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Dylan Harper’s mom weighs in on son being drafted

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 9:07 AM ET

Dylan Harper went No. 2 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and will soon be joining his father, who had a lengthy career in the league. Dylan’s mother Maria played college basketball and is proud of her son.

Maria Harper was interviewed by ESPNW after her son was selected No. 2 overall by the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

“It’s surreal. The NBA is a very, very exclusive club. He’s worked so hard to get here. I’m just proud of him,” Harper said.

Dylan Harper's Mom, Maria, on her son making the NBA: "It's surreal. The NBA is a very, very exclusive club."

Via @espnW pic.twitter.com/JTwPPzKpnI
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 26, 2025

In addition to playing college basketball for New Orleans, Maria Harper has served as a high school head coach. She also served as an assistant coach for Harper’s high school — Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey.

“She was probably 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,” Dylan Harper has said of his mom.

Dylan credits mom Maria for playing a big role in his development. Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game during his freshman season at Rutgers. His older brother Ron Jr. also played at Rutgers and has been trying to get his way from the G League to the NBA.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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