MADE Here: Five-Star Dylan Harper Commits to Rutgers

December 6, 2023 by Travis Graf

THE LEAD

2024 five-star and MADE Hoops alum Dylan Harper has committed to Rutgers. He chose the Scarlet Knights over Duke, Indiana, Kansas, and Auburn. 

BACKGROUND

Harper took three official visits during his recruitment — Rutgers, Duke, and Indiana. The pursuit of this five-star came down to the Scarlet Knights and Duke, but the family dynamic and familiarity with the program won out for Rutgers. Harper’s older brother, Ron Harper Jr., previously played for Rutgers and the comfort level with the program was evident throughout this recruitment. 

WHAT’S NEXT

Rutgers is most likely done with recruiting the high school ranks after today’s commitment from Harper. His pledge gives the Scarlet Knights five pieces in their recruiting class with pretty much all positions addressed. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest to see the staff attack the portal for another bench guard this off-season, as they’ll most likely turn to current college players to do patchwork with the roster. 

MY TAKE

What a recruiting cycle for the Scarlet Knights. They’ve landed the two highest-ranked recruits in program history in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, and those two could form one of the most electric duos in college basketball next season. Steve Pikiell has steadily raised the floor of the program, but these two pieces will go a long way in raising the ceiling. Rutgers basketball will be must-see TV next season for die hard fans and casuals alike and it will make for exciting times in Jersey Mike’s Arena. Those two plus a returning Gavin Griffiths will all play well off of one another and give them a very talented nucleus heading into next season.