Rutgers guard Dylan Harper declared for the NBA Draft, announcing his decision on ESPN's "NBA Today" on Monday afternoon. An All-Big Ten Third Team selection, Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in his sole season with the Scarlet Knights.
The decision was not a surprise as Harper has been a projected top pick ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft in June. In ESPN's latest mock draft released before March Madness began, Harper was projected as the No. 2 overall pick behind only Duke's Cooper Flagg.
Harper's Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey was projected as the third pick. Harper was the No. 4 recruit in the 2024 high school class, two spots behind Bailey at No. 2.
NEWS: Rutgers freshman Dylan Harper, the projected No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, announced he will declare for the draft on ESPN's "NBA Today". pic.twitter.com/mJztPSgOZI
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 31, 2025
Despite the talented pairing of Harper and Bailey, Rutgers went just 15-17 this season, including 8-12 in the Big Ten, and missed out on the NCAA Tournament. Harper finished the year fifth in the conference in scoring, while Bailey was eighth.
The NBA draft combine is set for May 11-18 in Chicago. The NBA draft lottery is on May 12, which will determine the order of selection at the top of this year's draft.
The Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets currently hold the three worst records in the NBA and are the most likely to wind up with the top picks. The NBA Draft is June 25-26.
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 12:58 PM.