University of Richmond Athletics
Justin Harper Making His Name In Brooklyn
10/12/2015 | Men's Basketball
BROOKLYN - Former Richmond standout Justin Harper is making the most of his new opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets. Harper was signed by the Nets earlier this fall and has seen significant playing time during the Nets preseason games.
In games against the Pistons and Sixers, Harper has averaged 8.5 points and 5.0 rebounds. He led the squad with a team-high three assists against Philadelphia, without making a turnover. He has averaged nearly 24 minutes per contest, the most of any player off the bench so far.
Harper was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 2011 Draft, before being traded to Orlando where he played 14 games in the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. He has participated in the NBA Summer League the past two seasons as well, while playing professionally in Italy.
Harper starred on Richmond's NCAA Tournament teams in 2010 and 2011, leading the Spiders to the 2011 Sweet 16. He ranks 12th all-time with 1,457 career points, and seventh all-time with 179 career three-pointers.
Harper is the 12th NBA Draft pick in Richmond history and the third Spider to play in the NBA after John Schweitz and Johnny Newman.
The Brooklyn Nets recently sat down with Harper and asked him about his preseason so far and his thoughts on the Richmond Spiders.
What are your early observations of this NBA Preseason and how is it different or similar to other ones that you've gone through?
I think that it's been great. It's similar as far as going hard, emphasizing team defense and being together. I think there's a good culture here, and I'm glad to be a part of it.
What types of conversations do you have with the veteran players on the team?
I ask those guys, the guys that have nine, 10, 13 years in the league, just what they did to solidify themselves and stay in the league. Their level of professionalism is what I try to pick up on. They emphasize working hard every day, being the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. Whatever it takes.
What are your thoughts on the Nets coaching staff and playing for head coach Lionel Hollins?
I think it's a tremendous learning experience for me, personally. Following all of the success that he had in Memphis and throughout his coaching career. I have a lot to learn defensively, and I can definitely get better on the defensive side of the ball.
What does it mean to you to be able to represent Richmond in the NBA?
It's hard to explain. It feels unbelievable because we're used to being the underdogs, being from the University of Richmond. To be able to get that recognition and shed some positive light on my school as an alum, it's great.
What are your thoughts on the Spiders heading into this season?
I think we have a lot of talent returning. Obviously, it hurts losing our leader, Kendall Anthony, our point guard from last season. But we have a lot of guys returning that are hungry, talented and are willing to play the right way. I look at them doing big things in the Barclays Center this year.
Video
