Dylan Harper didn’t just carry a famous last name—he brought his own spotlight to Rutgers. Son of NBA veteran Ron Harper, the New Jersey native stepped into college with both legacy and promise on his shoulders.
A five-star recruit with national attention, he turned down powerhouse programs to stay close to home. His play with the Scarlet Knights showcased a rare mix of patience, physicality and high-IQ basketball instincts.
After a standout freshman season, he suits up for the San Antonio Spurs, where his next chapter begins. Whether scoring, facilitating or defending, he plays like someone with more to prove and a story still unfolding.
How old is Dylan Harper?
Dylan Harper was born on March 2, 2006, which makes him 19 years old as of June 2025. He brought maturity to the floor right from his freshman season—an early adult in a college landscape filled with potential NBA-bound talent.
Dylan Harper answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025. (Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
How tall is Dylan Harper?
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Dylan Harper’s size gives him a versatile edge as both a point guard and shooting guard. His length allows him to drive past smaller defenders and see over the defense, though scouts continue to emphasize the need for refinement in his outside shooting.
What team did Dylan Harper play for in college?
Dylan Harper chose to play for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the 2024–25 NCAA season, becoming the highest-rated recruit in program history. While blue-blood schools like Duke, Kansas and Auburn were in heavy pursuit, Harper opted to stay close to home.
He joined a Rutgers squad with expectations unlike any in recent memory. He wasn’t walking into a rebuild—he was expected to elevate an already solid foundation into something more formidable. With his brother Ron Harper Jr.’s legacy still fresh at the university, his arrival carried a unique mix of nostalgia and anticipation.
Dylan Harper #29 takes part in a shooting drill during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 13, 2025. (Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
As a freshman, he stepped in as the lead guard and floor general, setting the tone on offense while defending at a high level. Whether it was distributing the ball, scoring in isolation, or rallying the team late in games, his presence reshaped Rutgers’ identity and brought national attention to Piscataway once again.
Dylan Harper’s career highlights
- Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American Co-MVP (2024): Before ever stepping foot on a college court, Harper earned some of the highest honors a high school player can receive. Named the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year for his leadership and performance, he also co-headlined the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game, where he was named Co-MVP after a 22-point, 6-assist showing that highlighted his elite shot-creation and playmaking.
- Third-Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2025): Harper didn’t just survive his freshman year—he stood out. Averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, he earned a spot on both the All-Big Ten Third Team and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. He was one of just two freshmen in the nation to average at least 19 points while maintaining over 4 rebounds and 4 assists, a stat line that spoke volumes about his all-around value.
- Broke Rutgers’ freshman scoring record: With 564 total points, Harper set a new standard for freshmen at Rutgers, surpassing the previous record set by Mike Rosario in 2009. This wasn’t just a record—Harper achieved it with efficiency and consistency, becoming a nightly scoring threat against top-tier Big Ten defenses.
- 36-Point Game vs. Notre Dame in OT Win: One of the defining moments of his season came in a non-conference battle where Harper dropped 36 points, including key buckets in overtime, along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists. It was a signature game that combined scoring, control, and leadership—an early “I’ve arrived” moment.
- Back-to-Back 30+ Point Games vs. Alabama and Washington: In a two-game stretch that turned heads nationally, Harper scored 37 points vs. Alabama followed by 34 against Washington, showcasing his stamina, range, and ability to carry an offense against elite competition. These games solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s top offensive freshmen.
- First Rutgers freshman triple-double since 1983: Against Columbia, Harper delivered 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, becoming the first Rutgers freshman in over four decades to record a triple-double. His passing and rebounding often fly under the radar—but this game showed just how multidimensional his impact can be.
- Team USA – U19 FIBA World Cup (2023): Representing the United States in the FIBA U19 World Cup in Hungary, Harper gained valuable international experience, averaging 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game while playing a role that demanded both composure and chemistry. It was an early glimpse of how his game translates globally.
- Efficient scoring throughout the season: Harper’s freshman efficiency was no fluke: he shot 48.4% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc, and 75% from the free-throw line, while maintaining a usage rate typically reserved for veteran guards. He didn’t just take shots—he made them, and often in high-pressure moments.
