Prospect Profile

** Traded to Orlando on Draft night

Strengths:

  * Great three-point shooter
  * Can score in the post
  * Can get separation with medium-range fade-away jumper
  * Good rebounder
  * Solid work ethic

Weaknesses:

  * Can get more consistent in the post
  * Be aggressive every day on the glass
 

NBA projection:
Harper can play the three because of his size and ability to shoot the three, but can he defend the position? Or, can he bulk up a bit more (he's not afraid of hard work in the weight room) and become a four man who can pick and pop or score in the post?

2010-11 season:
Harper earned first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors after finishing fourth in the league in scoring, 11th in rebounding, fourth in field-goal percentage, eighth in free-throw percentage, second in three-point percentage, fifth in three-pointers per game (2.1) and fifth in defensive rebounds per game (5.4). Harper helped lead Richmond to the A-10 Tournament championship and their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.

Key statistics:
17.9 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.5 tpg, 1.3 bpg, 31.5 mpg, .543 FG, .465 3PT, .786 FT

Cool statistics:
Four players on the Richmond team can bench press more than 300 pounds, led by Harper at 330. … Harper led Richmond in three-pointers made, but he also tied for the team lead in old-fashioned three-point plays (seven).

Reminds me of:
Danny Granger, because of his inside-outside ability.

What Insiders Say:
Richmond assistant coach Kevin McGeehan
"He's been talented here since he got here. The day he stepped on campus, we knew he was unbelievably talented and gifted. His progression has a lot to do with hard work and confidence, his belief in his ability."

What Outsiders Say:
Dayton assistant coach Jon Borovich
"He's got an NBA body. [Players] are listed at 6-9, 6-10 when a lot of times they're really 6-7, 6-8. This guy's a legit 6-9. His arms go on forever. He's just tapping into his potential but has made drastic improvement in just a year's time span."

NBA Scouting's Ryan Blake
"He has exploded with his confidence. … He's opened some doors, and when he goes to Portsmouth, doors will open even further."

Chris Dortch is the editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.