Could Ron Harper, Jr. come back...
- Thread starter RutgersClassof2004
- Start date
Haha I have a good feeling no. But if he does than that would mean we only need one good portal transfer than 
I think that ship has sailed. I think if Ron isn't drafted, he'll go into the G league and work his way to the NBA.
Ron never got enough touches for some reason on a team that struggled to score. He won't be back and will be sorely missed. I am beyond sad I won't get a chance to see him in San Diego. This team had more to give
The only one to hope for is Caleb. He will test the waters. If he hears that another year could help his NBA chances, it’s possible. Another year isn’t helping Ron. Now is his time to give it his best shot.
This …this was Ron’s team but it was not Ron’s team enough .
.I love what Geo gave , but The reality is Geo game and moves were well scouted after two years ago and has been 0 for too much in the end game the last two years. Everyone knew what he was going to do at the end game, and Go back and do a recount . It’s painful . He never got a good end game look in the last two years because everyone knows what geo is doing with the ball at the end…some of that was Pike putting too much pressure on him
Ron …on the other hand , can score at the ends game in many different ways and can draw contact . Geo avoids contact to get his shot off ….and Ron loves the pressure at the end of the game
I know pike was playing the percentage in the end game with not calling a time out at the end of regulation …but thar needed to be Ron’s shot and it was Geo .
It was never quite Ron’s team . It was almost , but not quite . And I think we would have e been better for it more if he demanded the ball more . Oh well, hindsight 20-20
Ron’s fitness held him and the team back.
He was gassed and in the overtimes he wasn't taking any of the shots in the first parts of those overtimes
This is a fantastic post that should be read by all.
I thank Geo for leading us out of the wilderness.. but Ron could be MUCH better with one more year with NO GEO. While it’s a slim possibility, I wish he would think about it. Use next year to really be the guy. He would be a lottery pick. Many people toil in the G League. It would be much better to have that exposure on national tv when it’s YOUR TEAM!
Caleb should come back and demonstrate the offensive punch he can deliver to an NBA team.
I watched Eddie Jordan earn his way on the NJ Nets team with his blue-collar effort to make other players around him better. Caleb McConnell has those same qualities.
I watched Eddie Jordan earn his way on the NJ Nets team with his blue-collar effort to make other players around him better. Caleb McConnell has those same qualities.
I am talking the entire year. The difference between being the 44th best team and a 5th seed was Ron being in top physical shape (fitness).
Based on what? Even Ron didn’t say he was done in the interview. He probably won’t come back but for this moment at least he left the option open. Let’s see what happens. In the unlikely event that we get Caleb and Ron back - we’d be in the perfect position to land a top quality guard from the portal to plug in. There’s no reason to expect anyone else (Paul or Cliff) to leave.
Based on their opportunity cost to leave (not including Paul)and what has been discussed publicly so far by the players and mods, and what their camps have been hearing.
This is not a bold prediction of any kind. Just what I feel will happen.
If you read this NY Post article, it may give you hope that he’s going to return…
From the article:
When Rutgers’ season is over, Harper Jr. will have a decision to make: Return to school for his final year of eligibility or chase his professional dreams. His basketball story isn’t close to complete.
“I still think he’s got a lot more to show and to prove,” Ron said. “I don’t think it’s over with yet. I tell him today, ‘You haven’t scratched half [the surface],’ and I believe that.”
From the article:
When Rutgers’ season is over, Harper Jr. will have a decision to make: Return to school for his final year of eligibility or chase his professional dreams. His basketball story isn’t close to complete.
“I still think he’s got a lot more to show and to prove,” Ron said. “I don’t think it’s over with yet. I tell him today, ‘You haven’t scratched half [the surface],’ and I believe that.”
There has been nothing said by anyone about Cliff looking to leave. The opportunity cost on Caleb is very much TBD. Hes not NBA ready now and going abroad probably wipes out any chance of getting to the league. Hes going to get feedback - wouldn’t even shock me if he’s invited to the combine. Feedback will impact decision. I agree with you on Ron but you never know. It’s not like he needs the money.
Ron could be a lottery pick if he stays another year...but he would have to change his body pretty significantly.
Is his girlfriend a senior as well? That always plays a role here IMO.
Just like with PM..I imagine his gf is his year at school and lessens any thought of a transfer.
RHJ should 100% test the waters again and if he chose to come back to RU he could be an all American next year and be the man
Just like with PM..I imagine his gf is his year at school and lessens any thought of a transfer.
RHJ should 100% test the waters again and if he chose to come back to RU he could be an all American next year and be the man
Harper Jr will never be a lottery pick, that's insane.
I think he could potentially play himself into a late first round pick in the draft with another year of hard work. The question is does Ron believe that and is he willing to put in that work.
I imagine Harper is gone . He was second team all big ten . If he has an even better year, he would be first team . I am not sure how much better he can be .
I think he will get drafted very late. His dad has enough pull where he can make a living in the G league and maybe ride the pine in the NBA for a few years.
Sometimes it’s just time to move on
I think he will get drafted very late. His dad has enough pull where he can make a living in the G league and maybe ride the pine in the NBA for a few years.
Sometimes it’s just time to move on
I hope he stays , but he has other options than the NBA or D League. Plenty of foreign leagues. Quincy Douby was making $1,000,000 in Communist China.
I truly think Ron is finished on the banks …but if we were to have him back …I would think he would to play the small forward spot on offense and defense …which would help his nba chances because he is NOT a NBA power forward and he would inoroce his perimeter skills and handle (not just shot )
He would also need to hit the weight room and get lighter to play on the perimeter …
So …in a dream world…this is what we would have
Guard -Mulchay
Guard-Macconnell
Small forward -Harper
Power forward -Hyatt (he is better suited in this position anyways )
Center -Omouyri
Mag/jones / Miller/Simpson provide the bench in the backcourt and wings
Reiber /Lafayette transfer provide the 4 and 5-depth
He would also need to hit the weight room and get lighter to play on the perimeter …
So …in a dream world…this is what we would have
Guard -Mulchay
Guard-Macconnell
Small forward -Harper
Power forward -Hyatt (he is better suited in this position anyways )
Center -Omouyri
Mag/jones / Miller/Simpson provide the bench in the backcourt and wings
Reiber /Lafayette transfer provide the 4 and 5-depth
Every NBA thread I start is filled with "they still play in the NBA? I haven't watch the NBA in 97 years!"
But then as soon as the season ends everyone is Jay Bilas with their draft expertise on what the current draft prospects are for Caleb/Clif/RHJ and how they can be a Top 5 pick next year.
He also brings a bit of celebrity with his name and his heroics. He gave us 4 years and got his degree - I wouldn’t stay. Think Caleb is one who would benefit from one more year to expand on his offensive skillset.
Not as pessimistic as I was about next year. Think Simpson is going to fill Geos spot well. Think Hyatt and Jones will have a chance to develop over next year. Given how dysfunctional LSU was, have to wonder if Hyatt’s development suffered while there.