Ron Harper Jr: 3 things to know about Rutgers basketball star

Ron Harper Jr. has already etched his name in the history of Rutgers basketball.

Not only did the star senior's heroics down the stretch help spur an upset of then No. 1 Purdue with his incredible half-court heave at the buzzer, he has also become cornerstone in the Rutgers program. 

So who is the player that has helped turn around the Garden State program into a formidible Big Ten program? Here are some quick things to know:

Recognize the name?

Is Harper Jr. related to that Ron Harper?

Yes he is. The Rutgers senior is the son of the longtime NBA guard. The elder Harper was part of five NBA championships, including the infamous three-peat with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls from 1996 to 1998. He also won back-to-back titles with the Lakers during the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal years.

Harper's mother also played Division 1 hoops at New Orleans, and served as the longtime girls coach at DePaul Catholic High School in Passaic County.

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Jersey product

Harper Jr. is shining for the home state school.

Following an excellent run with Don Bosco Prep that ended with a state title, Harper had the chance to take his talents elsewhere, including an offer from Nebraska. Instead, he decided to stay home and play at Rutgers.

And that appears to have been the right choice.

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What could have been

It was very possible that Harper could have not had the chance to hit his infamous half-court shot.

Both Harper and fellow star guard Geo Baker put their names in the NBA Draft, but opted to return to school instead.

"Rutgers nation, I'm back," Harper said at the end of a video he posted on social media. "One more time. The job's not finished."

After a shaky start, it seems Rutgers may be turning their season around en route to another NCAA Tournament berth.