2024 Blake Harper talks growth, recruitment and senior season

It seems like each year when fall workouts begins, we witness an unsigned senior who had flown under the radar use the stage as college coaches of all levels walk into the gym to observe to boost their stock. This year, that prospect seems to be unsigned Gonzaga senior guard Blake Harper Blake Harper 6'5" | SG Gonzaga | 2024 State MD . Harper's game has steadily improved over the calendar year, but it was a sudden growth spurt that put him on the map with college programs.

"So last season I was being listed at 6-foot-1 and now I'm measuring close to 6-foot-5," Harper told Prep Hoops. "I'm trying to get used to my body still, but I'm enjoying the fall so far and looking forward to stepping into a new role as a senior captain."

It isn't often that you see a guard sprout four inches in the matter of 8-to-12 months heading into their senior season. Harper spoke about the challenges and the benefits.

"It has helped me battling with the big guys in the paint and then getting my shot off over smaller guards. My post game has improved tremendously now that I'm just bigger. I'm a better rebounder now that I can stand down there with some of the trees. Rebounding as a guard is a key trait to have."

Confidence has never been an issue for Harper. Even last season when he was 6-foot-1, the southpaw shooter let it go from deep with regularity.

"I get that mindset from all the time that I've spent in the gym. A lot of people won't outwork me. That's one thing about me. I'm going to stay in the gym and keep on getting my shots up. When my shot isn't dropping, I know I can do other things and that stems from my mindset from the work that I put in."

The WCAC is as heavy as it's been in recent years at the top of the standings. Gonzaga is considered one of the favorites to make a strong run at the title.

"There's a lot of noise around the league coming into this season. We all hear it, but we're ready. We're in here early in the morning putting in the work that is necessary. Last year we went through spurts, but this group really has a chance to do it. We trust each other. We're still learning because we're young, but as a senior leader I need to keep everything in perspective for the guys. These days go by quick. I'm just thinking about February being at American and holding up that trophy. I think we have the group to do it."

Harper has witnessed a significant spike in his recruitment over the last month earning offers from Howard and Manhattan while garnering interest from several other programs.

"I'm enjoying the process. Some think it's stressful, but I'm really enjoying it. I have an official visit set up with Howard for their homecoming on Oct. 28-30th. UMass-Lowell has been in to see me and I've been talking with them as well as Manhattan."

"The coaches have liked what I can bring to the table. Not everyone is looking for a scorer, but I'm just ready to take on whatever role a team needs me to fill. I strive off my teammates and thrive off seeing them to well because it picks me up. I like to think I could be a three-and-D type of guy."

Harper faces a bunch of good problems such as taking on a bigger role with one of the premiere programs in the country and eventually coming to a college decision and fulfilling a dream.

It's amazing what a year can do.