F: Blake Harper (FR)
Height/Weight: 6’8”/210 lbs.
Previous School: Howard
2024-25 Stats: 19.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 44.7% FG, 40.4% 3pt
Offensive Impact
Creates his offensive value by either getting to the free throw line or attacking mismatches in isolation. Harper is a bigger forward who has a solid handle and can play the 3 or the 4, making him a tough 1 on 1 cover at times for opposing defenses.
64.4% free throw rate last season at Howard and shot 83% on 232 attempts. His bigger frame is overwhelming at times and certainly was an issue for MEAC competition. Initiates contact often as well.
However, I am unsure of how well this skill will translate to a higher level of college hoops. Harper won’t have a physical advantage against every other forward he plays against like he had in the MEAC, and he hasn’t been efficient when he’s not getting to the free throw line (49.7% EFG).
Hasn’t been efficient in isolation or post up situations, but I can see how he can be effective in this area. Creating mismatches to score on smaller players seems to be his main avenue to offense, but he may also be able to draw extra attention from opposing defenses to find the open man. 18.7% assist rate as a freshman is an encouraging number for his playmaking upside.
Keep an eye out for the passing ability, as this could be the swing skill when it comes to his impact as an initiator.
Efficient in spot up on lower volume (77th percentile in scoring efficiency, per Synergy). This will be an important aspect to his game translating due to the much lower usage rate he will be receiving at Creighton (29.7% usage at Howard last season).
86th percentile in catch and shoot efficiency. Being competent in this area is always important in a Greg McDermott offense that prioritizes spacing. Harper has more of a set shot but has a quicker release that allows him to get his shot up before a hand gets up.
Lack of footspeed for his position makes Harper grade out worse as a movement shooter, so there is limited value he provides when playing off the ball.
Not active on the offensive glass (3.3% OREB rate), but this isn’t important for a McDermott coached team that prioritizes preventing opponent’s transition opportunities.
Overall, Harper’s offensive game translating to the Big East level will rely on 2 areas: Maintaining his knack for attacking 1 on 1 situations and providing catch and shoot value with a more off the ball role incoming. His lack of athleticism along with the inefficiency across the board when he is not getting to the line makes me skeptical of these traits translating. May provide value off the ball as a shooter and cutter, but it probably won’t be enough to make a significant impact.
Defensive Impact
The physical traits are well below average for his position.
Being a slower lateral mover makes him a below average perimeter defender. Potentially will be picked on in switches against quicker guards. Defending in space is important for Creighton’s scheme.
Lacks rim protection skills and isn’t overwhelming enough from a size perspective to make an impact at the 4.
Defends well in post-up situations, but his 16.7% DREB rate and 1 total blocked shot last season don’t inspire confidence as a frontcourt defender.
There are concerning areas with Harper’s game on both ends of the floor, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was in more of a 15-20 MPG bench role next season, if not less. This isn’t the end of the world for the Bluejays, but this coaching staff and fan base is probably expecting more from after a near 20 PPG freshman campaign.