NBA Draft: Undrafted Ron Harper Jr., former Rutgers star, signs two-way deal with Raptors

To the careful observer, it was obvious from the day he set foot on Rutgers University’s campus that Ron Harper Jr. did not want to live off his famous name.

Yes, he appreciated that his father won five NBA championships as a player. But the new Scarlet Knight, fresh off an impressive high school career at Don Bosco Prep, was intent on carving out his own distinct reputation in the basketball world.

That quest took another step early Friday, when Harper Jr. signed a two-way free-agent deal with the Toronto Raptors shortly after the NBA Draft ended. A two-way deal means he'll split time between the Raptors and their G League affiliate, with his earnings pro-rated to reflect how many NBA games he plays. It also provides a measure of security; most two-way signees get a full season to show what they can do.

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“The Rutgers basketball family is so proud of Ron Harper Jr.,” Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell said. “This couldn’t have happened to a better person or better ambassador for our program on and off the court. Ron guided us to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, hit some of the biggest shots in Rutgers history and achieved incredible individual accolades over the past four years. I am so excited to watch Ron’s NBA journey and I am thrilled for his friends and family.”

More proving grounds lie ahead. Harper will have to earn the Raptors' trust, starting with a strong performance in the NBA’s summer league. But he’s got a foothold — a franchise invested in him and willing to give him an extended look.

Here’s a quick rundown of what the Raptors are getting in the 6-foot-6 wing forward.

As a Rutgers senior, Harper averaged 15.8 points and 5.9 boards and shot 39.8 percent from 3-point range. He won the prestigious Haggerty Award as the metropolitan area’s best player, the first Rutgers player to do so since Quincy Douby in 2006, and earned second-team All-Big Ten and honorable mention All-America recognition.