Recruiting Report: Dustin Harder (2017)
Columbus Wellington 6-foot-9 forward Dustin Harder has established himself as one of the more versatile wing/post threats that Ohio has to offer. One Division II program — Tiffin University — has recognized that, and extended the stretch-four an offer.…
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Continue ReadingColumbus Wellington 6-foot-9 forward Dustin Harder has established himself as one of the more versatile wing/post threats that Ohio has to offer.
One Division II program — Tiffin University — has recognized that, and extended the stretch-four an offer. Three other D2 programs are hot on his trail.
And unlike most other prospects, Harder says D2 — rather than D1 — is the route he prefers to take.
“I’ve narrowed it down to D2 schools, I decided that I don’t want to go D1 anymore. So Lincoln Memorial, West Liberty and Concord University are all interested,” said Harder, who elaborated on why he prefers D2.
“I didn’t really have the best of luck with D1 schools, and instead of focusing on D1 schools I decided to focus on D2s because they were showing me more interest. And I talked to my coach about it and there’d be smaller class sizes and more personalized, and I could have a better connection with the coach.”
Able to do a little bit of everything on the court, Harder defined his playing style in his own words to PHOH.
“I’m a versatile player. I’m 6’9 and last year I had the best 3-point percentage on my team. I can post up if I have a smaller guy on me, and I can also bounce out and hit 3s if I have a slower guy on me,” said Harder. “I’m also good off the dribble. I can get the rebound and just go — I really like doing that.”
As a junior with the Jaguars Harder was very productive, averaging 13.9 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. This season he’ll have to add leadership to the production.
“It’s going to be different this year because it’ll be my first year being the leader and everyone will be expecting me to be one. I’m going to have to change how I act, and lead by example,” said Harder.
“We made it to the Final Four last year, and we’re really trying to win state this year — we’re trying to go all the way.”