recruiting.

One of the players that Harper is the closest with is [autotag]Airious ‘Ace’ Bailey[/autotag]. A five-star forward from Georgia, Bailey committed to Rutgers in January, becoming the highest-ranked verbal in program history.

Bailey did not make the final roster, but Harper says the two spent time together in Colorado.

“We have a great relationship, we talk all the time, we text. He’s always saying if I go there with him, we can do something special,” Harper told Rutgers Wire.

“So I hear that a lot from him.”

The idea of playing at Rutgers and following in his brother, [autotag]Ron Harper Jr.[/autotag]’s path, is intriguing to Harper. The 2024 recruiting class for Rutgers, which features the aforementioned Bailey, is ranked second in the nation.

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“I think if I went there, we’d have a very special, a very hard-working class,” Harper said.

“Everyone, when you’re little, you want to be a hometown hero. So that’s a big factor.”

Because of the connection to the program via his brother, Dylan has been around Rutgers more than anywhere else. Rutgers is clearly recruiting him very hard and has made him a priority recruit for this upcoming class.

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“It’s a great relationship because my brother went there,” Dylan said.

“Every time I am there, it’s always heartwarming.”

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Can the Rutgers Scarlet Knights make it to their third straight NCAA tournament?

The Scarlet Knights are on a mission this year to punch their third straight ticket to the NCAA tournament, but does head coach Steve Pickiell have enough firepower to get them there?

The Scarlet Knights are on a mission this year to punch their third straight ticket to the NCAA tournament, but does head coach Steve Pickiell have enough firepower to get them there? Last year, Pickiell relied on veteran experience from guard / forward Ron Harper Jr. and guard Geo Baker to provide scoring for the Scarlet Knights. Harper Jr. and Baker both averaged double-digit points for Rutgers, Harper averaging almost 16 points per game and Baker averaging a little over 12 points per game. Unfortunately, both of these veteran players moved on from Rutgers, making their positions difficult to replace.

The Rutgers men’s basketball program got extremely lucky this off-season, as none of their rotation players opted to enter the transfer portal. Unlike football, the men’s basketball program has found some success playing in the Big Ten Conference, beating teams like Ohio State, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan State. With the tip-off of the 2022-23 season just a few days away, it will be interesting to see who Pickiell leans on to carry his team to another NCAA tournament.

Come tip-off on Monday, November 7, 2022 against Columbia University, look for Pickiell to call upon junior center Clifford Omoruyi and senior guard Paul Mulcahy. Last season, Omoruyi led the Scarlet Knights in rebounding owning the paint with roughly 8 rebounds a game. As for Mulcahy, he was a big contributor to Rutgers’ success as he was an excellent vacillator averaging a little more than five assists per game. Going into the 2022-23 season, Mulcahy is going to have to be more of a score-first guard rather than passing it off. Look for Mulcahy’s points per game to increase this season since Baker and Harper are no longer in the lineup. It will be interesting to see who Pickiell’s sixth man will be this year as many returning Scarlet Knights have experience from last season. My guess would be Dean Reiber who averaged 7.5 minutes a game last season. Reiber will be called upon when Omoruyi needs some rest allowing Rutgers to stretch the floor with his ability to shoot the three-ball.

The 2022-23 season is going to be an exciting year for Rutgers basketball as each year the team has shown signs of improvement. Come Monday, November 7, look for Pickiell and the Scarlet Knights to make strides toward their third straight NCAA tournament.

 

NBA Summer League Recap: Big Ten Rookie Results

Let’s take a look at how the rookie Big Ten players performed in Las Vegas NBA Summer League

The 2022 NBA summer league in Las Vegas wrapped up this past weekend. It was a great showcase for some of the league’s top future talent. The Las Vegas portion was an 11 day event, featuring all 30 teams playing five games a piece.

There was some strong competition throughout the week and a half, and the Portland Trail Blazers took home the Summer League title when it was all said and done. There were a ton of former Big Ten players involved in the proceedings, including former Scarlet Knight and pillar of the program, Ron Harper Jr.

Like Harper, many of those young NBA prospects actually participated in Big Ten play just last year – including several high draft picks. Let’s take a look at the performances of the rookies from the Big Ten in NBA Summer League.

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How did Ron Harper Jr. fare in the Toronto Raptors Summer League finale?

