Dylan Harper, one of the most highly touted college prospects in the country, isn’t shy about who he sees as the greatest to ever do it—LeBron James. And if given the opportunity, he’d jump at the chance to train with the four-time NBA champion.
“Definitely,” Harper said when asked if he’d like to work out with the King. “I know my dad hates when I say it, but he’s the greatest to do it in my opinion. The way he treats himself, the way he goes about his business. It would be an honor to work out with him.”
Harper’s respect for LeBron extends beyond just his on-court dominance. The Rutgers commit recognizes the longevity, discipline, and work ethic that have allowed James to stay at the top of the game for two decades. But what makes their connection even more intriguing is the access Harper has to one of the game’s all-time greats.
“I have a good connection with him. I can always text him whenever I need him. So stuff like that.”
That’s major.
For a young player with NBA bloodlines—his father, Ron Harper Sr., was a five-time champion alongside Michael Jordan and later with Shaq and Kobe—Dylan Harper is carving his own lane. Having LeBron James as a mentor? That’s just adding fuel to the fire.
Rutgers has a star in Harper. At 6-foot-6, he’s bigger and more physical than the average point guard, bringing a blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ that makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the country. And if training with LeBron James is in the cards, you better believe he’ll be soaking up every ounce of game from the King himself.
And LeBron? He’s already a fan.
“I mean, obviously I’ve been watching him for quite a while,” LeBron James told me in an interview last month. “He calls me ‘unc’ and I call him ‘nephew.’ I love what he’s been doing at Rutgers, and I’ve been watching him for a long time now. Special kid, special talent.”
“He’s going to be really good in this league,” James continued. “He comes from a great family, obviously. Me and Harp, his pops, go back a while. So I’m excited for what he’s been doing right now at Rutgers and what he’s going to continue to do in the future.”
Big praise from one of the greatest to ever do it. And if Harper gets that workout with LeBron? Watch out.
