IN basketball, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Ron Harper. He has had a remarkable career, that includes five NBA championships. Coupled with his championship ring he’s also had the honour of playing alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant.
Harper’s journey is one of resilience and dedication, and his influence extends beyond the hardwood. In a recent interview with The Big Tip Off, Harper expressed his excitement for the growing basketball scene in Africa. He highlighted the crucial role of youth development programs like the Jr. NBA that nurture the next generation of talent.
Harper’s passion for the game goes beyond personal achievements, it is also reflected in his commitment to empowering young athletes on and off the court.
Harper, the youngest of six children, experienced humble beginnings in Dayton, Ohio. At Kiser High School, he averaged 20.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, five steals, five assists, and six blocked shots per game, which lay the foundation for a standout career.
Reflecting on his journey, Harper noted how the NBA’s development programs in Africa remind him of his early experiences with the game. “When I was at this age, I was just learning how to play. Seeing great players like Julius Erving, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Oscar Robertson gave me a big dream and hope that someday I’d be able to play in the NBA,” he shared during his recent visit to South Africa.
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Programs like the Jr. NBA provide athletes with the same inspiration that Harper once experienced during his formative years as a player. The Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA program, launched in 2011, has impacted over 100,000 youth. It has helped develop their basketball talent and life skills. What started with a few schools has now expanded to 45 schools, with 118 teams participating across the Royal Bafokeng Nation.
Harper stressed the importance of these programs in shaping young minds and futures, saying, “This is an incredible experience. It doesn’t just teach you basketball but also life skills. If you know how to be a basketball player, you can be a coach or an official… You can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it and work at it.”
The impact of the Jr. NBA extends beyond the basketball court, as evidenced by the success stories of Moratiemang Junior Mmoloke and Brian Ditsheko. Mmoloke, a former RBS coach, joined the Cleveland Cavaliers coaching team during the 2023 NBA Summer League as part of the Africa Coaches Program. Meanwhile, Ditsheko, a RBS Jr. NBA Championship winner in 2018 and 2019 and an NBA Academy Alumni, now serves as a coaching assistant at the Academy. He was also part of the coaching staff for the Houston Rockets in this year’s Summer League. These achievements showcase how Jr. NBA programs help develop future basketball leaders.
Harper had the following advice for young players: “Keep working on your game. Have faith and believe that the work you’re putting in will improve your basketball skills. Hopefully, you will get a chance to pursue your dream.” He believes basketball is more than just about skill development. Elements like personal growth are important too and he urged young athletes to focus on their education while pursuing their basketball dreams.
“Keep working hard, believe in yourself, and get an education. Enjoy playing the game, because the more you play, the better you will become at it,” Harper encouraged.
Harper is aware of the growing enthusiasm for basketball in South Africa. He also believes the sport has a bright future in the country. “I can see that kids in South Africa really love playing – boys and girls. It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s amazing to see young kids learning and playing the game. There are many talented players here, and if they continue to improve, they will have opportunities to pursue their dreams.”
For Harper, basketball is a source of joy and self-expression. “There is a love and joy that comes with this game. You can play alone or with friends, and it allows you to express yourself,” he said.
Reflecting on the game’s global evolution, the former Cleveland Cavaliers player believes the sport is in good hands. “The game is always going to evolve and improve. We have great young players now who will make an impact,” he remarked.
Ultimately, the power of basketball lies in its ability to inspire and transform lives. Harper, who realised his dream of playing in the NBA after watching its legends, understands this deeply.
“There’s a love and joy that comes with this game… Basketball gave me the opportunity to express myself. It can do the same for the kids here in South Africa,” Harper concluded. With the support of prominent figures like Harper, and initiatives like the Jr. NBA, the future of basketball in Africa can only be brighter and more promising than ever.
