BROOKLYN, New York — A new chapter begins for Filipino American pride in the NBA.
Dylan Harper, the electrifying Rutgers University star, was selected second overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Draft held Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila) at the iconic Barclays Center.
Harper now shares the spotlight with Jalen Green, who made history in 2021 when he became the first high-draft pick of Filipino descent. Both were chosen second overall—another proud badge of honor for the Filipino-American basketball community.
Towering at 6-foot-4½, Harper steps into an already stacked Spurs lineup, joining recent NBA Rookie of the Year recipients Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama. Together, they form a tantalizing trio poised to anchor San Antonio’s next era of greatness.
Behind the scenes of Harper’s draft-night triumph is a story of sacrifice and grit. His mother, Maria Pizzaro Harper, recounted the early grind that shaped her son’s journey.
“His work ethic was relentless,” she said. “There were mornings when he’d be up at 4 AM, hitting the gym before school. He missed out on typical teenage moments—proms, parties—because he poured everything into the game.”
Maria, who emigrated from the Philippines at age seven, beamed with pride as Dylan spoke about representing his heritage on basketball’s biggest stage.
“It feels surreal,” Harper said. “I just want to rep my roots and show the world who I am. It means everything.”
Across the room, Harper’s lola, Lilia Pizzaro, was overcome with emotion.
“Masayang masaya ako na na-achieve niya ang dream niya since childhood,” she said tearfully. “Even as a young boy, he was determined—always a perfectionist.”
Maria, also mother to NBA player Ron Harper Jr. of the Detroit Pistons, credited the values instilled by Filipino culture as a driving force behind her children’s success.
“They saw my parents toil as immigrants. They saw me juggle work while coaching them,” she said. “Our values of perseverance and humility run deep.”
Now, Harper sets his sights on continuing a trend: San Antonio’s recent domination in the Rookie of the Year race.
“That’s definitely one of my goals,” he said. “With teammates like Steph and Vic, I’ll have the support to shine.”
From ancestral roots in the Philippines to a draft stage in Brooklyn, Dylan Harper’s journey is more than a career milestone—it’s a celebration of cultural pride, sacrifice, and the power of a dream passed down through generations.
