Dylan Harper, the rising Filipino-American basketball star currently with the San Antonio Spurs, has become one of the most talked-about names in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Projected by ESPN and other major outlets as a likely No. 2 pick, Harper isn’t just stepping into the spotlight alone—his family has been with him every step of the way.
Raised by his parents, Maria and Ron Harper, Dylan credits much of his growth in the game to their support and guidance from day one. Speaking to reporters ahead of the draft, he shared how much this moment means to his entire family.
“It’s definitely going to mean a lot to him,” he said of his father, “but also to my mom, my brother, my grandparents—everyone who’s been there. Even when I was high and low, they stuck with me no matter what.”
Here’s everything to know about Dylan Harper’s parents, Maria and Ron Sr., and how they’ve been behind him through every stage of his rise.
His Mom Maria, a Lifelong Basketball Coach, Taught Him the Game from the Start
Maria Harper has been immersed in basketball nearly all her life—and her passion for the game clearly passed on to her son, Dylan. She started playing in fifth grade, went on to compete at the Division I level for the University of New Orleans from 1993 to 1996, and later turned to coaching—a path she’s continued for over 30 years.
Her coaching journey began in Chicago, then led her to DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, New Jersey, where she became head coach of the girls’ varsity team. Today, she serves as an assistant coach for the boys’ basketball team at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey.
Maria also founded the AAU team Ring City, where she once coached Dylan’s older brother, Ron. But more importantly, she’s been Dylan’s coach since day one—guiding him through his elementary and middle school years, and shaping his skills long before the national spotlight found him.
Born in the Philippines, Maria moved to the United States at age seven. Her drive and consistency left a deep mark on Dylan’s life, both on and off the court. Talking about his mother, Dylan told Swish Cultures, “She’s everything to me. She does everything for me. She’s always a provider—no matter what, hard times, good times—she’s been there for me through thick and thin.”
His Dad Ron Is a Former NBA Legend
Dylan Harper comes from serious basketball blood. His dad, Ron Harper, had an incredible 15-year career in the NBA and is remembered as one of the league’s most respected champions. A standout at Miami (Ohio), where he earned AP All-American honors, Ron went on to win five NBA titles—three with the Chicago Bulls during their second three-peat from 1996 to 1998, and two more with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000 and 2001.
Before those championship runs, Ron made his mark with the Cleveland Cavaliers (1986–1989) and the Los Angeles Clippers (1989–1994), establishing himself as a versatile guard known for his defense, athleticism, and leadership.
After retiring from the league, he later took on a coaching role as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons.
Beyond the stats and rings, Ron Harper’s biggest legacy might just be what he passed down to his son. Dylan once told HoopsHype that his dad often shares behind-the-scenes stories about the drive it takes to succeed, especially from his time playing alongside icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. “He has stories for days about work ethic,” Dylan said. “Michael Jordan work ethic, Kobe [Bryant] work ethic.”
Dylan Harper’s Parents Separated Years
Ron and Maria Harper got married on New Year’s Eve in 2005—five years after welcoming their first child, Ron Jr., in April 2000. Dylan was born a few months later in March 2006, and the family grew again in 2010 with the arrival of their daughter, Mia.
Like Dylan, his older brother Ron Jr. also pursued basketball and is now playing professionally for the Detroit Pistons.
Though the Harpers shared a deep bond through family and basketball, they eventually went their separate ways in 2012.
After the divorce, Ron began a relationship with BA Conklin, while Maria continued raising the kids and building her coaching career. Despite the split, both parents have remained active and supportive in Dylan’s life, each playing their own role in shaping who he is today.
