The Real MVP Is His Mom: Meet Maria Harper, the Filipina Behind NBA Star Dylan Harper

By Jennifer Redondo 

Filipinos worldwide rejoiced as Dylan Harper, the 2025 NBA draft's second pick, joined the San Antonio Spurs. He follows his brother, Ron Harper Jr., and other Filipino-American NBA players like Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green. While Dylan's father is five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., it's his Filipina mother, Maria Harper, who's truly captivated fans, earning the viral title "First Draft Night Baddie."

Maria Harper maintains a mysterious aura, largely due to her limited presence on social media. Despite this, we've uncovered some fascinating details about the Filipina-American who's making significant strides not only for her sons, but the basketball world at large.

Who is Maria Pizarro Harper? 

Dylan Harper looks on during the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. David L. Nemec, Getty Images via AFP

1. She hails from Bataan, Philippines

Maria Harper is the daughter of Manuel and Lillia Pizarro. Maria’s journey to the United States began at the age of seven when she immigrated from the Philippines. She grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, which has a diverse community and rich history.  

In an interview with Amazn HQ, Maria shares a message to her sons about what growing up Filipino taught her: “a sense of loyalty, hard work, camaraderie, and just overall being a good human being to others. As I watch my family, specifically my parents always giving and always so generous around them, I also try to emulate that in my life and pass it down to you.” 

2. Her father represented the Philippines in the 1968 Olympics

Maria's athletic lineage is deeply rooted in her family history, particularly through her father, Manuel Pizarro. A distinguished athlete, Manuel represented the Philippines on a global stage at the 1968 Olympic Games held in Mexico City. His sport was not basketball, a common assumption for Filipino athletes, but rather jai alai, a less widely known but intensely competitive sport with Basque origins. His participation in such a prestigious event underscores a legacy of dedication, skill, and national representation that likely influenced Maria's own pursuits. 

3. She played D1 college basketball

Maria's basketball journey began in the fifth grade, a passion that blossomed and propelled her through the ranks of youth and high school basketball. Her dedication and talent were undeniable, culminating in a coveted Division I scholarship to the University of New Orleans, where she played from 1993 to 1996. 

4. She was married to former NBA Player, Ron Harper 

Ron is a five-time NBA champion. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers as a point guard and shooting guard from 1999 to 2001, contributing to their back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001. Before joining the Lakers, he also played for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers.

Maria and Ron Harper, who met in 1998, were married from 2005 to 2012. They have three children: Ron Jr., born in April 2000; Dylan, born in March 2006; and Mia, born in 2010. While basketball is a family profession, Mia chose dance as her sport. 

5. She is a dedicated basketball coach 

Maria has over 30 years of basketball coaching experience. She founded the Ring City AAU program in New Jersey. Initially exclusively for girls, it later expanded to boys, accommodating her sons. Maria began her coaching career as an assistant in Chicago. She then became the girls’ varsity head coach at DePaul Catholic High School before taking on an assistant coaching role for the boys’ basketball team at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. Her Instagram profile description notes that she is a Coach/Trainer at Stack Basketball NJ/NY.  

6. She coached Dylan from elementary school through his senior year of high school 

Maria coached Dylan from first grade through high school. She was one of Don Bosco Prep’s top assistant coaches. In an interview with Jersey Sports Zone, Dylan Harper shares: “She’s a mom to all my teammates. She’s a mom, a coach. She helps all of us succeed”. 

7. Both her sons made it to the NBA 

Maria's two sons, both Rutgers University alumni, made a significant impact on the school's basketball program. Her eldest, Ron Jr., signed with the Detroit Pistons in 2022 as an undrafted player, holding a two-way contract with the Pistons and their G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. Her youngest son, Dylan, was the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and will be playing point guard for the San Antonio Spurs. Maria Harper describes basketball as "a family affair," emphasizing her deep care for her sons.

Filipinos all over the world share an unparalleled passion for the game of basketball! This fervent devotion transcends geographical boundaries, uniting communities in a collective cheer whenever a Filipino talent steps onto the international stage. It is, without a doubt, that the entire nation will be fervently cheering on the Harper family as their beloved son, Dylan Harper, takes a monumental leap onto the grand NBA stage

As Dylan embarks on his professional basketball career, his family remains his steadfast anchor, providing unwavering support and instilling the values that have shaped him. They constantly remind him to stay level-headed, grounded, and humble amidst the immense pressures and bright lights of the NBA. In a recent interview during the 2025 NBA Draft, his mother, Maria, expressed her pride, stating, “It’s surreal. The NBA is a very, very exclusive club. He’s worked so hard to get here. I’m just proud of him.” Guided by his mother's love and wisdom, Dylan is poised to navigate this exciting new chapter with grace and integrity, honoring his nation's pride.

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Written by Jennifer Redondo

Co-Founder and Co-Author of In Her Purpose

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