Throughout the summer, GoRhody.com will run a weekly feature series introducing the members of the 2025-26 Men's Basketball team. The series will focus on their respective basketball journeys.

KINGSTON, R.I. - Every college basketball player's journey is different. For Rhode Island freshman guard Jalen Harper, the decision to attend prep school after graduating from St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia changed everything.

First was a position change. After spending his time at St. Joe's as a shooting guard, Harper made the switch to point guard for his year with the Newman School. Once he made the call to attend the Newman School, his recruitment picked up steam. He had offers from the likes of Hofstra, Eastern Michigan, Fairfield, Kennesaw State, Northeastern, Towson, Bryant and Fordham. Before he chose Rhode Island, he also visited with San Diego.

"At the end of my visit with Rhode Island, the coaching staff went through their plan for me," said Harper, who pointed to the relationship with assistant coach Austin Carroll as a primary reason for choosing URI. "They showed me how I could be effective on the team. They clearly defined my place on the team. Everything was structured and organized. Goals were clear. Even in the weight room. Everything was on point.

"AC is a cool guy. I know I can call him whenever and talk with him. When I came on my visit, he really made this feel like the place to be. He always has advice for me. That's something you never want to take for granted. Especially as you transition to the college game. I know he's looking out for the best in me."

Before he was recruited by Rhode Island, Harper was aware that Lamar Odom had played for the Rams. Given a quick history lesson on Philadelphia natives and guards Cuttino Mobley, Fatts Russell and Horace "Pappy" Owens, a smile crept across his face.

With his collegiate destination determined, Harper was able to focus on the nuances of playing as a point guard. It worked out well, as he led the Newman School to New England Preparatory School Athlete Council Class AAA title. He scored 27 points in the championship game, a 107-100 overtime win against New Hampton. It was the first title in Newman's history.

"It helped a lot. I don't think this transition to the college game would have been as doable or as smooth for me without the prep year," Harper said of his prep year. "It has helped me a lot on and off the court. From a mental standpoint, I was able to learn the importance of having a routine and being consistent every day. I learned to be on point with everything I did. I learned how to take everything more seriously off the court. When you take that approach off the court, it is going to help you on the court as well.

"On the court, my whole game has matured significantly in the last year. By focusing on point guard, I became more of a leader."

It was a new approach to the game for Harper, who did not play the point at St. Joe's.

"During my high school career in Philly, my whole team was really guards," Harper said. "I didn't really have a chance to play point guard. Being put in that role last year and having the ball in my hands, I learned the importance of running a play for my team. It helped me understand the game more completely while also helping me understand my role in terms of team leadership.

"It helped me see how much I didn't know in terms of the whole scheme of the game. I saw a lot of flaws in my game that I was able to improve on."

Harper turned heads during the two summer sessions he was with his new teammates at Rhode Island. An athlete, physically mature 6-4 guard, Harper knows his defensive play will go a long way in determining the minutes he sees on the court.

"I love playing defense. I hate getting scored on," Harper said. "Defense turns into transition offense. I feed off those plays the most. When you make a defensive play and then score immediately, it sends a message. It also opens up the rest of everyone's game.

"We had a meeting early in the summer, and Coach (Archie) Miller was talking about defense and playing up tempo," Harper said. "It helps a lot when you see that we already have the same mindset as a team before we even really got going. It brings more energy and excitement to the team even before you get the season started."

Harper also pointed to the relationships he has formed with fellow incoming freshmen Barrett Loer and Javon Perry as helping him over the summer. The trio - who all attended prep school in New England last year - roomed together over the summer.

"It helps having people you can relate to," Harper said. "Especially with the team this year, most of the guys are older. Having two other peers that you can connect with and go through the same new experiences with is great."

Check back on Tuesday, Aug. 14 for a feature on forward Javon Perry. To order tickets for the 2025-26 Men's Basketball Season, click here.

Summer Series
6/12 - Hinton Brings Strategic Mind to Rhody
6/19 - Johnson Leads With the Spirit of the Wolf
6/26 - Itejere Offers Explosive Presence in the Paint
7/1 - Cochran's Versatile Production An Asset
7/3 - Tripp Ready To Work For Rams
7/10 - Early Patience Allowed Sow's Game To Grow
7/15 - Corey Brings Electric Ability to Backcourt
7/17 - Crawford's Reset Made The Game Fun Again
7/24 - Traore is the Glue for Rhody
7/31 - Redshirt Season Has King Prepped for Impact
8/5 - After Whirlwind First Season, Icke Settling In
8/7 - Loer Has Tools To Contribute Right Away