Ron Harper, a five-time NBA champion and former teammate of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, is now focused on his son Dylan Harper’s rising basketball career. The Rutgers freshman has been turning heads with his impressive play, and Harper Sr. couldn’t be prouder.
“Surprised? No. Not really,” Harper said when asked about the attention surrounding Dylan, according to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “He has always played hard, believed in himself, and put in the work. When you do that, you’ll be as good as you’re going to be.”
Dylan, averaging 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 assists in 32.2 minutes per game, has shown the kind of consistency his father preached. “I told him when he was little, it’s about showing up every day and putting in the work. People are going to notice, and now they are,” Harper added.
While some have compared Dylan’s game to James Harden’s, Ron Harper sees his son as a more complete player. “I could see some comparisons to James, but I compare him to a much better all-around player. James is known for scoring, but I want Dylan to excel on both ends of the floor.”
Harper emphasized that Dylan’s work ethic and team-first mentality set him apart. “He wants to be the best player on the team, a great teammate, and someone who pushes others to work as hard as he does. He’s never been part of a losing program, and he wants to win.”
Dylan’s confidence and drive are qualities that NBA teams will find appealing. “He believes in himself, and that’s going to rub off on the other guys,” Harper said. “He’s someone who can make an immediate impact.”
