Jordan Clarkson. Jalen Green. Jared McCain. And now, Dylan Harper. The Filipino pride is not just rising — it’s booming and beaming in the modern-day NBA.
Dylan Harper didn’t just make it to the NBA — he became part of a growing brotherhood that Filipinos proudly call their own.
Selected second overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, Harper now joins a group of stars with Filipino heritage in the league, following in the footsteps of Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Phoenix’s Jalen Green, Philadelphia's Jared McCain, and pioneer Raymond Townsend.
Asked what it meant to carry that legacy forward, the 6-foot-6 guard from Rutgers said it was all about honoring his roots — and especially his Filipina mother, Maria, who hails from Bataan.
[ALSO READ: No. 2 pick Dylan Harper honors Filipina mom after going to Spurs in 2025 NBA Draft]
“It’s definitely surreal,” Harper said in his post-draft press conference.
He continued: “My mom’s side of the family — they’ve put so much into me. I just want to represent them, show who I really am, and be proud of where I come from.”
It was a moment of pride not just for the Harper family, but for basketball-loving Filipinos around the world. Maria, who once played college ball at the University of New Orleans, was more than just a supportive parent — she was Dylan’s first coach.
Harper now heads to a young and talented Spurs team led by back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, along with newly acquired All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox.
“Man, I feel great. I feel good. I almost cried,” Harper said about hearing his name called. “I felt every emotion in that moment. I’m just excited to get started with the organization.”
With San Antonio winning Rookie of the Year in each of the past two seasons, the pressure is on — but Harper says he’s ready.
“I think all my life it's always been how can I go somewhere where you make something happen and obviously get to the championship,” he said.
Harper added: “I think with that young group, they're in the right direction. They've got a great everything, man, from the front office to the equipment manager, to the video guy. I think the coach over there is great. I'm just happy that I'm a part of it now.”