Ron Harper Jr.: Hometown Hero
Jun 11 | Men's Basketball
Ron Harper Jr. is a star on the rise for the Scarlet Knights. A New Jersey product, Harper Jr. played his high school basketball at Don Bosco Prep, where he competed on The RAC floor in the state playoffs. The local star stayed home, looking to make an impact ‘On the Banks.’ He was an immediate contributor, starting 18 games as a freshman and averaging 7.8 points. Last season, he moved into a full-time starting role and continued to excel.
Harper Jr. led the Scarlet Knights' rise and a key contributor, pacing the team in scoring with 12.1 points per game and placing second with 5.8 rebounds and 25 blocks. He logged a team-high 871 minutes as one of just two players to start all 31 contests, scoring in double-figures 18 times. After that standout season, he was recognized as an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and Second Team All-Met selection.
When the spotlight shined the brightest, Harper Jr. stepped up. In a rivalry contest against No. 22 Seton Hall, Harper Jr. earning Joe Calabrese Game MVP Honors after scoring 18 points, and was named MET Player of the Week. When playing against nationally-ranked foes, he upped his scoring average to 16.1 points-per-game while shooting 50 percent from the field, 87 percent from the free throw line, and averaging 6.3 rebounds.
Harper Jr. has always excited the home crowd with his signature alley-oop flushes and all-out style of play. The son of an five-time NBA champion, Harper Jr. has an infectious personality that has helped endear him to the Rutgers' fan base as he establishes a name for himself and looks to continue his breakout in seasons to come.
We're not sure which is better by Ron Harper Jr:
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 29, 2020
The save or the slam for @RutgersMBB ?? pic.twitter.com/Cg5wkt2iS4
There might not be any games, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some Ron Harper Jr. highlight finishes. ??@__RHJR | @RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/iLNe97Ze3s
— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) March 20, 2020
He's a three-way scorer, he can score in the post, he can handle it, he can shoot threes.Head Coach Steve Pikiell
Next up ? #RHJweek
— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) June 9, 2020
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???? | #RUuncut
— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) June 10, 2020
???? There are certain songs that you just have to bust a move to whenever they come on. #RHJweek | @__RHJR pic.twitter.com/QvRVbCBlPx
????#WallpaperWednesday x #RHJweek pic.twitter.com/xac9RZUkXu
— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) June 10, 2020
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— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) June 11, 2020
???? ????????-???????? ???????????????? ??????. ??#RHJweek | @__RHJR pic.twitter.com/anR4GnDWf2
For Jersey?? https://t.co/t3N9E07gH2
— Ron Harper Jr. (@__RHJR) June 11, 2020
#FBF » Flashback to #RUenEspaña ????
— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) June 12, 2020
????????-???????? ???????????????? ??????. ??#RHJweek | @__RHJR pic.twitter.com/2FIQMfIwNA
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— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) June 13, 2020
I love you Rutgers?? https://t.co/TUWSW3qFZM
— Ron Harper Jr. (@__RHJR) June 15, 2020
That’s a wrap on #RHJweek.
— Rutgers Basketball ?? (@RutgersMBB) June 15, 2020
Fun fact: @__RHJR was always at his best in our biggest games. He upped his averages to 16.1 PPG (50% FG% & 87% FT%) while grabbing 6.3 RPG in games against nationally-ranked foes.
Gearing up for a B1G time junior year. pic.twitter.com/buOMlGL1HZ
