In a major recruiting coup, Dylan Harper, the No. 2 prospect in the 2024 class and the top uncommitted senior in the country, has officially announced his commitment to Rutgers University. The talented 6-foot-5 guard from Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey picked Steve Pikiell's program over powerhouse schools like Duke, Kansas, Indiana, and Auburn.

Harper's decision to join Rutgers adds to the formidable recruiting class that already includes Airious "Ace" Bailey, the No. 3 prospect in the ESPN 100 rankings, who signed with the Scarlet Knights during the early signing period last month. This impressive haul solidifies Rutgers' status as one of the nation's top recruiting destinations, securing two of the top three recruits in the country and propelling them to the No. 2 overall recruiting class.

Expressing his reasoning behind choosing Rutgers, Harper cited the deep connection he has with the coaching staff, including head coach Steve Pikiell, associate head coach Brandin Knight, and assistant coach TJ Thompson. Staying close to home was also a crucial factor for Harper, as he expressed excitement about being able to showcase his skills in front of family, friends, and coaches who have witnessed his growth. Playing for his home state holds significant importance for him, and he is eager to make his mark at Rutgers.

Notably, Harper is the younger brother of former Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr., who is currently playing for the Toronto Raptors. Ron Harper Jr. enjoyed a successful college career at Rutgers, earning two-time All-Big Ten honors and leading the Scarlet Knights to two NCAA tournament appearances, ending the program's 30-year tournament drought.

Harper revealed that his brother's advice played a meaningful role in his decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of choosing the school that best suits his own needs. Witnessing his brother's success at Rutgers and the program's upward trajectory further motivated Dylan to follow in his footsteps.

Rutgers' relentless pursuit of Harper throughout the 2024 recruiting cycle was evident, as Pikiell and his coaching staff attended nearly all of his games last spring and summer. Harper expressed admiration for Pikiell's work ethic and his ability to bring out the best in his players, both on and off the court. He commended Pikiell's selfless nature and his commitment to uplifting others, making him confident in the coach's ability to lead the team to success.

This commitment from Harper and Bailey puts Rutgers' men's basketball program in a historic position. Prior to this recruiting class, Rutgers had landed only six ESPN 100 prospects since 2007, with only one player ranked within the top 50. Now, with commitments from two of the top three seniors in high school basketball, Rutgers is poised to make significant waves in the college basketball landscape.

Harper's impressive performance on the Nike EYBL circuit caught the attention of scouts and recruiters. Averaging 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists for the NY Rens program, Harper showcased his versatility and leadership skills. He even recorded a triple-double against Pro Skills, highlighting his exceptional ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Harper's international experience with USA Basketball at the FIBA U19 World Cup further demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.

A fundamentally sound player with size and strength for the guard position, Harper excels in both shooting and playmaking. He possesses a consistent shooting stroke from both inside the arc and beyond the three-point line. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates has earned him accolades, highlighted by a strong assist-to-turnover ratio. Harper's skills were further validated during his participation at the prestigious Curry camp, where he stood out among elite high school prospects and garnered praise from camp director Brandon Payne.

With Dylan Harper joining the Rutgers men's basketball program, the Scarlet Knights are primed to compete at the highest level. His commitment, along with the already impressive recruiting class and returning players, bolsters the team's ambitions of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Harper is excited about the opportunity to contribute to Rutgers' success and is eager to showcase his skills in the electrifying atmosphere of the RAC.

As Rutgers continues its ascension in the college basketball world, the addition of Harper signifies a significant step forward in the program's pursuit of greatness. With a strong coaching staff, a talented recruiting class, and the determination to succeed, the Scarlet Knights are well-positioned for a bright future.