Freshman Phenom Blake Harper tears through the MEAC with Rookie of the Week Streak

Blake Harper attempts a technical foul shot against Delaware State (Courtesy/Terry Mayo)

Blake Harper didn’t just show up—he took over.

The Howard University freshman forward scored 35 points in an overtime loss against rival Hampton University. His performance cemented his place as one of the most dominant newcomers in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference). Harper has been nearly unstoppable, averaging 19.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, earning MEAC Rookie of the Week an unprecedented 12 consecutive weeks.

For the D.C. native, this breakout season isn’t just about individual success—it’s about making history at home.

“Howard was the first school to believe in me,” Harper said. “They took a chance and I wanted to prove they made the right choice.”

Harper’s journey to Howard was unconventional. As a high school player in the talent-rich DMV area, he wasn’t highly sought after most of his high school career. Standing just 6-foot-1 as a junior, he was an undersized guard struggling to gain attention from college programs. But then, a late growth spurt changed everything. Within a short span, he shot up to 6-foot-5, transforming into the kind of player who could dominate on both ends of the floor.

Howard head coach Kenneth Blakeney was the first to see Harper’s potential; extending an offer in June before other schools took notice.

 “Just getting a head coach to offer you is a big thing in my community,” Harper said. “A lot of schools don’t want to be the first ones to take a chance. But Howard believed in me before anyone else did.”

Harper received more offers from Manhattan, Fordham, and Radford, but he ultimately decided to stay home. Choosing to represent an HBCU in the heart of Washington, D.C. the decision wasn’t just about basketball—it was about family and legacy.

“My dad, my family, my grandma can come and see me play whenever they want,” Harper said. “It’s only 10 minutes from my house.”

Harper’s rise has energized Howard’s basketball. His ability to take over games, like when he earned 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists against Virginia, put him on the radar of scouts and fans alike. However, for him, the goal remains clear: continue elevating the program and proving that top-tier talent can thrive at an HBCU.

Harper’s dominance as a freshman has been nothing short of remarkable. His scoring efficiency, ability to read defenses, and composure under pressure have set him apart. Whether it’s draining clutch three-pointers, finishing strong at the rim, or facilitating for his teammates, he has displayed a complete offensive arsenal. 

Defensively, his length and athleticism have allowed him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots, making him a force on both ends of the court.

“I feel like the DMV is a host for great basketball, and just being at Howard, at the Mecca, and bringing the school together—that was one of the reasons I picked this place,” Harper said. “I want to make my mark here.”

Harper’s success has been one of the few bright spots in the season of the defending champion Bison. At 8-14 on the season, losing their last five matchups, the Bison have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball before the MEAC playoffs in March.