Ron Harper Jr. had a solid game in the Toronto Raptors Summer League finale.

Former Rutgers basketball star Ron Harper Jr. put in a solid effort for the Toronto Raptors in an 80-69 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Sunday’s Summer League action.

Harper signed a two-way contract with the Raptors after going unselected during the 2022 NBA Draft. His efforts on both sides of the court have been strong enough to be considered for the roster.

After having up-and-down offensive performances in his first few games, he followed up this past Friday’s strong performance against the Miami Heat with another double-digit scoring day against the Bucks. Harper couldn’t find his stroke from deep, missing all five attempts from beyond the arc. He did get the action going inside though, going 3-for-5 from the floor and finished the game with 10 points.

Harper was able to show off his ability to score in transition and be positioned properly with his teammates, one thing he said he’s learned to refine during his short time with the Raptors so far. His aggression paid off as the team only took seven shots from the charity stripe, with Harper going 4-for-4 at the line. He added four defensive rebounds and two blocks to add to his strong performance.

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The former pillar of the Scarlet Knight program had an overall solid showing during Summer League. Harper finished Summer League with a team leading 25 rebounds, and was also top five on the Raptors in points, blocks, and steals.

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His shooting left something to be desired, but his aggression, effort, and defensive prowess were all displayed throughout the team’s five games. If he continues to challenge teammates in practice, there is a clear road to him earning a spot on the NBA roster.

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How did Ron Harper Jr. do for the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night?

Ron Harper Jr. had a quiet night in the NBA Summer League.

Former Rutgers basketball star Ron Harper Jr. put in a fine effort for the Toronto Raptors in a 93-83 loss to the Chicago Bulls in Tuesday night’s Summer League action.

Harper, who surprisingly went undrafted, signed a two-way contract with the Raptors that puts him in a solid position to make the roster.

After scoring nine points in the Summer League opener, Harper didn’t take as many shots on Tuesday night. Still, his shooting percentage was up on 2-for-4 shooting including 1-for-3 from three-point range.

On Tuesday, he finished with five points with three rebounds in 22:04 of action. He had the fourth-most minutes of any Toronto player.

This past Saturday, Harper had nine points and five rebounds along with two steals as the Raptors beat the Philadelphia 76ers 97-77. He was 2-for-6 shooting in his NBA Summer League debut.

A standout at Rutgers, Harper was a pivotal piece in the Scarlet Knights making consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since 1976.

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Harper averaged 15.8 points on 44.2 percent shooting, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season as a senior.

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Why are the Toronto Raptors such a good fot for Ron Harper Jr.?

Rutgers basketball star Ron Harper Jr. landed in a good spot with the Toronto Raptors.

Ron Harper Jr. can stick in the NBA and develop with the Toronto Raptors. So says an NBA draft insider in discussing the fit of Harper, a former Rutgers basketball standout, with his new team.

In a recent interview, NBA draft insider Rafael Barlowe told Amit Mann of Yahoo!Sports Canada what he thinks about Harper signing with the Raptors and why he didn’t end up being drafted. Barlowe told Mann that “No I’m not surprised,” in response to a question about Harper not being selected in last week’s NBA draft.

Last season at Rutgers, Harper averaged 15.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He was named an AP All-American.

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The Toronto Raptors signed Harper shortly after the NBA draft.

“The biggest knock against Ron Harper Jr. is that he’s not an athlete,” Barlowe told Mann.

“I watched him at the combine, I sat next to some scouts. They liked him a little a bit but they were like ‘He has no explosiveness, he doesn’t have any lift around the rim’ – they think he’s going to struggle.’ …I think that is why he fell out of the top 58…Obviously, he has some value to be signed so fast.”

Harper was instrumental in helping Rutgers to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since 1976.

In terms of the Raptors, Mann and Barlowe both agreed that there is a good fit. Harper signed a two-way contract, allowing him to develop and grow but also potentially see minutes in the NBA as a rookie.

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The Raptors have a strong developmental track record which leads Barlowe to think Harper can develop into a role north of the border saying that “They have a pretty good track record of turning nothing into something,”

“He’s a crafty scorer, that is what you know you’re going to get from him, a creative scorer. I think he has to be because he doesn’t have this typical athleticism and elite first step and the natural quick-twich gifts that some of the other guys have that teams value in wings. I think him not being athletic forces him to be a little crafty and creative. I think at the very minimum, he can be a three-point shooter, shot a little under 40 percent from three. I think there can be a role,” Barlowe said.

