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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider San Antonio has one Filipino-American standout in its arsenal

San Antonio has one Filipino-American standout in its arsenal

Published May 20, 2026 02:23 am

At A Glance

  • One of the catalysts is a Filipino-American player in Dylan Harper.
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) during the first half of Game 1 in a third-round NBA basketball playoffs series Monday, May 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) during the first half of Game 1 in a third-round NBA basketball playoffs series Monday, May 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The NBA’s 80th season is hitting its most intense stretch, with the final four teams in two conferences locked in to reach the championship round and win the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The San Antonio Spurs made one significant step after taking Game 1 versus the Oklahoma City Thunder in double overtime, 122-115, in the Western Conference best-of-seven Finals.
One of the catalysts is a Filipino-American player in Dylan Harper.
The 20-year-old Harper dazzled with 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and seven steals as a starter in 47 minutes of play.
As expected, towering big man Victor Wembanyama delivered with a gigantic double-double effort off 41 points and 24 rebounds on top of three assists, one steal, and three blocks
The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, who had a decorated collegiate career with Rutgers in US NCAA basketball, has Filipino blood with his mother coming from Bataan.
The 2025 second overall pick of the Spurs has been appreciative of his roots ever since.
“I think for me the biggest reason why it’s so special to me is that we're representing Filipino heritage, just because that’s where my mom came from, my grandparents,” said Harper. “It’s my mom’s side of the family, so I just want to represent them everywhere I can. By us doing this I think it is doing a big thing for them.”
“I mean, family is everything to me. I think regardless of my mom’s or my dad’s side, just family in general means a whole world to me. So just to have this day, and kind of know that, that’s what that represents,” added Harper.
Dylan, who joins the Filipino-American cast with his brother Ron Harper Jr., Jordan Clarkson, and Jared McCain, also stressed that if the opportunity of playing for Gilas Pilipinas comes his way, he wouldn’t say no to it.
And if the Spurs oust the Thunder, and beat their NBA Finals rival, Harper could be the first-ever Filipino-blooded player to win an NBA championship.

Related Tags

Dylan Harper Ron Harper Maria Harper San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama OKC Thunder NBA Playoffs
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