Dylan Harper has worn No. 2 throughout his recent stops in high school and college, and the former Rutgers guard opted to keep that trend going with the San Antonio Spurs.

Harper donned that jersey number while leading Don Bosco Prep to the NJSIAA State Final during the 2023-24 season. He kept that number at Rutgers last season en route to becoming a third-team All-American honorable mention by the AP.

The 19-year-old is the first Spurs player to wear No. 2 since Kawhi Leonard (2012-2018). The number holds added importance for Harper following the draft on June 25.

“I chose jersey No. 2 because that is the number I’ve been wearing for 4-5 years,” Harper said in a video posted by the NBA on TikTok. “It represents me: My birthday is March 2, so it kind of all falls into one big bucket. I got drafted No. 2; that is probably the biggest significance of No. 2 now. I wore No. 2 in college and all of high school, so it has definitely been I think a trademark.”

Harper was a Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection, averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists and 1.4 steals in 29 appearances. He registered 20 20-point games, setting the Rutgers single-season scoring record by a freshman (564 points).

The 6-foot-6 standout debuted with the Spurs in the NBA Summer League, averaging 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal on 35.7% shooting from the field. He dealt with a minor groin injury and was limited to two appearances.

Harper is projected to be a franchise cornerstone for the Spurs and play a significant role for coach Mitch Johnson next season. He will do so with a familiar number on his jersey.

Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.

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