On June 25, 2025, the San Antonio Spurs made a significant move in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick. The 19-year-old guard, fresh off an impressive freshman season at Rutgers University, is set to join a Spurs team eager to rebuild and end a six-year postseason drought. Harper's selection not only adds talent to the roster but also continues a remarkable family legacy in professional basketball.
Dylan Harper's journey to the NBA is rooted deeply in family and hard work. His mother, Maria Pizarro, who stole the spotlight during the post-draft ESPN interview, has been a pivotal figure in his development. Maria, a former Division I player at the University of New Orleans, coached Dylan from first grade through high school, instilling discipline and a love for the game. She emphasized the purity of basketball in their family, stating in an April 2023 interview with Jersey Sports Zone, "We're playing the sport we love. They're playing it, I'm coaching it. It's a family affair, and that's how pure it is in our family." Maria's influence was evident as she praised her son's "flat-out love for the game, his determination, his humility and just his hard work day in and day out." Her heartfelt presence resonated with fans, who took to social media to celebrate her role and charm.
Dylan's father, Ron Harper, a five-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, was present at the draft but chose to stay in the crowd during the interview. Ron Harper's own illustrious career spanned 15 years, marked by five championships and notable individual achievements, including being Miami University's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. His jersey was the first ever retired by the university, and he was inducted into the MAC Hall of Fame in June 2023. Ron Harper's legacy undoubtedly casts a long shadow, but Dylan is carving his own path with promise and determination.
Adding to the family's basketball pedigree, Dylan's older brother, Ron Harper Jr., also made his mark at Rutgers and currently holds a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons. Ron Jr. is known for his clutch performances, including a memorable half-court buzzer-beater that upset the No. 1 ranked Purdue in 2021. Despite facing setbacks such as a season-ending shoulder injury, he remains a respected figure in the league and offered his support to Dylan, advising him to "enjoy the moment" and expressing that he would be a "secondary Spurs fan."
Dylan Harper's collegiate stats speak volumes about his readiness for the NBA. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game over 29 contests, showcasing a versatile skill set and strong on-court presence. His shooting efficiency was solid, with a slash line of .484/.333/.750, reflecting his ability to score and contribute across multiple facets of the game. These performances earned him All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman honors, underscoring his impact as a freshman and his potential for growth at the professional level.
The Spurs, coming off a 34-48 record and finishing 13th in the Western Conference, are banking on their young core to turn the franchise's fortunes around. With Victor Wembanyama, the standout rookie from the 2023 draft, and rising stars like Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox already on the roster, Harper's addition is seen as a key piece in the puzzle. While there has been speculation about how Harper will fit alongside two other talented but sometimes inconsistent scorers in Castle and Fox, the Spurs' decision to keep the No. 2 pick and select Harper demonstrates their confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully.
Notably, the Spurs moved up from the No. 8 to the No. 2 spot in the 2025 draft lottery, signaling their intent to accelerate the rebuild. Rumors swirled about potential trades involving the pick, including a possible pursuit of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but no concrete moves materialized. Instead, the Spurs are embracing the opportunity to develop Harper alongside their existing young talent under the guidance of new head coach Mitch Johnson, who took over after legendary coach Gregg Popovich stepped down mid-season due to health reasons.
Dylan Harper's rise is a testament to the blend of natural talent, rigorous coaching, and family support. He credits his mother for much of his success, noting in a 2024 interview, "She's really been there from the jump. She was my first ever coach and up to high school, my assistant coach. 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." This foundation has prepared him to take on the challenges of the NBA and thrive in a competitive environment.
Fans and analysts alike have been captivated not only by Harper's skills but also by the compelling narrative surrounding his family. Maria Harper's emotional and candid remarks during the draft broadcast resonated widely, with social media users praising her as "top notch" and celebrating her as a central figure in Dylan's journey. Her background as a Filipino immigrant who moved to the United States at age seven and grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, adds another layer to the story, highlighting themes of perseverance and dedication.
As Dylan Harper embarks on his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, the basketball world watches with anticipation. His blend of scoring, vision, and versatility, combined with the Spurs' commitment to nurturing young talent, sets the stage for an exciting chapter. Whether Harper becomes a cornerstone for the Spurs' resurgence or a dynamic contributor alongside Wembanyama and others, his arrival marks a hopeful turning point for a franchise eager to reclaim its competitive edge.
With a family legacy steeped in championship success and a personal journey defined by hard work and support, Dylan Harper's story is just beginning. The Spurs and their fans are ready to see how this promising guard will shape the future of the team and continue the Harper family's remarkable basketball tradition.
