By Janice Lozano
Brooklyn, New York — Dylan Harper, one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, was selected second overall by the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night, becoming the latest rising star with Filipino heritage to make his mark on the league.
The 6-foot-6 guard from Rutgers University joins a growing legacy of NBA players with Filipino roots, including Jordan Clarkson, Jalen Green, Jared McCain, and Raymond Townsend. Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and Filipina mother Maria Harper of Bataan, paid tribute to his heritage in his emotional post-draft press conference.
“It’s surreal,” Harper said. “My mom’s side of the family has given me so much. I just want to represent them, show who I really am, and be proud of where I come from.”
Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in his lone college season and is seen as a perfect fit for the Spurs’ modern, positionless system. He now joins a dynamic young San Antonio roster featuring back-to-back NBA Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, along with newly acquired All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox.
“They’ve got a great young core over there,” Harper said. “I’m ready to get in there and make an impact. I want to help bring a championship back to San Antonio.”
San Antonio has now made three consecutive top-four draft picks, a testament to the organization’s rebuilding efforts. Harper was joined in this year’s class by Arizona wing Carter Bryant, selected 14th overall, while the Spurs later traded the 38th pick to Indiana for a future second-rounder and cash.
Despite the bright lights and big moment, Harper made sure to center his gratitude on his mother, Maria — a former University of New Orleans player and his first coach.
“She coached me from first grade through high school,” Harper said. “She means the world to me. Everything I do is for her.”
Harper’s selection was not only a milestone for his family but a proud moment for Filipino basketball fans worldwide, adding another name to the growing list of Filipino talent on the NBA stage.
Photos from NBA website.
ReyFort Media 
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