Ron Harper Jr. hopes to go from unheralded prospect to NBA Draft pick – New York Post

The NBA always seemed like a fantasy, a far-off dream. Then came Ron Harper Jr.s sophomore year at Rutgers, and everything changed for him.

The 6-foot-6 Harper was putting up strong numbers in the Big Ten, helping the Scarlet Knights play their way into the NCAA Tournament picture before COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the postseason.

We were having a really good season and I was at the front line of that, the former Rutgers star told The Post. We were doing things that everybody told us we couldnt do. I just really started to believe in that dream coming true. It looked more and more realistic every day.

It was only the start of his ascension from an unheralded recruit out of Don Bosco Prep with a famous last name his father Ron Harper won five NBA titles who wasnt even ranked in the top 150 of his class into a potential NBA player.

Thursday night, the next stage of Harpers career will begin, potentially with him hearing his name called in the NBA draft and following in his fathers footsteps. If selected, the Franklin Lakes, N.J., native would become the first Scarlet Knight selected since Hamady NDiaye went 56th overall to the Timberwolves in 2010. Harper has reportedly worked out for the Knicks, Nets, Kings, Hornets, Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz, took part in the draft combine and a number of mock drafts have him getting taken at some point in the second round.

Similar to Julian [Champagnie of St. Johns], real good shooter, an NBA scout said. Has to show other parts to his game as a creator, as a defender. Right now, hes proven hes a shooter with size.

Harpers final year at Rutgers was his best. He produced career-highs in points (15.8), assists (1.9), 3-point shooting (39.8) and free-throw percentage (79.5). He led the Scarlet Knights to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since 1974-75, and won the Haggerty Award, given to the areas top local player.

He will have to start all over again as a professional, this time against the best players in the world. But Harper has only wanted an opportunity and now he will be getting his shot.

I feel like Ive proven I can play on the highest level from a college standpoint, and obviously the NBA is different, he said. But I feel like I will be able to prove myself there, too.

Its really exciting, I was an under-recruited guy, I didnt expect myself to make it here growing up. But the journey I went through, I wouldnt change it for the world and it shaped who I am as a person, as a player.

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Ron Harper Jr. hopes to go from unheralded prospect to NBA Draft pick - New York Post