‘Best freshman in the country’: What they say about Rutgers star Dylan Harper’s epic performance against Alabama

‘Best freshman in the country’: What they say about Rutgers star Dylan Harper’s epic performance against Alabama

Dylan Harper made a name for himself on Tuesday against Notre Dame and then cemented his place as one of the best players in the country on Wednesday against Alabama.

The Rutgers freshman was the best player on the field during his team’s 95-90 loss to the No. 9 Crimson Tide at MGM Grand Arena on Wednesday night and nearly gave them an upset win that would have secured them a spot in the championship game Players Era Festival. He finished his career with a career-high 37 points on 11 of 19 shooting from the floor and 15 of 16 shooting from the free throw line.

According to ESPN Stats and Information, Harper became the first Division I freshman to score 30 points in consecutive games in 20 years, following up his 36-point streak with a win over Notre Dame on Tuesday. And he did it within 24 hours.

Harper’s offensive explosion against the top-10 Tide drew widespread attention throughout the college basketball world.

Here’s what they said about his performance:

“Diaper Dandy superstar Dylan Harper…is just AWESOME, BABY!” – Dick Vitale, ESPN analyst and former Rutgers basketball assistant.

“It was a defeat, but another virtuoso performance from Dylan Harper. … Special player.” – Jeff Borzello, ESPN.

“Dylan Harper is the most exciting offensive prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft” – “For The Win” by USA Today

“Dylan Harper is so much fun to watch. He has such a high basketball IQ, can’t be rushed and plays like a pro who is already leading the team. Just always seems to be producing.” – Jeff Goodman, Field of 68.

“Dylan Harper starts cooking Thanksgiving at the beginning of the year. Just a great player and a great game tonight against Alabama.” – Sam Vecenie, The Athletic.

“Dylan Harper IS the best freshman in the country. On consecutive nights, Harper scored 36 and 37 points. Notre Dame and Alabama had no answers. When he goes downhill, left or right, he’s unstoppable.” – Bryan DeNovellis, Tri-State College Basketball Podcast.

“Dylan Harper is the best freshman in college basketball.” – Sam Federman, Mid-Major Madness.

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Brian Fonseca can be reached at [email protected].

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