San Antonio Spurs Draft Dylan Harper No. 2 Pick, Spotlight Filipino Mom Maria Harper

Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, was accompanied by his mother, Maria Harper, who captured widespread attention for her heartfelt presence and basketball background. Maria, a former Division I player for the University of New Orleans and current high school coach, has been a crucial influence in Dylan's development, serving as his first coach and instilling discipline and dedication from a young age. Fans on social media praised Maria not only for her role in Dylan's journey but also for her striking appearance and charisma during the ESPN draft interview, sparking viral reactions. Maria, originally from the Philippines and daughter of a 1968 Olympic jai alai player, was married to five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, with whom she shares Dylan and another son, Ron Jr., who plays for the Detroit Pistons. Dylan is expected to complement the Spurs' young core, including Victor Wembanyama, as he transitions from college stardom at Rutgers to the NBA. Maria's influence and support continue to be highlighted as a key factor in Dylan's rise to professional basketball.