Rutgers lands PG Harper, No

• Jeff Borzello Close Jeff Borzello ESPN Personnel Writer Basketball recruiting expert. Joined ESPN in 2014. Graduate of University of Delaware.Paul Biancardi Close Paul Biancardi Basketball Recruiting National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com 18 years of training experience at Department I

  level Previous Horizon League coach of the year at Wright State Dec 6, 2023, 04:48 PM ET

• Dylan Harper, the No. 2 possibility in the 2024 class and the top uncommitted senior in the country, revealed his dedication to Rutgers on Wednesday

— offering the Scarlet Knights two of the leading three employees in the nation and the No. 2 general recruiting class.Harper, a 6-foot-5 guard from Don Bosco Preparation(New Jersey), chose Steve Pikiell’s program over a last list that likewise consisted of Duke, Kansas, Indiana and Auburn. He joins a recruiting class that already consisted of Airious “Ace” Bailey, who is ranked No. 3 in the ESPN 100 and signed with the Scarlet Knights throughout the early finalizing period last month.”I have a deep connection with the personnel over an extended period of time,”Harper informed ESPN.” Head coach Steve Pikiell, associate head coach Brandin Knight and assistant coach TJ Thompson. Staying at home ways whatever for me.

It is amazing for me knowing everybody who got to see me mature, like my family, good friends and coaches, can see me play. Understanding that I can make a stamp in my home state has always been a thing for me.”Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Harper is the younger bro of previous Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr., who now plays for the Toronto Raptors. Harper Jr. was a two-time All-Big Ten choice throughout his four years at Rutgers and he led the Scarlet Knights

to 2 NCAA tournament appearances

, breaking the program’s 30-year tourney drought.” His recommendations to me was to choose a school that is best for me and make it your decision, “Harper stated.”I saw what a great player my brother was there and how effective Rutgers was throughout that time. He had a terrific profession there. He was among the best to play at Rutgers.

“Rutgers made Harper a priority early in the 2024 recruiting cycle and was relentless in its pursuit of the in-state guard. Pikiell and his personnel remained in participation at almost every one of his games last spring and summer. “I have actually been around him and the program for such a long time. No one works harder at his job than Coach Pikiell, “Harper said.”He gets one of the most out of each player and his team. I trust him to do what’s right for the team. He is such an uplifting person and coach. He is constantly assisting others whether it’s on the court, in the

program or in the neighborhood. He puts others before himself in whatever he does.”To put the commitments of Harper and Bailey into context, before this class, Rutgers had actually landed simply 6 total ESPN 100 potential customers considering that the ESPN men’s basketball recruiting database began in 2007. Just one player was ranked inside the top 50: Mike Rosario, who was No. 16 in 2008. And now the Scarlet Knights have commitments from 2 of the

leading 3 seniors in high school basketball.”I believe with our recruiting class and returning players we can assist Rutgers win, get to the NCAA competition and make a deep run,”Harper said. “I feel like my game is something they are missing. I will be playing with some other really excellent players. The RAC is a terrific environment for playing your home games. “Harper was one of the most efficient players on the Nike EYBL circuit throughout the grassroots season last spring and summer season, averaging 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.9 helps for the NY Rens program– consisting of a triple-double against Pro Abilities, when he taped 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 helps. He likewise represented U.S.A. Basketball at the FIBA U19 World Cup, where he

began two games and balanced 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists.The guard is basically sound and a tough employee. He has size and strength for the guard position. Harper can tear down open shots with consistency inside the arc and is a genuine 3-point shooter. His playmaking capabilities and leadership shine when running in ball-screen offense or running a team. Harper comprehends how to develop and discover scoring chances for his teammates. He had a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio, according to Synergy. Harper participated at the Curry camp in August, standing apart together with elite high school potential customers. Camp director Brandon Payne, who likewise works as Steph Curry’s trainer, was amazed. “He displays a professional state of mind and plays within himself,”Payne stated.” His skill level is greater than his athletic ability. He has the personality type of a leader. He shrieks winner.”