After a memorable first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Spurs are walking away with two highly touted prospects: 2nd overall pick Dylan Harper and 14 overall pick Carter Bryant. Harper has pretty much been a Spur since they won the rights to the second overall pick back in May, so fans probably know more about him than Bryant, but both are still new to the Spurs family.
While they have and will continue to get broken down more as players with time — if you missed it, be sure to check out Jacob Douglas’s breakdowns of Harper and Bryant — it’s also worth getting to know them more as people as well, beginning with Harper.
Harper was born in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey to 5x NBA champion Ron Harper and mother Maria (née Pizarro). Maria (whom you’ve probably seen all over the internet after going viral at the draft) is a native of Baatan, Philippines and played college basketball for the University of New Orleans. She is currently an assistant coach at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, NJ, which is where Dylan and his older brother Ron Jr. — who most recently was a two-way player for the Detroit Pistons — both attended.
As a junior in high school, Dylan was named the NJ.com Player of the Year, and he led his team to the state title as a senior. He was named a McDonald’s All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year finalist, and a member of the prestigious Nike Hoop Summit team. Known for his strong build and size for his position, and was a five-star recruit who turned down offers from powerhouses like Duke to follow in his father’s (and brother’s) footsteps and chose Rutgers University.
Although the Scarlet Knights struggled to a 15-17 season despite high expectations for a team featuring Harper and fellow top-5 pick Ace Bailey, Harper still finished second among all freshman with 19.4 points per game, along with 4.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in his lone college season. As a result, he was selected second overall by the Spurs last night, and despite questions of fit alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle (none of whom have proven to be consistent outside shooters…yet), Harper perfectly fits the mold for the Spurs as the game transitions further towards position-less basketball.
Fit doesn’t seem to be a concern for Harper, who said all the right things about coming to San Antonio:
“I think when you play with a bunch of great players, it just brings the best out of you. They got a great young core over there. I’m just ready to get in there and make an impact anywhere I can with those guys.”
“I think all my life it’s always been how can I go somewhere where you make something happen and obviously get to the championship. I think with that young group, they’re in the right direction. They’ve got a great everything, man, from the front office to the equipment manager, to the video guy. They all around are great. I think the coach over there is great. I’m just happy that I’m a part of it now.”
Harper is every thing the Spurs want in a player: hardworking, defensive-minded, humble, and ready to put in the time. He is expected to participate in Summer League, so it won’t be long before fans get to see him in action. Until then, enjoy some highlights and breakdowns.
Again, welcome to San Antonio, Dylan!
