Basketball is in the Harper family’s DNA. Starting from Dylan Harper has become one of the biggest names in college basketball at Rutgers. Meanwhile, his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., has already blazed his trail. But who exactly is Ron Harper Jr., and what has his career looked like so far?
Ron Harper Jr. Carrying the Family Basketball Legacy
Ron Harper Jr. was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on April 12, 2000, into a family with deep basketball roots. His father, Ron Harper Sr., was a five-time NBA champion, winning three titles with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and two with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rutgers guard Dylan Harper announced on NBA Today that he will declare for the 2025 NBA draft.
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— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 31, 2025
His mother, Maria Harper, played college basketball in the Philippines and was also an athlete. With such a background, it’s no surprise that Ron Jr. and his younger brother, Dylan, both followed the basketball path.
Growing up, Ron Jr. often went to gyms to watch his dad play and train, which fueled his passion for the game. However, despite his father’s NBA pedigree, he wasn’t considered a blue-chip prospect early in his career. He had to prove himself every step of the way.
Ron Harper Jr. attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey. As a junior, he averaged 10.1 points per game, helping lead the team to its first state championship in nearly five decades. His senior year was even more impressive—he averaged 20.8 points per game.
He also guided Don Bosco to another state title, earning North Jersey Player of the Year honors.
Despite his success, Ron Jr. wasn’t heavily recruited by major programs. He ultimately chose Rutgers over schools like Nebraska, opting to stay close to home and help rebuild the Scarlet Knights’ basketball program.
When Ron Harper Jr. arrived at Rutgers in 2018, expectations were modest. He wasn’t a five-star recruit, but that didn’t stop him from making an immediate impact. As a freshman, he averaged 7.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, quickly earning a starting role.
By his sophomore year, his stats jumped to 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, showing his development as a key player.
Dylan Harper: The Next Star in the Family
The defining moment of his college career came during his junior and senior seasons. In the 2020-21 season, Harper Jr. helped lead Rutgers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 30 years.
His senior year was even better—he averaged 15.8 points per game, hit a game-winning half-court buzzer-beater against Purdue, and earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. He also received an honorable mention All-American nod from the Associated Press.
Despite his impressive college career, Ron Harper Jr. went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft. However, he quickly signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors, splitting time between the NBA squad and their G League affiliate, Raptors 905. In the G League, he showed flashes of brilliance, developing his game further.
After spending time with the Raptors, he made another move in January 2025—signing a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons. Now, with the Motor City Cruise, Detroit’s G League team, Harper Jr. continues to refine his skills and push for a full-time NBA roster spot.
KEEP READING: Rutgers’ Dylan Harper Reflects on Up-and-Down Freshman Season
While Ron Jr. carves out his path in the professional ranks, his younger brother, Dylan Harper, is making waves in college basketball. A five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2024 class, Dylan is expected to be a high pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
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