Latest news with #MariaHarper
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'She means the world to me" - NBA Draft 2025's No.2 pick Dylan Harper proves he is mama's boy with his adorable answer
NBA Draft 2025's No.2 pick Dylan Harper proves he is mama's boy with his adorable answer (Image Credit: Getty Images) Wednesday night was a big night for 19-year-old Dylan Harper. As the NBA Draft 2025's No.2 pick, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. After the draft, he got the opportunity to address the press. He handled every question like a pro. But one question that stole everyone's heart was about her mother. When asked about his feelings for his mother, the one-and-done player from Rutgers summed it up in six simple yet deep words. He said, 'She means the world to me.' Dylan Harper was accompanied by her mother, Maria Harper, to the NBA Draft Night on Wednesday. She was equally excited about the important milestone in her son's basketball career. Dylan Harper summed up his feelings for his mother, Maria Harper, at NBA Draft press conference Dylan Harper's First Interview as a San Antonio Spur Maria Harper must be on cloud nine as her son, Dylan Harper, was the No. 2 pick at the NBA Draft 2025. The night became more beautiful for her when Dylan said loving words about her during the post-draft press conference. He said that his mother meant the world to him, summing up his feelings with amazing maturity. Though ready for the biggest league in basketball, the NBA, Harper proved he is a mama's boy with his innocent answer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rajasthan Mosquito-Free Nights: Residents Share Unexpected Secret Mosquito Eliminator Read More Undo Dylan also answered questions about his NBA aspirations in another interview with ESPN. Talking about how he plans to pursue his NBA dreams, he said: "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." ESPNW approached Maria Harper for her thoughts on her son making the NBA debut. She shared: 'It's surreal. The NBA is a very, very exclusive club. He's worked so hard to get here. I'm just proud of." Dylan Harper felt an array of emotions as he got drafted into NBA as No.2 pick Dylan Harper and Maria's emotions knew no boundaries when he finally got the spot in the San Antonio Spurs. They celebrated the achievement and expressed how they were feeling after the decision. Dylan said: "I'm feeling everything. All the emotions... from crying, to laughing, to being happy, everything. I just feel everything. I'm excited." Speculations were rife that the Spurs might go for a superstar; however, the decision remained a secret till the end. Maria Harper, like a responsible mother, held the fort for her son on a crazy night like the NBA Draft. She stood by his side during the moments of anticipation. When asked about the reason behind her son's achievement, she proudly said: 'His flat-out love for the game. His determination. His humility. Just hard work - day in, day out." Maria Harper became an internet sensation with her words and sense of style. She was everything a son might look for in a support system when attending a crucial event like the NBA Draft. Also Read: Who are Dylan Harper's parents? Everything you need to know about San Antonio Spurs' newest draft pick's mom Maria, and NBA champion dad Ron Harper Dylan Harper had every right to enjoy his big night. Having averaged 19.4 points and 4.0 assists per game in his sole season at Rutgers, he made a strong case for the NBA draft. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Maria Harper stuns NBA fans with viral draft moment as Dylan Harper joins San Antonio Spurs
Maria Harper stuns NBA fans with viral draft moment as Dylan Harper joins San Antonio Spurs (Image Source: Getty Images) NBA player Dylan Harper's mother, Maria Harper became an instant sensation on June 25, at the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. When her son was drafted second overall by the San Antonio Spurs, cameras panned to his family and that's when Maria stole the show. Her serene comportment, chic appearance, and proud smile made her an overnight sensation. Maria Harper steals spotlight after Dylan Harper's NBA Draft pick by San Antonio Spurs Dylan Harper is a 19 year old standout from Rutgers and had the biggest night of his life on Wednesday, June 25. The NBA draft was in full swing at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn when the San Antonio Spurs called his name as No. 2 choice. Just moments before, Cooper Flagg was selected first by the Dallas Mavericks. Dylan made his way to the stage, greeted NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and smiled widely. As this happened, ESPN turned the camera to Dylan's family. They were clapping and cheering. But what caught everyone's attention was his mother, Maria. She wore a black dress and stood still with the rest of the family. The camera only stayed on her for a short moment. In just minutes, people online started talking. Clips and photos of Maria began showing up everywhere. Maria Harper played Division I basketball years ago and helped train Dylan Harper throughout his childhood. During the short ESPN interview, Maria spoke clearly and warmly about her son. 'It's his love for basketball,' she said. 'He works hard every single day. He's humble. That's why he's here.' Fans online called Maria everything from 'beautiful' to 'strong' and 'inspiring.' Her appearance became a trending topic across platforms like X (formerly Twitter ) and Instagram . Many users said she 'stole the show' on what was supposed to be her son's big night. Chloe Kitts and Maria Harper turn heads on NBA Draft night Maria Harper wasn't the only one who caught eyes during the draft. Chloe Kitts, a women's college basketball star from South Carolina, showed up to support her boyfriend, Collin Murray-Boyles, who was also drafted that night. She stood by his side during interviews and family celebrations. People online also noticed Chloe for her poise and style. Photos of her went viral, with fans calling her 'stunning' and 'a star herself.' Just like Maria, Chloe became a surprise highlight during the night full of big picks and bright lights. The 2025 NBA draft was not just about players being selected. It was also about the people behind them, who stood next to them for years. While the spotlight was on the future stars, the quiet strength next to them was equally powerful. Also Read: NBA Draft 2025: How and when to watch Round 2 - Time, date, venue, and more Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
All About Dylan Harper's Parents, Mom Maria and Dad Ron Harper (Who Played for the Lakers!)
