Dylan Harper has it all – amazing skills, a powerful family legacy, and a marketing presence that’s off the charts. As a freshman at Rutgers, he’s already showing impressive game, valued at an NIL worth $2 million, ranking as one of the highest-earning athletes. His talents on the court are hard to miss. But you know what really makes him stand out amid all his success? It’s his humility. 

Despite the growing fame and fortune, Harper hasn’t forgotten where he came from, and that’s thanks in no small part to his incredible mother, Maria. In November 2024, the freshman inked endorsement deals with Red Bull and Nike. These partnerships have only elevated his profile.

But for Ron Harper’s son, his platform is a means to give back to the community, and he’s been a prime example of what it means to use influence for good. One of the most heartwarming moments came recently in Paterson, New Jersey, where Dylan and his family organized a Christmas coat drive. 

In an area known for its low-income residents, this event was a beacon of hope. The family handed out 175 coats and 75 backpacks to children in need. The event was held at The Heritage, a community center gym, where Dylan, his brother Ron Jr., and their mother Maria were all hands-on in making sure the kids had what they needed for the winter.

The Rutgers guard helped kids choose the right coats and made sure everything was organized. His mother was especially sentimental during the event. “This all feels very full circle right now,” she said as she looked around. For her, this was more than just an outreach program.

It was more of a reflection of where they started and how far they’ve come. Maria had grown up in Paterson, and watching her children give back to the community was a moment of nostalgia and pride. Dylan, who grew up seeing his mother’s community involvement firsthand, has clearly internalized the value of giving back. 

Undoubtedly, this will define him even as his career skyrockets. Speaking of his career, Dylan Harper has been making headlines at Rutgers, averaging 22.8 points, shooting 52.5%. And recently, along with snagging the 4th spot in the highest NIL earners’ list, he created history on-court.

Dylan Harper’s historic feat rewrites Rutgers history

In a recent game against Columbia, Dylan Harper posted a historic triple-double, becoming the first Rutgers player since 1983 to do so. Dylan’s line of 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists helped lead the Scarlet Knights to a 91-64 victory. When asked about the triple-double, Dylan remained humble, saying, “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.”

Harper’s ability to step up when it counts has been evident throughout the season, and his standout performances against big rivals like Seton Hall and Columbia have made him a household name and one of the top players nationally.

As for Rutgers, they’ve had a solid season, with key wins over teams like Penn State and Notre Dame. But they’ve also had some challenges. In a tough game against Indiana, Rutgers fell short, losing 84-74, and Harper’s absence due to illness played a major role. 

Ace Bailey, another freshman star, stepped up in Dylan’s absence, scoring 39 points, but the team struggled without their leading scorer. With important games against powerhouse teams like Purdue and UCLA on the horizon, Rutgers indeed needs Harper back at full strength if they’re going to make a deep run into March Madness.

The Scarlet Knights have certainly shown time and again that they have the talent, but with the Big Ten season, every game counts. As they face Wisconsin next, let’s see if the 18-year-old returns!