Ron Harper

Five-time NBA champion and Miami University legend.

Ron Harper Sr. (born January 20, 1964) is an American former professional basketball player. He played for four teams in the NBA between 1986 and 2001 and is a five-time NBA champion. His sons Dylan Harper and Ron Harper Jr. both currently play in the NBA.

Quick Facts

Born: 20 January 1964
Birthplace: Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
High school: Kiser (Dayton, Ohio)
College: Miami (Ohio) (1982–1986)
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 8
Drafted by: Cleveland Cavaliers
Career position: Shooting guard; point guard

Lore & Background

Harper was born in Dayton, Ohio, and attended Belmont High School before transferring to Kiser High School, where he averaged 20.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, five assists, five steals and six blocked shots as a senior. He starred at Miami University, where he became the first men's player in MAC history to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds. He was selected eighth overall in the 1986 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. After stints with the Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers, he signed with the Chicago Bulls in 1994, reinventing himself as a perimeter defender and winning three NBA championships with the Bulls (1996, 1997, 1998). He also won two additional NBA championships earlier in his career.

Reader's Guide

Harper's number 34 was retired by Miami University at his final home game in 1986. He was a co-captain of the Los Angeles Clippers in 1992–93 alongside Danny Manning and Mark Jackson.

Did You Know?

Harper set a Miami and MAC tournament single-game scoring record of 45 points on March 8, 1985.
He recorded the first triple-double in MAC history with 38 points, 19 rebounds and 12 assists against Ball State University.
Harper is Miami's all-time leading scorer with 2,377 points and all-time leader in rebounds with 1,119.
He scored a season-high 40 points against the Boston Celtics on February 4, 1987, as a rookie.