The University of Richmond's Robins Center hosted high-school summer teams Friday for a basketball camp on a divided arena court. It looked like business as usual for the UR hoops operation.
But the Spiders are positioned better for continued success than they were before Thursday night, when Justin Harper was selected with the 32nd pick in the NBA draft. Harper, a 6-foot-10, 228-pounder from Meadowbrook High is UR's first selection since Curtis Blair was a second-round choice (53rd overall) in 1992.
Harper supplies UR with national exposure — only 34 Division I schools had players taken in the two-round, 60-pick process — and presents incontrovertible evidence to prospects and current Spiders that the NBA is a realistic goal for a UR player.
As a second-round pick, Harper's roster spot and salary are not guaranteed. But since the Orlando Magic traded two future second-round picks to Cleveland for him, it would seem likely that Harper is part of the Magic's plan.
"Justin is one of those guys who's a combo, can play small (forward), can play power (forward), can shoot the ball really well, good feet, good hands, good rebounder," said Otis Smith, Orlando's general manager. "I think he'll fit in with our guys very good."
Harper's ascension to NBA prospect status seemed unlikely when he was a foul-prone sophomore who averaged 9.2 points, shot 41.1 percent, and wasn't a full-time starter. But coach Chris Mooney never let Harper forget that he had NBA talent.
"He was on me from Day 1, man," said Harper. "I've really got to thank coach Mooney for that, for just really believing in me. And the whole coaching staff there, and all my teammates, and everybody who's been with me throughout this journey, they know how I feel about this, and they feel the same way."
Harper's UR career will be recalled for his 3-point shooting, overall improvement, and his calm, low-key approach. So it was not surprising that he opted to watch the draft with his family and a few friends at the Harper's Chesterfield County home, rather than call for a large-scale celebration.
"Just to see it all come together right in front of you on TV, with your family, I wouldn't have it any other way," Harper said. "It's probably the best feeling I've felt to this point, besides graduating from college. It's like your dream coming true right in front of your face. There's nothing like it."
The rest of the Spiders watched the draft at Mooney's home after a cook-out, and Mooney said the gathering "erupted" when Harper's name was called.
With Harper and guard Kevin Anderson out front, Mooney's last two teams qualified for NCAA tournaments, and UR won the program's first Atlantic 10 Conference championship this year before advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.
"The past two years of my life have just kind of really been a blur, just how fast everything has kind of come my way," said Harper. "The work I put in during the offseason, having the success with Richmond this year, getting invited to the (pre-draft camp), going to all of these teams' workouts …
"It's just been an amazing experience, and one heck of a ride."
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