USA rising star Harper avoids distractions, only thinks of winning

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - People looking at Dylan Harper's stats at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2023 might not be impressed with the star talent's performance. But he doesn't consider outside distractions, he only worries about doing what it takes to win - something that is in his blood.

Harper has always had family to go to when he has basketball questions. His father is Ron Harper, who won five NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. His older brother, Ron Harper Jr, spent last season with the Toronto Raptors.

"My family has a great background but for me, it's really just about me as a person and not worrying about all the outside distractions."

Harper has averaged 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals. He is hitting 83 percent on 2-pointers and 38 percent from long range while registering an outstanding 3.7-to-0.7 assist-to-turnover ratio.

"Dylan is just a jack of all trades. He's a heady player. He didn't take a shot in the first half (against Lebanon) but he affected the game because he passed the ball, he rebounded the ball, he stole the ball. He can impact the game in multiple ways," said USA head coach Tad Boyle.

"It's been a great experience. Me and the guys have really bonded together. I'm just here for the main goal and that is to win the gold medal," said Harper, who is making his FIBA debut in Debrecen.

Harper is aware of his situation - namely that he is the second youngest player on the team and someone who is playing with and against guys two years older.

"I learned that you have to play hard all the time. I'm playing up so I can never let down and always have to play hard. I just have to take what they give me," said the 2006-born combo guard.

Harper said the USA Basketball experience has been invaluable, especially learning from Mark Armstrong and Kylan Boswell, who have already completed their freshman seasons in college basketball - Armstrong with Villanova and Boswell with Arizona.

"They have really taken me under their wing and taught me how to be a point guard. They really teach me the game - how to read the game. Just being around them all day every day helps to show how they carry themselves," said Harper, who will start his final season in high school in the autumn.

Getting the victory at the end of the day is the main thing Dylan learned from his father Ron.

"The winning nature he had. He always taught whatever you can, do everything it takes to win. That’s what I strive to do," he said.

But Dylan is also looking to make his own name.

"My family has a great background but for me, it's really just about me as a person and not worrying about all the outside distractions. Just worrying about what I need to do to help the team win," Dylan said.

When asked how he does that, he added: "Just playing hard and focusing on the main task. Not going on social media and doing stuff like that. Social media is fake for me. Just being locked in and dialed in on what I need to do."

Harper also addressed his nickname of 'Baby Harden' - a moniker that stems from his similar build to NBA superstar James Harden, as well as his all-around game and lefty guard skills.

"For me, I don't compare myself to anyone, but people will say things out there. I think I just play like myself more than anything," he said. "I always give my all for the team whenever I am on the floor. It doesn't matter if I am passing or scoring. I always put the team first and that helps."

And Harper is appreciative of the honor of playing with USA on his chest - especially wearing the number 10.

"It means a lot just knowing the people who came before me. And even my jersey number and the people who have worn it. Kobe (Bryant), (Kyrie) Irving. The overall greatness. And USA Basketball has always been a winner."

Something Harper is all about as well.

FIBA