PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men's basketball forward
Ron Harper Jr. was named to the Watch List for the 2021 Julius Erving Award, it was announced Wednesday. Harper Jr. was one of 20 candidates recognized for the award that honors the top small forward in Division I.
Harper enters his third season as a Scarlet Knight having started 49 games and averaging 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds for his career. Last season, he was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and Second Team All-Met selection after he led the team with 12.1 points per game. The Franklin Lakes, N.J. native also collected 5.8 rebounds per game with 25 blocks, shooting 45.2 percent from the field.
The product of Don Bosco Prep excelled versus nationally-ranked foes last season, averaging 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in those games, and shooting 50 percent. Harper Jr. was named the MET Player of the Week after scoring a game-high 18 points in the win over No. 22 Seton Hall, earning Joe Calabrese Game MVP Honors.
This preseason, Harper Jr. was named the top defensive player in the Big Ten by
Lindy's Sports. The 6-6 junior is a versatile player who stands out at both ends of the floor. His recognition gives RU two such accolades this week, joining
Geo Baker, who was named to the Bob Cousy Award Watch List on Monday.
"After the abrupt end to last year's season, I know we are all very excited to return to the court and offer these outstanding student athletes the opportunity to shine," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. "We encourage fans to support their favorite players by participating in the Starting Five Fan Voting presented by Dell Technologies. These esteemed annual awards would not be possible without the support of the fans, Dell Technologies, our knowledgeable selection committee and the Hall of Famers they represent."
College basketball fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting presented by Dell Technologies in each of the three rounds. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2021 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award will be narrowed to just 10. In late February, five finalists will be presented to Mr. Erving and the Hall of Fame's selection committee.
For more information on the 2021 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award and the latest updates, log onto www.hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophall and #ErvingAward on Twitter and Instagram. Starting Five Fan Voting presented by Dell Technologies will go live on Friday, November 6
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