My dad is a five-time NBA champion and played with Michael Jordan. I’m expected to compete with Cooper Flagg for the No. 1 spot

My dad is a five-time NBA champion and played with Michael Jordan. I’m expected to compete with Cooper Flagg for the No. 1 spot

Dylan Harper cemented his position as a potential No. 1 pick with a dominant performance against Notre Dame.

The Rutgers Scarlet Nights secured a thrilling 86-85 overtime win over the Fighting Irish on Tuesday.

Harper was on fire against Notre Dame

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Harper was on fire against Notre DamePhoto credit: Getty

His 36 points are the most of any freshman in the country this season.

Harper added six rebounds and six assists for an impressive overall performance.

The last Division 1 rookie to have 36 points, six rebounds and six assists was Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young in 2018.

Dad Ron Harper Sr. knows what it takes to win in the NBA, having won five championships in his outstanding 15-year career.

He was in the stands watching, and when Dylan drove to the basket and hit the ball into the net, he jumped up and shouted his approval.

Harper Sr. played alongside Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls.

And as an oversized 6’6″ guard, his son enjoys a similar stature to the NBA star.

Harper is averaging over 20 points per game and was considered the second name behind Flagg in SB Nation’s latest spot.

“As a scorer, Harper is deadly inside the arc, as a driver and a mid-range scorer,” reads the NBA Draft on SI scouting report.

“It will be crucial that he continues to improve as a long-range shooter, but at least he is a solid 3-point shooter today.”

The freshman is dominating college ball

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The freshman is dominating college ballPhoto credit: Getty
MJ and Harper Sr. won three NBA titles together

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MJ and Harper Sr. won three NBA titles togetherPhoto credit: Getty

“Harper can now generate balls for himself at any time on the move, whether he goes to the edge or stops in midfield and scores.”

Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell believes the only path is up for the 18-year-old Harper, whose brother Ron Harper Jr. went undrafted in 2022 after playing for the Scarlet Knights.

“His best basketball is ahead of him,” he said.

“He just keeps working. And I’m proud of him, but it takes everyone, and those guys had to set the screens.”

“We had to rebound the basketball. The whole group came together. And the boys really stepped up their game tonight against a really good basketball team.”

“So proud of the whole group. He definitely had a special day. He’s definitely done some things out there that are pretty impressive.”

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Harper Sr. claimed his son steps up on big occasions, but Dylan insists he is always motivated regardless of the opponent.

“I really try to approach every game the same way,” he said.

“I have to go out there with the same chip on my shoulder that I always had.”

“I think that’s one of the reasons Coach Pike recruited me because he saw it in me at a young age, even before I saw it in myself.”

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