“I’m Number 1!” - Dylan Harper Announces Himself At The Jordan Brand Classic
After going head-to-head with the projected 2025 #1 pick Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper sank the game winner and walked off the court yelling "I'm number 1!".
If it wasn’t known already, Dylan Harper is the real deal.
So much so that after a flurry of buckets in the 2nd half, including the game winning 3 to win the game for his Jordan Brand Classic side, Harper walked off the court with one finger in the air yelling “I’m number 1!” repeatedly.
Cooper Flagg, largely considered the #1 pick in next years draft, was on the opposite team to Harper. While I cannot confirm Harper was looking at Cooper while holding that one finger up in the air, I can confirm I hope he was eyeballing him. Clearly, it felt like a message to everyone out there calling Flagg the best guy in the draft class.
A pretty great storyline, and one that has me excited to see how good Dylan Harper will be not only in college with the Rutgers next season, but beyond.
Can he really challenge Cooper Flagg for the number 1 spot in the 2025 NBA Draft?
I’m no class of 2025 guru, but from what I have seen he is a serious chance of doing so.
McDonald’s All-American Game MVP, Nike Hoop Summit stand out and now winning MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic, all that in a matter of weeks/months? That speaks for itself, so I don’t even have to harp on about it. Or Harper on about it, whichever you prefer.
Standing out amongst the pack
Don’t get me wrong, this game was much more then just a Dylan Harper frenzy. In fact Harper was a bit quiet to begin with before completely taking it over in the final 7 or so minutes.
Derik Queen - hello big fella. I was getting flashbacks of Naz Reid years back in a similar showcase as the 6’10, 240-pound Center moved and grooved with ease. It’s always fascinating watching a big man that moves much better than he probably should.
He was smooth. Spin moves in the post, bringing the ball up the floor, running in transition, I was glued to his game. If not for Harper’s and Flagg’s final 10 minutes, Derik Queen would have been the headline act for me.
Cooper Flagg - much like Harper, we only saw small signs of Flagg’s game up until the 2nd half where he, in his own right, took over as well.
Blocked shot - chirping, bucket plus the foul - chirping, strong defense - chirping at the opposition bench while bringing the ball up. In between these moments was also a long flex to his bench after blocking yet another shot.
Ah, there’s the competitive fire and edge many talk about with Flagg.
It was a great watch, as was seeing how opponents went at him because that was absolutely happening as well. Projected number 1 pick? Enjoy the target on your back. (Something tells me Flagg does).
Just how good is Dylan Harper though?
In the best possible way he is fine with being the center of attention.
He’s not shy, he’s not afraid, he wants that competition and he excels on these stages. From a basketball standpoint his talent is clear, but to have the full package you need to thrive mentally as well. I see no flaws in this area.
Every time I have watched him during these showcase games I have not sensed one bit of nervous energy. He looks like he has drive, that competitive edge, the fire, am I missing something here? I hope not because I have nothing but great thoughts running through my mind about this kid.
He looks so comfortable. Comfortable being the man, comfortable making plays for others, comfortable being in the spotlight ready to climb to whatever heights he can.