HOUSTON — Dylan Harper did not just represent Rutgers at the McDonald’s All-American game on Tuesday: he put on an infomercial for the Scarlet Knights and previewed the historic heights he could lead the program to next season.
The Don Bosco Prep star, five-star guard and crown jewel of the greatest class in modern Rutgers basketball history was named a co-MVP of the historic all-star game, dominating a contest featuring 24 of the best players in the country. Maryland commit Derek Queen was the other co-MVP.
Harper looked like the best player on the floor among 24 of the best players in the country, scoring 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting (7-of-11 on twos, 2-of-5 on threes, 2-of-3 on free throws), dishing five assists, grabbing six rebounds, blocking a shot, getting a steal and putting together some highlight-reel plays in his dazzling 25 minutes in a tight 86-83 loss for his team.
Harper is the first Rutgers signee to be named MVP in the prestigious game’s history, joining legends of the sport like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Shaquille O’Neal and others.
Harper’s performance capped off a productive weekend in Houston, where the Rutgers signee stood out in the two practices and scrimmage held prior to the main event. He impressed scouts in attendance throughout the weekend with his steadiness, basketball IQ and ability to play at his own pace — qualities that should translate immediately to the college game.
Harper displayed all of that and more in an impressive first half in which he scored 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, dished two assists and grabbed four rebounds in 11 impressive minutes. He contributed to 18 of his team’s first 43 points, scoring in a variety of ways: a spot-up three-pointer, a dunk after beating his defender off the dribble, another slam after running the floor in transition.
Harper was engaged on the defensive end as well, holding Miami commit Jahlil Bethea to 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting in the opening 20 minutes.
“My teammates trusted me,” he told ESPN in a halftime interview. “If I get going, I think I’m very hard to stop.”
He showed that further in the second half, when he dished an assist for a three from five-star Syracuse commit Donnie Freeman before making one himself off the dribble. While he was unable to lead his team to victory, he boosted his own personal stock and put Rutgers in the spotlight.
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Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com.
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