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(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rutgers Athletics)

Former Don Bosco Prep and Rutgers star Ron Harper Jr. signs two-way deal with Toronto Raptors

Last night was a big day for the NBA as the 2022 NBA Draft took place at the Barclays Center. A lot of talented players in this draft that were drafted or undrafted. One player to watch out for that was not drafted is Don Bosco Preps/Rutgers own Ron Harper Jr., who signed a two-way deal with the Toronto Raptors yesterday.

Harper Jr. is a shooting guard/small forward who is 6'6" with great length, can shoot the ball, space the floor and defend on the perimeter. Still needs improvement but with the right coaching staff around him, Harper Jr. can be a potential all-star in the NBA.

Ron Harper Jr. comes from a basketball family with his father being former NBA player Ron Harper Sr., who played 15 years in the league and won 5 championships during his career. His mother Maria, who is from the Philippines, played college basketball for New Orleans before coming a coach.

Ron Harper Jr. learned a lot about basketball from his parents and no better way to learn from his father Ron Harper Sr. Also, Harper's maternal grandfather represented the Philippines in jai alai at the 1968 summer Olympics. His family has definitely had a huge impact on his career so far.

Ron Harper Jr. has represented New Jersey in a big way being a role model for kids, helping in the community and doing big things for Don Bosco Prep and Rutgers. He was born in Patterson New Jersey while his father was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Ron Harper Jr.'s high school career at Don Bosco Prep was great, averaging 10.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game while shooting 37 percent from three-point range.

He also helped them win its first non-public a state title in 47 years. Senior year he made a huge leap averaging 20.8 points, 3.9 rebounds helping the team again winning second straight non-public a state championship. Ron Harper Jr. knows all about winning and what it takes already in his young career.

After high school, Ron Harper Jr. decided to play for Rutgers University near his hometown. This was a big recruit for them. He started scoring at a high level with Rutgers and improving his strength and conditioning. Ron Harper Jr. was named third team All-Big Ten in 2021 and second team All-Big Ten in 2022 during his Rutgers career. This season he helped Rutgers reach the 2022 NCAA Tournament where they lost in the First Four. After the loss, Ron Harper Jr. was thinking if he will come back or declare for the NBA Draft. Harper finally announced his decision to prepare for the Draft and forgo his final season at Rutgers.

Ron Harper Jr. was now focused on the NBA Draft Combine, getting ready to show teams his talent. He one step closer to the dream and following his father's footsteps. Yesterday Ron Harper Jr. was waiting with his family to hear his name get called. After two rounds were completed, he ended up getting undrafted making him a free agent where he can sign with any team now that gives him an opportunity.