Fil-Am Harper Jr. declares for NBA Draft

AFTER three seasons with Rutgers University (RU), Filipino American Ron Harper Jr. has declared for the NBA Rookie Draft.

Harper Jr., son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, made an announcement on Saturday in an Instagram post.

“I will be entering my name into the 2021 NBA Draft while maintaining my eligibility. This has been a lifelong dream of mine that Rutgers University has put me in a position to chase,” wrote the 6’6” winger.

Harper Jr., who was born to Filipina Maria Pizzaro, was one of the major driving forces of the Scarlet Knights in the 2020 to 2021 United States National Collegiate Athletics Association season where he registered 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Rutgers reached the second round of this year’s national championship, losing to the University of Houston Cougars.

Harper Jr., who will turn 20 years old on April 12, expressed his gratitude to all the people who helped him get to this point.

“These past three years have been nothing short of a blessing. Coach [Steve] Pikiell and his staff took a chance on a kid from Jersey when not many other people would and for that I am extremely grateful,” said Harper Jr. in his post.

“The success I’ve had wouldn’t be possible without the people around me. My family, coaches and teammates push me to become the best version of myself every day on and off the court. I couldn’t thank them enough for shaping me into the man I am today. Thank you, Rutgers Nation, for your support. Go RU!”

Harper Jr. is also the older brother of Jayden, who trains with Filipino NBA prospect Kai Sotto under the East West Private agency.

Harper Jr. has already strutted his wares here in the Philippines when he joined the 2017 National Basketball Training Center High School Championships.