These young athletes navigate a unique path, balancing the weight of their fathers’ achievements with the drive to forge their identities. Look at five standout players: Dylan Harper, Augustas Marčiulionis, Mason Miller, Jabri Abdur-Rahim, and Andrej Stojakovic. They honor their fathers’ legacies while making waves on the court.
From Childhood to College: Influences of NBA Fathers
Growing up, these athletes had courtside views of greatness. Harper watched his father, Ron Harper, win titles alongside Michael Jordan. Marčiulionis learned from Šarūnas Marčiulionis, a pioneer for European players. Miller absorbed his father, Mike Miller’s, shooting prowess during gym sessions.
Abdur-Rahim battled his father, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, in driveway drills. Stojakovic studied his father Peja Stojakovic’s flawless jump shot. These experiences laid a foundation, as each player developed a game reflective of their father’s influence, yet distinctly their own.
Shining on Campus: College Basketball Achievements and Impact
1. Dylan Harper
At Rutgers, freshman Harper has been a revelation, averaging 21.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and four assists per game. His brilliance earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year and All-Big Ten First Team honors.
A 30-point, game-winning performance against Michigan State showcased his clutch gene, lifting Rutgers to a competitive edge in the conference. Harper’s versatility echoes his father’s championship pedigree.
Dylan Harper will be the 2nd pick in the draft✍️
All the makings of a potential elite lead option down the road, big guard with incredible game IQ & intangibles. See a good amount of old school style in him that also fits the modern game pic.twitter.com/ZmxozlB35I
— Ryan Hammer🔨 (@ryanhammer09) June 16, 2025
2. Augustas Marčiulionis
Senior point guard Marčiulionis has been Saint Mary’s steady hand, averaging 14.2 points and 5.9 assists per game. His playmaking guided the Gaels to an NCAA Tournament berth. A masterclass against Gonzaga underscored his leadership in the West Coast Conference.
Marčiulionis’s poise and fundamentals, honed by his father’s teachings, make him a linchpin for Saint Mary’s success.
3. Mason Miller
Creighton’s junior forward Miller has emerged as a sharpshooter, averaging 1.1 points per game and hitting 21.7% of his three-pointers. His five-three-pointer outburst, including a game-sealing shot against Villanova, proved his clutch ability.
Miller’s floor-spacing opens opportunities for teammates, mirroring his father’s role as an NBA sniper, and has made him vital to Creighton’s postseason hopes.
KEEP READING: ‘We Both Competitive’ – Dylan Harper Gets Real About Competing With Ace Bailey Through the Draft Grind
4. Jabri Abdur-Rahim
After transferring from Georgia, Providence senior Abdur-Rahim averages 7.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. His masterclass display against Kansas in the NCAA Tournament fueled a Sweet Sixteen run.
Abdur-Rahim’s versatility and grit, reminiscent of his father’s all-around game, have endeared him to Friars fans and solidified his role as a two-way force.
5. Andrej Stojakovic
Stanford sophomore Stojakovic is finding his footing, averaging 17.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. A top-notch performance against UCLA, with three key three-pointers, hinted at his potential. Still developing, Stojakovic’s shooting touch and court sense, inherited from his father, position him as a cornerstone for Stanford’s future.
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