“I just wonder defensively, the lack of athleticism does it really hurt him more on the defensive end, even though I think he can move his feet.”

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Watch: Toronto Raptors’ Ron Harper Jr. shows his stuff in a pre-NBA draft workout

Former Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr. showed off during a pre-NBA draft workout.

Ron Harper Jr. is a member of the Toronto Raptors, the former Rutgers star having signed as a rookie free agent following Thursday’s NBA draft. Harper is coming off an impressive final season with the Scarlet Knights, where he showed improvement in nearly every aspect of his game.

What Harper showed in the pre-draft workouts isn’t necessarily what will make him stick with an NBA team. Harper is a solid shooter who is clutch and is also a tremendous defender. He has good length, a good handle and some nice range to his game. It is certainly not easy to replicate that skillset in a workout setting.

The production is certainly there, though as he averaged 15.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season. 

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Harper is a good face-up shooter who is also solid from three-point range, with a career-high 39.8 percent in his final season at Rutgers. The Raptors certainly got a solid player after the NBA draft in Harper.

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So this video of Harper working out prior to the NBA draft is intriguing. He shows off his ability to pop-and-shoot along with his explosiveness in getting to the rim:

Rutgers fans certainly know what Harper brings to the table in terms of his teamwork, hustle and solid offensive game. If he can add and refine to his offensive game, then Harper might end up being a steal for the Raptors.

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Harper had several workouts prior to the NBA draft, including with the Charlotte Hornets.

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Next up, Dylan Harper. How is Ron Harper Jr.’s little brother (a four-star) doing in recruiting?

Rutgers basketball is the slight favorite to add Ron Harper Jr.’s not so little brother.

On Thursday night, Ron Harper Jr. didn’t hear his name called in the NBA draft, but the former Rutgers basketball star ended up signing with the Toronto Raptors. And now, all eyes turn towards the next Harper in the pipeline, Dylan Harper.

A 6-foot-5 guard at Don Bosco Prep, Dylan has the potential to step-up and become an even bigger recruit than his older brother. He already holds a number of top offers .

The class of 2024 recruit is already a four-star and ranked the No. 46 player in the nation by Rivals. He pulled in an offer from Auburn in the middle of the month to go along with programs such as Georgetown, Indiana, Missouri and Rutgers.

So where do things stand right now with Harper? Well, the On3 Prediction Machine has Rutgers as a slight favorite to end up at Rutgers, but things are tight in that regard:

  • Rutgers – 22.2%
  • Georgetown – 19.4%
  • Indiana – 16.7%
  • Auburn – 13.9%

Don’t forget to check out this article about big brother signing with the Raptors after the NBA draft and learn more about the two-way contract he signed with the team.

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Ron Harper Jr. signs two-way free agent contract with Toronto Raptors

Former Rutgers Scarlet Knights standout Ron Harper Jr. signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors after the conclusion of the 2022 NBA Draft

Ron Harper Jr. did not hear his name called Thursday night during the 2022 NBA Draft, but that did not stop the Rutgers basketball star from getting closer to making his NBA dreams a reality.

According to a report from ESPN, Harper will be heading out of the country as he signed a two-way deal with the Toronto Raptors. Players on two-way contracts are eligible to play in 50 of their team’s 82 games.

It was a surprise to not hear Harper’s name called on Thursday night. He was pegged as a likely second-round pick.

Harper averaged 15.8 points on 44.2 percent shooting, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season as a senior. Fans of the Scarlet Knights know that Harper can be a strong defender and can take over for stretches on both ends of the court.

Harper was also clutch in propelling Rutgers to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since 1976.

Harper showed continued growth, year-over-year for the Scarlet Knights. Harper could definitely find a permanent spot on the roster if he continues to work as hard as he did during his time at Rutgers.

Raptors fans can look forward to welcoming a young man with a strong sense of leadership as well, as you can hear when he discussed his time at Rutgers after this past season.

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When the two-way contracts were initially introduced, players were limited to 45 days with the team, which included practice and travel days. The change to 50 games has greatly benefitted teams and the development of and opportunities for players.

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