Dylan Harper made history in the NBA Draft, becoming the highest-ever selection from Rutgers basketball. In talking about his selection by the San Antonio Spurs, Harper said that his preparation at Rutgers will help him at the next level.
It was a big night for Harper, who was taken second overall in the NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. Three picks later, Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey went to the Utah Jazz.
''It's definitely exciting, grateful. I think me and Ace Bailey, we took a chance on Rutgers. I think me and him could have got probably the best experience we could have got out of it, just in the standpoint of just the highs and lows and just the great people taking care of us,'' Harper told reporters after the NBA Draft.
''And I feel like the Spurs is definitely just like that, just a different level, next level, just great people around it, great organization. So I mean, it's definitely amazing.''
Harper's lone season at Rutgers was a success, earning All-Big Ten honors as he averaged 19.4 points with 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
While Harper was locked into the Spurs for the better part of the past month, Bailey's lead-up to the draft was anything but tranquil.
Bailey refused workouts with a number of NBA teams, causing considerable controversy in the lead-up to the draft. Harper was glad to see his former Rutgers teammate go in the top five of the draft.
''I love that guy. Man, I think y'all understand stuff he's been through, man, all the bad talk, everyone talking about him -you know, he just continues to put a smile on his face every day and every day, no matter what's going on. So, I mean, I love that man. I'm so happy for him, and just sky's the limit for him,'' Harper said.
''Utah got a great guy, great prospect and a great family guy was always going to take care of the next person.''