Dylan Harper reacts to the Rutgers basketball staff attending the FIBA World Cup
Dylan Harper had a bit of home in the stands this weekend, with Rutgers basketball head coach Steve Pikiell in Hungary to watch the standout from New Jersey in action. The five-star recruit has been representing the United States in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.
It was a successful World Cup for Harper, even as Team USA disappointed by losing in the semifinals. In a shade over 18 minutes played per game, Harper averaged 8.3 points per game in addition to rebounding well and being solid defensively.
In an 89-86 semifinal loss to France on Saturday, Harper had 14 points along with four rebounds and two steals. The output from Harper was impressive given that he is a 17-year old playing against professionals in Europe and alongside a number of teammates who are in college.
Pikiell and assistant coach Brandin Knight were in Hungary for the World Cup to watch Harper. It was a clear show of support from the Rutgers coaching staff in their effort to land Harper, who is a standout at Don Bosco Prep.
“They’re a great staff, they always show me love and support,” Harper told Bleacher Report’s Max Escarpio on Friday.
“Anytime I need them, I can always hit them up.”
Last week, Harper was named the top recruit in the nation by ESPN. All four major recruiting services (Rivals, On3, 247Sports and ESPN) have Harper as the top player in the nation.
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5⭐️ 2024 CG Dylan Harper speaks on recently becoming the No. 1 player in the nation, as well as his thoughts on #Rutgers visiting him in the #FIBAU19 World Cup: pic.twitter.com/lQ8812MGnl
— MAX (@maxescarpio) June 30, 2023
Harper said his versatility is the reason why he is so highly ranked.
“Obviously, I notice it, it’s a great honor but I don’t play the game for the ranking. I play because I love the game,” Harper said in the B/R interview.
“Obviously, I’m very happy about it but it’s not even the reason I’m playing. I’m going to keep on playing because I love it.”
At the next level, Harper sees himself as a “point guard or a combo guard.”
