Dylan Harper dominated college basketball for an underwhelming Rutgers team, establishing himself as one of the best freshman guards in recent history. He’s a devastating driver capable of running a one-man offense. Can Harper become a franchise’s best offensive player, or will he cap out as a complementary option?
Team: Rutgers
Height: 6’6
Weight: 215
Wingspan: 6’10
Age: 19.3 (March 2, 2006)
Dylan Harper — Guard, Rutgers (19.3 years old)
Â
NBA Comparison: Jalen Brunson, Jalen Williams
Harper is a challenging player to find accurate comparisons for because of his unique blend of size, strength and skill level. His playstyle reminds of a taller Jalen Brunson, grinding and bruising defenders with their strength, footwork and craft. Harper shares a similar body type, driving acumen and passing to Jalen Williams, though he’s a much better handler likely won’t defend at Williams’s level.Â
Strengths
Special scorer at the basket with high-end physical tools, touch, footwork, strength and craft
High-volume rim pressure with a strong first step and an elite handle facilitating dominant scoring at the college level
Elite ballhandler against pressure with a tight, controlled handle, rarely makes mistakes under duress
Incredible change of speed and direction with the ball, veteran command of pace and angles
Skilled, versatile passer with two-hand versatility and positive vision at the point guard spot
Versaitle offensive piece comfortable scoring in the post, off of the catch and on cuts when he doesn’t have the ball at the top of the key
Solid shooter, especially off of the catch, but creates easy space for stepback jumpersÂ
Has the frame and lateral quickness to defend multiple positions on the ball
Weaknesses
Inconsistent off-dribble shooter, especially from mid-rangeÂ
Might lack the high-end first step and vertical pop in traffic that many slashing-centric initiators possess
Can sometimes miss interior passes in favor of more difficult shotsÂ
Doesn’t generate turnovers defensively, motor off ball waxes and wanes
Offensive role: Lead Creator
Defensive role: Point of Attack Defender
2025 NBA Draft Projection: Round 1, Pick 2
Harper is the clear second-best prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, sporting a ceiling only Cooper Flagg can match. While he has hurdles to clear as a shooter and defender, Harper’s advantage creation talent is far too great to ignore. He has the chance to develop into a franchise-altering lead guard and an All-NBA level talent.
