Photos: Dylan Harper’s Mom Maria Harper Goes Viral at 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft, held on June 25 in Brooklyn, was a night of celebration for Rutgers standout Dylan Harper, who was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs. But while Dylan’s on-court achievements and bright NBA future were the focus for many, it was his mother, Maria Harper, who unexpectedly went viral, capturing the attention of fans and social media alike.

A Proud Mom and a Basketball Legacy

Maria Harper is no stranger to the basketball world. A former Division I player at the University of New Orleans, Maria has been a pivotal figure in Dylan’s journey, coaching him from elementary school through his high school years at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. Her influence extends beyond her son, as she’s also an assistant coach at Don Bosco, known for her dedication to the entire team. Married to five-time NBA champion Ron Harper until their divorce in 2012, Maria has been a constant source of support and guidance for Dylan, helping him develop the skills and mindset that made him a top draft prospect.

On draft night, Maria was by Dylan’s side, visibly emotional as her son’s name was called. In an ESPN interview moments after the Spurs’ selection, she spoke passionately about Dylan’s “flat-out love for the game, his determination, hard work, and humility.” Her heartfelt words resonated with viewers, but it was her striking presence and undeniable charisma that set social media ablaze.

Social Media Goes Wild

As Maria appeared on camera, posts on X erupted with fans marveling at her appearance and poise. One user exclaimed, “Dylan Harper’s mom is top notch,” while another predicted, “Dylan Harper’s mom is about to go viral man.” A third fan wrote, “Respectfully Dylan Harper’s mom is an absolute smoke show,” capturing the sentiment that quickly spread across the platform. Posts from outlets like the New York Post and Daily Mail amplified the buzz, with headlines like “Dylan Harper’s Mom, Maria, Makes Stunning Appearance at 2025 NBA Draft” and “Fans Go Wild for NBA Draft Star Dylan Harper’s Mom.”

The viral moment wasn’t just about Maria’s appearance. Fans were equally captivated by her story as a Filipina immigrant who moved to the United States at age seven, played college basketball, and became a respected coach. Her role in shaping Dylan’s career added depth to the conversation, with one X user noting, “The mom was actually the one who trained him,” highlighting her hands-on influence.

Maria’s Impact on Dylan’s Journey

Dylan himself has often credited his mother’s guidance. In a December 2024 interview with Swish Cultures, he said, “She was my first ever coach. She’s everything to me. 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’s coaching philosophy, as shared in a 2023 interview with The Athletic, emphasized discipline and focus: “I’m not big on girlfriends or house parties. We get up, we go to school, we have our activity, whether it’s basketball or it’s dance, we get our homework done, and that’s about it.”

Her influence was evident in Dylan’s standout freshman season at Rutgers, where he averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, earning third-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman honors. On draft night, Maria’s pride was palpable. “It’s surreal. The NBA is a very, very exclusive club, and he’s worked so hard to get here. I’m just proud of him,” she told ESPNW, a moment that was widely shared online.

A Family Affair

The Harper family’s basketball legacy added another layer to the night’s narrative. Dylan’s father, Ron Harper, a former NBA star who won titles with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, was emotional as he hugged his son after the draft announcement. Dylan’s older brother, Ron Harper Jr., plays in the NBA G League, and his 13-year-old sister, Mia, is a rising star in competitive dance with potential in basketball. Maria herself weighed in on Mia’s athleticism, telling NorthJersey.com, “At comparative age of 13… Mia, 100 percent. She jumps higher. She’s more coordinated. She’s explosive.”

A Gift to Remember

Hours before the draft, Maria made headlines for a thoughtful gift to Dylan: three personalized diamond chains celebrating his remarkable college season. The gesture, reported by College Sports Network, underscored her role as a supportive and proud mother, setting the tone for the emotional night ahead.

The Spurs’ New Star and a Viral Sensation

As Dylan prepares to join forces with Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle in San Antonio, the basketball world is eager to see how his skills translate to the NBA. But on draft night, it was Maria Harper who stole the show, earning admiration for her beauty, strength, and unwavering support for her son. As one X post put it, “Dylan Harper a top 3 NBA draft pick and his mother look like this. God gave this family 99 potential.”

Maria’s viral moment was more than a fleeting social media frenzy—it was a testament to her integral role in Dylan’s success and a celebration of a family deeply rooted in basketball. As Dylan embarks on his NBA journey, Maria Harper’s influence, both on and off the court, will undoubtedly continue to shine.

Flip the pages for Maria Harper’s black leather dress.

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