Dylan Harper's early season performance has validated his position as one of the top three prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. With numerous lottery teams closely observing his progress, he stands out in a competitive field filled with high-caliber contenders. Harper's freshman season already boasts impressive statistics, including a standout 37-point game against Alabama and a 36-point performance against Notre Dame. He has demonstrated clutch capability with a buzzer-beater against Seton Hall and recorded a triple-double against Columbia. Despite facing challenges due to the flu which limited his energy and minutes in games against Wisconsin and Purdue, he remains a strong contender, averaging 20.1 points and 4.4 assists on a shooting percentage of 50.7. Attention will undoubtedly intensify during conference and postseason play, as teams focus on evaluating the effectiveness of his scoring and playmaking abilities, alongside his defensive potential.

As a prospect, Harper is viewed primarily as a scoring lead guard, a designation that carries a set of expectations and responsibilities, particularly in the realms of self-creation and execution. He has thrived in ball-screen situations, showcasing a gameplay style optimized for the pick-and-roll dynamics prevalent in the NBA. Harper efficiently utilizes his size and body control to create advantageous finishing angles after receiving screens. Notably, his highlights include explosive maneuvers such as splitting screens with rapid changes of direction or rejecting screens to create space. Furthermore, he excels in shooting from beyond the arc in ball-screen scenarios, taking advantage of defenders backing away in anticipation of a screen. However, Harper has encountered challenges in isolation when separation from defenders is insufficient, leading to inconsistencies with his jump shooting, especially under one-on-one situations.

Inside the arc, Harper leverages the strength of his 6'6", 215-pound frame to maneuver through defenders and generate separation. This approach has occasionally resulted in mid-range attempts that are off-balance, particularly because he sometimes initiates contact while operating within the legal positioning of defenders. Presently, Harper excels at attacking the rim and employs adept footwork to create open looks off the dribble. His improvisation skills are a notable asset; he effectively processes situations during drives and makes quick adjustments on finishes that are difficult to teach. Moreover, it is important to note that off-ball defenders frequently leave Rutgers shooters to assist defensively against Harper. This lack of adequate spacing often forces him into difficult scenarios where he cannot easily counter with help defenders shading his way.

Harper's ability to shoot and create shots off the dribble is evident, though his current shooting percentage suggests significant room for improvement. Thus far, he has encountered difficulties in gathering and executing pull-ups, step-backs, and fadeaways, often rushing his shot process or failing to focus intently on his shooting target. This inconsistency extends to attempts such as one-handed shots and runners, which do not seem to stem from a lack of touch but rather a hasty approach to executing these shots. His preference appears to be driving all the way to the basket, where he feels more comfortable using his body to finish. However, he has also displayed an inclination to rush into floaters, with some attempts originating too far from the paint and executed off the wrong foot. Improving shot selection and recognition, especially when paths to the basket are obstructed, will be crucial as he progresses.

While Harper spots up for a notable 15.2 percent of Rutgers' possessions, reflecting his primary utilization in creating opportunities, he has exhibited efficiency in scoring when off the ball. His ability to shoot effectively off the catch has made him a formidable offensive presence, demonstrating proficiency in finishing cuts and crashing the boards for putback opportunities. Although his performance on dribble jump shots has been subpar, he boasts a commendable record of 12-of-19 from the three-point line in spot-up situations, highlighting the importance of timing and preparation in executing shots. As he continues to refine his off-ball scoring, Harper's versatility will evolve, making him a more appealing option for teams with established ball handlers.

Harper’s driving ability is noteworthy, propelled by his size, ball-handling skills, and exceptional instincts around the basket. He has successfully converted 68 shots at the rim with an impressive shooting clip of 70.1 percent throughout his first 14 games, a statistic that places him in rare company among drafted freshmen and sophomore guards. With his ability to separate himself from defenders using crafty ball-handling moves and spins, Harper surprises rim protectors by elevating early for finishes, utilizing effective hand coordination to complete plays. While he will need to enhance his outside shooting to prevent defenses from crowding the paint, his unique blend of tools, skills, and instinct positions him as an elite driving prospect.

Aside from Harper, the Rutgers roster shows a marked disparity in scoring, with only projected top-five pick Ace Bailey averaging more than eight points per game. As a result, Harper has been tasked with a significant amount of creation and shot-making within the team's system, further emphasizing his score-first mentality. However, amidst the demands of his role, he demonstrates leadership by orchestrating plays and allowing offensive actions to unfold, operating effectively in pick-and-roll situations. His ability to make various passing reads to teammates, whether to bigs rolling to the basket or shooters on the perimeter, showcases his playmaking potential. Notably, Harper's impressive turnover rate of 10.8 percent signals proficiency for a player with a 28.5 percent usage rate, drawing comparisons to historic assist percentages indicative of future NBA lead guards.

Defensively, Harper has generally shown a balance of strengths and vulnerabilities, common among freshman players. He has taken commendable strides in navigating screens and contesting shots without fouling. Standing at an advantageous height and length for a guard, he exhibits recovery skills and can challenge shots effectively. Coaches will be attentive to whether he remains a liability on the defensive end as his career progresses, but his current performance indicates he has not reached that threshold. Although Harper's 1.8 steal percentage is relatively low for a projected top pick, it remains to be seen how his physical attributes and potential teachability may allow him to develop into a competent defender.

Harper's overall impact on Rutgers' offense is undeniable. The team's offensive struggles were on display during a recent game when the Scarlet Knights managed only seven assists in his absence. Notably, players such as Ace Bailey were forced into high-usage scenarios when Harper was sidelined, reflecting his centrality to the team's success. His substantial workload—averaging a higher box plus-minus than any of his teammates—showcases his ability to produce effectively while maintaining an efficient scoring rate and proficient turnover management. Highlights of his season include leading the team with 36 points in a victory over Notre Dame, contributing 37 points during an overtime contest against Alabama, and delivering a game-winning shot against Seton Hall. Despite Rutgers' 8-8 record, which may appear lackluster, Harper’s statistics reveal substantial contributions, suggesting he provides the team with a competitive edge against higher-ranked opponents, regardless of the struggles presented by other players on the roster.