Top-25 '24 Dylan Harper says two schools standing out; "When I was younger, I was a UNC fan"

Dylan Harper is On3’s No. 22 ranked player in the 2024 class. The 6-foot-5 Harper is the son of five-time NBA Champion Ron Harper.

“I can do a little bit of everything,” Harper told On3. “Get people better, pass the ball, shoot, rebound. My jump shot has become a weapon; people can’t go under screens on me now. I watch a lot of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham, bigger guards who use their dribble to get to the rim.”

The younger Harper was the central figure for a 23-5 Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep team this season. College coaches have already taken notice. On3 caught up with Dylan Harper to talk about which schools are standing out right now.

“From the schools that offered, we hear the most from Texas Tech and Rutgers,” Harper said. “I would like to get out to visit UCLA this summer.”

Harper talks recruitment

Texas Tech: “They play a lot of defense, and that is what gets people to the next level. That is what I like about them. I can go get a bucket at will; watching them play, they don’t really have that go-to scorer. I think I could just come in and be a scorer for them.”

Rutgers: “Coach (Steve) Pikiell is a great coach, and I love the coaching staff. They just get people better, really.”

UCLA: “They haven’t offered yet, but we’ve been talking. I mean, it’s LA; that’s like the prime. They have a great coaching staff, and they just always have a good team.”

Did you grow up a fan of any school?

“At one point, when I was younger, I was a UNC fan,” Harper said. “But that faded away now that I’m getting recruited.”

Harper’s take

“I’m looking for a program that trusts and believes me with the ball in my hands,” Harper said. “I don’t want to go to a place where I’m the third or fourth option; I want to make plays. A coach believing in me like that will be big. Location doesn’t matter; it will be about fit. Anywhere who wants me, I don’t mind going.”