Rutgers priority target Dylan Harper was selected for USA Basketball’s under-19 team on Friday. They will compete at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Hungary from June 24 to July 2. Harper was one of 12 players chosen among a 35 player pool that included rising college sophomores as well as prospects from the classes 2023 and 2024.
The No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class per 247 Sports and No. 2 overall in the composite rankings, Harper is considering a final five schools of Duke, Indiana, Auburn, Kansas and Rutgers. He told USA Today this week that his decision will be made “probably during my high school season.” He previously indicated it come as early as July, when he is set to play in the Peach Jam with the NY Rens on the EYBL circuit. However, his schedule continues to fill up as the blue chip prospect continues to excel on the court.
Ace Bailey, the No. 3 overall recruit who is committed to Rutgers, also was part of the U19 training camp for USA Basketball. He was reportedly playing well before missing practice time due to an illness. Bailey was ultimately cut and it was likely due to being sick, per ESPN’s Adam Finklestein. Bailey’s own ceiling is extremely high and has a strong summer as well.
The Rutgers commit has made it very public he is doing everything he can to have Harper join forces with him in Piscataway.
Harper’s relationship with Bailey as well as with the coaching staff, who he has known for years due to his brother Ron Harper Jr. starring for the program, are factors that make Rutgers unique in his recruitment. There has been a lot of buzz about Harper ultimately coming to Piscataway, but Duke and Indiana are considered to be right in the mix as well. Harper is currently projected by multiple recruiting analysts to become a Scarlet Knight. However, recruiting is always fluid. Rutgers remains diligent in their efforts to land the prized combo guard. Head coach Steve Pikiell along with assistant Brandin Knight were at USA basketball’s training camp to watch Harper this week. Duke and Kansas were there as well.
Moving back his decision timeline seems to be in part based on his busy summer schedule. Carino cites Harper’s schedule per his mother, Maria who is also a basketball coach.
June 23 to July 2: FIBA Under-19 World Basketball World Cup in Hungary with Team USA.
July 2-9: Peach Jam, the summer’s premier AAU Tournament, in Georgia
July 11-17: In Las Vegas to watch his older brother Ron Harper Jr. in the NBA Summer League and work out with him
Aug. 3-6: CP3 Point Guard Camp in Las Angeles (Chris Paul’s invitation-only camp for the top high school and college lead guards)
Aug. 10-13: Nike Academy at Nike headquarters in Oregon
Aug. 18-20: SLAM Summer Classic in New York City
Rutgers fans are eager to see Harper join the heralded 2024 recruiting class. 4-star wing Bryce Dortch committed this week and RU is now has the No. 2 recruiting class per 247 Sports. Now fans will be able to track Harper on the world stage later this month. I’ll provide links and info once available.
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