NEED TO KNOW Former Rutgers star Dylan Harper is a top prospect going into the 2025 NBA draft His parents, Ron and Maria Harper, have their own basketball careers Dylan's dad played in the NBA, and his mom has been a basketball coach for nearly 30 years For Dylan Harper, basketball is in the blood. Soobum Im/Getty; Harry How /Allsport Dylan Harper. ; Ron Harper. Dylan Harper. ; Ron Harper. Dylan, who is part of the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25, has been lighting up the court by playing for Rutgers University's Scarlet Knights — following in the footsteps of his older brother, Ron Harper Jr. Advertisement Dylan is about to embark on his own professional basketball career, but his family is already comfortable on the court. His dad is Ron Harper Sr., who played for the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, among other teams. Meanwhile, his mom, Maria Harper, has been his basketball coach since elementary school. "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 told Jersey Sports Zone in April 2023. Here's everything to know about Dylan Harper's parents, Ron and Maria Harper. Ron played in the NBA Sporting News via Getty Ron Harper of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Houston Rockets on January 30, 2000 in Houston, Texas. Ron Harper of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Houston Rockets on January 30, 2000 in Houston, Texas. Ron played for the L.A. Lakers from 1999 to 2001. He was a point guard and shooting guard who helped lead the team to win two back-to-back NBA Championships in 2000 and 2001. Advertisement Before joining the Lakers, he played for the Chicago Bulls from 1994 to 1999 — alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen — winning three championships during his time on the team. Prior to the Bulls and the Lakers, Ron bounced the ball for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986 to 1989 and then the L.A. Clippers from 1989 to 1994. His NBA career ultimately spanned over a dozen seasons, from 1986 to 2001. Maria is a former basketball player for the University of New Orleans Maria cut up the court herself, as a Division I basketball player for the University of New Orleans from 1993 to 1996, per the Rutgers University website. Advertisement According to The Springfield Student, Maria's love for basketball began in fifth grade when she first started playing after school. She continued to play through high school, eventually scoring a scholarship to the University of New Orleans. In a July 2023 interview with The Athletic, Maria said she "was super scrappy" during her time as a college basketball player. "I defended the hell out of the ball. I created offense through defense," she shared. "I wasn't a knockdown shooter. I looked to get my teammates involved. And I just loved it so much." Ron and Maria were married from 2005 to 2012 Ron Harper and Maria Pizarro. Ron Harper and Maria Pizarro. Ron and Maria met in 1998, and they welcomed their first child, son Ron Jr., in April 2000. He now plays for the Detroit Pistons. Advertisement According to The Athletic, Ron and Maria married on New Year's Eve in 2005. Later that spring, Dylan was born in March 2006. Mia, their youngest, followed in 2010, before the couple called it quits two years later, in 2012. 'Those years were very tough for me,' Maria told The Athletic. 'My kids' lives are not fairy tales, like people would assume.' Maria taught Dylan how to play basketball Sarah Stier/Getty Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights dribbles during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Madison Square Garden on January 25, 2025 in New York City. Dylan Harper #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights dribbles during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans at Madison Square Garden on January 25, 2025 in New York City. Maria was Dylan's basketball coach from elementary school all the way through senior year of high school. In a December 2024 interview with Swish Cultures, Dylan opened up about how his mom helped him become the basketball star he is today, saying, "She's been there from the jump." Advertisement "She was my first ever coach. She's everything to me," he continued. "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." Maria is a basketball coach, with almost 30 years of experience After her college basketball days, Maria took her love of basketball to the sidelines and started her coaching career, which has lasted nearly 30 years, according to The Springfield Student. 'Always being passionate about the sports I played, I wanted to continue being involved in the game (specifically basketball) as an adult,' Maria told the outlet. 'Coaching was the natural progression for me to stay connected to the game I love.' Advertisement Her first coaching job was as an assistant coach in Chicago, before becoming the head coach of the girls' varsity team at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J. Maria later stopped coaching for a few years so she could attend Ron Jr.'s basketball games. In 2019, she returned to the court, becoming the assistant coach of the boys' basketball team at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J., where both her sons played. "She's been terrific," Don Bosco Prep coach Kevin Diverio told The Athletic. "She really commands the respect of the kids. She's no-nonsense, all business, but at the same time, she brings a little bit of the motherly factor to the team that I certainly can't provide." Dylan credits his dad for his strong work ethic Luther Schlaifer/NBAE via Getty Ron Harper and son Dylan Harper at a basketball game on December 6, 2023 in White Plains, New York. Ron Harper and son Dylan Harper at a basketball game on December 6, 2023 in White Plains, New York. As a former professional basketball player, Ron knows how much sweat it takes to be good enough to play for the NBA. He instilled that in Dylan, who told Hoops Hype that his dad taught him "just how hard you gotta work to really make it." Advertisement "He has