BMP 424 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 The Magic have traded two future 2nd round picks for Justin Harper. Justin Harper “I couldn't point to any one exact moment, but just the work I did this summer has really helped me gain a new mindset, I've learned to approach the game like a professional,” Harper says. “I'm learning to utilize every single day to get better as a player.” The results have been staggering, as Harper can make a legitimate claim to not only being the most improved player in the nation this season, but arguably the best shooter. After averaging 10.6 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes as a junior, he is leading the Spiders with a line of 18 points and 7 rebounds in 31 minutes, and is fresh off helping his team win the Atlantic 10 tournament championship this weekend. Richmond will play Vanderbilt in the NCAA tournament on Thursday in Denver. Harper's dramatic improvement goes far beyond standard production. The senior has developed into one of the most efficient scorers in the country, ranking in the 98th percentile in the NCAA in scoring efficiency according to Synergy Sports Technology. With over 46% of his field goal attempts being categorized as jumpers, the Richmond star has posted marks of 59% shooting from 2-point range and 47% from beyond the arc, percentages that rank him among the likes of Jon Diebler and Derrick Williams as one of the most efficient players in college basketball. Those closest to the program – including head coach Chris Mooney – certainly consider the Richmond senior to be among the countries top marksmen, but he has managed to separate himself from the pack due to his physical advantages. “The biggest difference with Justin is he's doing all of this at 6-10,” Mooney says. “It's incredible that he has the kind of range and touch that he does at that size, in addition to all the other things he can do. He's clearly one of the best shooters in the country, and again, it's so unique given his size.” And that's where the tremendous intrigue of Harper's game comes into focus. While the practice of evaluating international prospects with size and skill is an annual practice among NBA scouts, rare is the American college player that presents this kind of package at the high level that the Richmond senior does. While he certainly isn't on the same level as Kevin Durant, it's easy to make the argument that no college player has so closely resembled the current NBA star since he left the University of Texas four years ago. NBA Comparison: Vladimir Radmanovic/Channing Frye Strengths: Combo forward with excellent length, agility and shooting ability … His ability to knock down shots is his bread and butter … Has a fluid stroke with range out to NBA 3 … A quality spot up shooter who gets his feet set and releases the ball in good speed for a 6-10 forward … Has been on an absolute tear shooting 49% from 3 on a high volume of shots as a senior … Likes to roam around the perimeter, gain possession of the ball and face the basket … Utilizes his excellent foot speed well to beat defenders … Proficient at getting defenders off balance with a pump fake/jab step and then blowing by them and getting to the rim using the dribble … His quickness and shooting ability makes him excellent in pick and pop situations … Quality free throw shooter at over 80% … Has an effective righty jump hook he uses when he spins right … Can create shots off the dribble and uses a spin move and polished fade away jumper … Handles the ball well for a 4 … Weaknesses: Lacks a true position: Despite having excellent speed and agility, he’s a bit of a tweener lacking the bulk to defend post players and the lateral speed to defend quick 3s … Gets pushed off the block far too easily … Needs to bulk up and become a full time power forward … May not have the frame to put on considerable weight comfortably … Back to the basket skills are underutilized. Usually will post up but then face the basket and isolate and use the dribble to beat defenders instead of maintaining low post position, keeping the ball high, and scoring via post moves … Playing at Richmond doesn’t help to convince scouts that he can compete against top tier talent at the same high level consistently … Rebounding ability would benefit from more leg and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkGyGVQEUHQ&start=18 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Hi-Top 791 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 Put him on the Earl Clark workout plan. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMP 424 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 Fun fact: the player most people compare Harper to is Rashard Lewis. Rashard Lewis was also drafted at #32. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Babir_9 91 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 looks like he is a good player and really reminds me Rashard Lewis... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AcuWill 45 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 We can rest easy, Dwight will stay now. Whew, I am glad we don't need to worry about that for the rest of the season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Hindsight 50 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 Give him the max. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petey 3 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 I am glad we have him, he will make a good SF IMO. He looks like he could play some tough D and can shoot great, I can see him starting if Hedo gets traded/cut, or he can be involved in another trade either way good pick up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jareth Cutestory 678 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 I'm going to go against the negative grain and say we drafted great. I really like Harpers potential to give us what a young Lewis/Frye did. I dig it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnettej 263 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 I actually like this guy.... This could work out well for us, but not so much for Bass or Ryan.... Which only means that someone is getting moved. Back to Justin..... If he can add some NBA strength and keep with driving and shooting it well, then this will be a great steal for us. I mean watching a few videos, he has a good shot and is fluid. Add some muscle and let him go to town. Last Season Justin had 6 double/double games, 14 games scoring 20 or more, and 12 games with 2 or more blocks. So all in all, I think this guy can help us and give us some youth to push for a championship .... late entry.... He is 6'10..... Great Size. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Hindsight 50 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 What is Harper? He doesn't have the bulk to defend the 4. Can he play the 3? I know nothing about him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMP 424 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 What is Harper? He doesn't have the bulk to defend the 4. Can he play the 3? I know nothing about him. Just like Lewis, he doesn't seem to be quick enough to be able to guard fast SFs and not strong enough to guard tough low post players. BUT, Lewis was still a very solid defender and very good help defender. Harper could gain some bulk but I think he'd be better fitted as a combo forward, and honestly would be terrific next to JSmith because they could switch defensive assignments depending on the team. Okay, enough about Josh Smith :svgsad: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnettej 263 Report post Posted June 24, 2011 What is Harper? He doesn't have the bulk to defend the 4. Can he play the 3? I know nothing about him. Howard didnt have bulk either..... but now Howard's shoulders are the size of my body.... He can play the 4 and 3.... I would like to see him go through NBA strengthening, that could keep him explosive.... All in all it depends... will he become camera shy sort of speak... and not try his same moves in the NBA? You would be surprised how many college players have seem to go through this. I dont think Harper will have a problem playing in front of Orlando. I would watch some videos as a suggestion, and take some time to evaluate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
