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2025 NBA Draft: Dylan Harper Scouting Report

Updated: May 14


Dylan Harper, Rutgers

Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.


Dylan Harper

Position: Guard

College: Rutgers

Class: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'5", 213 lbs

Birthdate: March 2, 2006

High School: Don Bosco (NJ)


Player Overview


Dylan Harper is a well-rounded and poised guard with the size, instincts, and versatility to thrive in multiple roles. A polished shot creator with the ability to play on or off the ball, he uses advanced footwork and ball handling to create separation and consistently get to his spots. Around the rim, he finishes effectively with both hands, displaying strength, touch, and body control.


Known for his high basketball IQ and competitive edge, Harper embraces big moments and confidently takes on leadership responsibilities. While his perimeter shooting remains a swing skill, he has shown flashes off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. Continued growth as a playmaker and shooter will be key to unlocking his full upside.


"Harper is a smart combo guard known for his high basketball IQ, scoring, and playmaking ability. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his father is former NBA player Ron Harper." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst

Strengths


  • Three-Level Scoring Ability: Effective getting buckets from deep, mid-range, and at the rim—especially with space to operate.

  • Elite Shot Creation: Creates off the bounce with poise and control, using footwork and ball-handling to manipulate defenders.

  • Rim Finishing: Absorbs contact and finishes well through traffic using both hands.

  • Clutch Performer: Thrives in late-game moments, showing confidence and leadership in key possessions.

  • Size and Versatility: At 6'6", he can guard multiple positions and switch roles between initiator and off-ball scorer.


Concerns


  • Three-Point Shooting Consistency: Needs to become a more reliable threat from beyond the arc, especially off the catch.

  • Turnover Prone: Can get tunnel vision on drives or force the issue in traffic, leading to careless giveaways.

  • Decision-Making: At times overly focused on scoring, missing passing windows, or open teammates.

  • Confidence Swings: Tends to hesitate after early misses, which can disrupt his rhythm and assertiveness.


Questions


  • Primary vs. Secondary Role: Is Harper best suited to thrive as a high-level secondary ball-handler, or is he prepared to become a true primary initiator at the NBA level?

  • Playmaking Growth: Will his feel and decision-making catch up with his scoring instincts?

  • Perimeter Shooting Development: Can he improve his mechanics and consistency enough to stretch defenses effectively at the next level?


Bottom Line


Dylan Harper is a composed and competitive guard who brings size, skill, and scoring versatility to the backcourt. His ability to create offense, finish through contact, and perform in pressure situations gives him a strong foundation as a long-term contributor at the professional level. If he continues to improve his outside shooting and decision-making as a lead guard, he has the potential to develop into an All-Star-caliber talent. With his combination of physical tools, basketball IQ, and winning mentality, Harper projects as one of the most dependable guard prospects in any draft class.

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