Prospect Overview
Long, strong forward who scored in a variety of ways over his four seasons at Rutgers but made significant strides as a perimeter shot-maker as a senior.
About Ron Harper Jr.
Ron Harper Jr. is a long, physical forward with obvious NBA bloodlines whose scoring ability keyed Rutgers’ return to prominence in recent seasons. The son of former 8th overall pick and 5-time NBA Champion, Ron Harper, Harper Jr. was considered a fringe top-250 prospect in the high school class of 2018 following his senior year at Don Bosco Preparatory High School (NJ). Opting to stay close to home and play at Rutgers, the New Jersey native emerged as a contributor as a true freshman averaging 7.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Making incremental strides as a sophomore and junior to lead the Scarlet Knights to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 20 years but having some ups and downs from the field the skilled forward had the most efficient season of his career as a senior. The 22-year-old averaged 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists over 34.3 minutes per game while shooting 40% from beyond the arc to earn All-Big Ten second team honors in his final collegiate season.
• Measured standing 6’5.5 in shoes with a strong 240-pound frame and a remarkable 7’1.25 wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine, Harper Jr. has unique dimensions with his length and strength. He is not the most explosive athlete, but uses his frame well, has good feet for his frame, and can catch an occasional lob a bit higher above the rim than one might expect thanks to his significant reach.
• Doing a little bit of everything offensively, Harper Jr.’s rise as a reliable jump shooter bolstered his efficiency as a senior. Possessing good instincts and timing as a cutter, he did some of his best work off the ball, but also created his own shot from the post, served as both the ball handler and screener in pick and rolls, and ran off screens on the perimeter. Showing the ability to make pull-up jumpers with deep range, use his frame attacking one-on-one, finish with touch inside, and find his teammates on the move, Harper Jr. had several big offensive performances and carried the Scarlet Knights for stretches when he could put everything together over his final three collegiate seasons.
• Holding his own guarding on the perimeter thanks to his length and instincts and using his frame effectively on the block, Harper Jr. developed into a solid all-around defender under Head Coach Steve Pikiell.
Advanced Stats
• Ranking among the most versatile scorers in college basketball, Harper Jr. was one of the only players in recent college basketball history to score 10 or more points in all 11 Play Types that Synergy Sports tracks in a single season. On his best nights, he filled it up from the perimeter, but after having some ups and downs from the perimeter through the end of his junior year, he was very consistent as a senior. Even when his shot was not falling, his ability to use his frame attacking the rim, instincts off the ball, and effort running the floor in transition allowed him to score steadily anyway.
• Emerging as a dangerous set shooter, Harper Jr. scored 1.25 points per catch and shoot jump shot in the half court [89th percentile] last season. Shooting the ball with very good range, his confidence on the perimeter soared some nights.
• As well as he shot the ball in catch and shoot situations, he averaged 0.77 points per dribble jump shot in the half court [51st percentile] as his low release point played against him more often in midrange spots and when he looked to get to turnarounds in the post than it did when he looked to pull-up from beyond the arc.
• Scoring at a serviceable rate inside averaging 1.14 points per shot around the rim in the half court [53nd percentile], Harper Jr. proved a bit bouncier than one might expect on the move. His length is a factor in that allowing him to play bigger in traffic and he embraces physicality.
• Handling the ball steadily for a player in his mold and seldom turning it over, Harper Jr. made the simple play on a team that needed his scoring more than his passing. Finding ways to score in the post but able to drive closeouts as well, his versatility allowed him to take opposing forwards out of their comfort zones.
Defensive Analysis
• Possessing rare length for his height and a strong frame, Harper Jr. handled matchups on the perimeter better than one might assume. Anticipating well and showing some intensity when matched up with quicker forwards, he made the most of his tools at times.
• Making an effort to stunt and recover and closeout shooters off the ball, Harper Jr. may not cover ground effortlessly, but grew into a well-rounded defender with solid technique over his four collegiate seasons.
— Profile by Synergy Sports
