Filipinos have another name to look up to in the NBA after Dylan Harper was taken second overall in the 2025 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs. Harper, who is the son of former NBA guard Ron Harper, is half Filipino via her mother’s side.
Following the announcement that the Spurs took Harper, ESPN posted a graphic on Instagram to acknowledge the small but growing group of NBA players with Filipino blood. The post showed images of Raymond Townsend, the first Filipino-American to play in the league, Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green and Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain.
“Filipino roots. Global game Dylan Harper joins some of a few players with Filipino heritage in NBA history!” the accompanying caption read.
