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Though American by birth and nationality, 2025 NBA Draft second overall pick Dylan Harper credits his upbringing through his Filipina mother, Maria Pizzaro, as vital to his rapid basketball career growth
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine basketball was once again in the spotlight in the 2025 NBA Draft as Filipino-American guard Dylan Harper went second overall to the San Antonio Spurs last Wednedsay (Thursday, June 26, Manila time).
Though American by birth and nationality, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper has never shied away from his Filipino heritage, as his mother Maria Pizzaro was born in Bataan before migrating to the United States at seven years old.
Now on the biggest stage of his career by far, the young Harper dedicated the work he will further put into his craft to his mother, also his longtime mentor.
“She means the world to me. She’s been coaching me from first grade all the way to senior year of high school. For her, to see this moment and just to be there for my journey and see all the good and all the bad, it probably means the world to her just as much as me,” Harper told Philstar.com.
“I love my mom. Everything I do is definitely for her.”
With his selection at No. 2 to the Spurs, Harper tied Jalen Green as the highest selected player with Filipino heritage in NBA history, with Green going second to the Houston Rockets in 2021.
Naturalized Gilas Pilipinas guard Jordan Clarkson was the 46th pick in the 2014 draft, while Raymond Townsend – the first-ever NBA player with Filipino blood – went 22nd in 1978.
With Clarkson already having Philippine national team experience under his belt multiple times, Harper, meanwhile, remained open to representing his mother’s homeland in future international competitions.
“Who knows what the world brings. I mean, I would never say no. If it happens, it happens,” he told GMA News Online before the draft.
For now, Harper is focused on earning his place in the NBA with the Spurs, as he teams up with former No. 1 pick and 7-foot-4 superstar Victor Wembanyama, former No. 4 pick, reigning Rookie of the Year, and fellow guard Stephon Castle, and veteran playmakers De’Aaron Fox and Chris Paul. – Rappler.com