stories for days about work ethic, Michael Jordan work ethic, Kobe [Bryant] work ethic," he recalled. "It could just be what they did, and how they carry themselves every day. It's definitely that." Dylan's dad might be an NBA legend, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to take him on the court. When asked in November 2024 which player from NBA history he would like to go up against, Dylan told Bleacher Report, "My dad." "He talks a lot. Starting to get tired of it," he joked. "So any NBA player, I'm playing my dad one-on-one." As for Dylan's basketball skills, Ron recognized them early on. Advertisement "When Dylan was 5 years old, I told people he was going to be really good," he told The Athletic. "He reminded me of me. I was the youngest in a family of five boys. I watched them practice, and then I tried to go out there and do the same things." Dylan said being in the NBA draft means "a lot" to his family Sarah Stier/Getty Dylan Harper before the 2025 NBA Draft on June 24, 2025 in New York City. Dylan Harper before the 2025 NBA Draft on June 24, 2025 in New York City. As Dylan awaits his fate at the 2025 NBA draft on June 25 — with many, like ESPN, projecting him to be the likely No. 2 pick — his family continues to be a strong support system for him. At a press conference ahead of the event, when asked what getting drafted would mean for him and his dad, Dylan told reporters, "It's definitely going to mean, just a lot to him, but a lot to everyone else like my mom, my brother, my grandparents and everyone else who's there." Advertisement "Just because they kind of see me through the journey, and watch me go about my days," he added. "Even when I was high and low, they still stuck with me no matter what." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dylan Harper's 'Stunning' Mom Goes Viral At NBA Draft
Dylan Harper's 'Stunning' Mom Goes Viral At NBA Draft originally appeared on The Spun. Dylan Harper's mom is going viral at the 2025 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York on Wednesday night. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights star went No. 2 overall in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. Harper, a five-star recruit, was one-and-done at Rutgers. He and Ace Bailey, another top five prospect, failed to lead the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament, but both are projected to do big things at the next level. Advertisement Harper ended up going No. 2 overall to the San Antonio Spurs, where he'll look to team up with former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Victor Wembanyama. After going No. 2 overall, Harper shared an embrace with his mom, Maria Harper. She quickly went viral on social media. Dylan Harper's Harper's mom, Maria, quickly went viral on social media after her son was taken No. 2 overall. She looked stunning in her NBA Draft outfit, rocking a black dress. The Jersey Sports Zone had more on Harper's mom ahead of the NBA Draft. "How did NBA Lottery Pick Dylan Harper turn into the player he is today?" they wrote. Advertisement "You can look directly to his mom. Maria Harper coached Dylan through high school at Don Bosco Prep and watched every step he evolved into one of the best players in the country. We go back in time to 2023 - following Harper's junior season - with this story that will assuredly be talked about tonight on the NBA Draft. "Stay tuned for more Dylan Harper coverage throughout the day!" Harper's mom made a lot of headlines for her appearance at the NBA Draft on Wednesday night, that's for sure. It's easy to see why she was going viral. The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is continuing to air live on ABC on Wednesday night. Advertisement Dylan Harper's 'Stunning' Mom Goes Viral At NBA Draft first appeared on The Spun on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Everyone Had Same Reaction To Dylan Harper's Mom Tonight
Everyone Had Same Reaction To Dylan Harper's Mom Tonight originally appeared on The Spun. Everyone had the same reaction to seeing Dylan Harper's mom at the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday evening. Advertisement Harper, who starred for one season at Rutgers, was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The former five-star recruit is the son of former NBA player Ron Harper. His older brother starred at Rutgers. Dylan Harper played alongside Ace Bailey, a fellow top-five prospect, for one season in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The former Rutgers Scarlet Knights star went No. 2 overall to the San Antonio Spurs. He'll team up with former No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. Meanwhile, moments after getting drafted, Harper's mom immediately went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter. Dylan Harper's Harper's mom, Maria, is currently trending on X, formerly known as Twitter, for her NBA Draft appearance. Advertisement It's easy to see why. Everyone had the same reaction to seeing his mom on ABC on Wednesday night. "Dylan Harper mom about to gain a million new followers on Instagram," one fan wrote. "Dylan Harper mom!????? Yeah run that. She's so beautiful," one fan added. "Damn I'm seeing more tweets about Dylan Harper's mom than Dylan Harper himself 😂," one fan added. "First person that says something disrespectful about Dylan Harper's beautiful mom has to deal with me!!!!" one fan added. "Dylan Harper's mom…I mean Dylan Harper was taken with the 2nd pick in the NBA Draft," one fan added. Advertisement "Dylan Harper mom. That's it, that's the tweet," one fan added. Harper's dad, Ron Harper, played in the NBA for several seasons, making $35 million. His son just earned an NBA rookie contract worth $56 million. The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is continuing to air live on ABC on Wednesday evening. Harper's teammate, Ace Bailey, just went No. 5 overall to Utah. Everyone Had Same Reaction To Dylan Harper's Mom Tonight first appeared on The Spun on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
