Spurs’ Dylan Harper shows love for Alex Eala after tennis star’s US Open exit

Born in a Filipino-American family, Dylan Harper has always been connected to his roots. The San Antonio Spurs’ incoming sophomore player also shows his support for athletes of similar descent.

Recently, Harper shared an Instagram story showing love to Filipino tennis player Alex Eala at the 2026 US Open. The story featured her photo with the caption “ONE FINAL TIME FOR ALEX EALA AT THE ’26 US OPEN.”

Eala, who’s ranked No. 18 and the highest-ever Filipino WTA player, reached the third round before losing to Iva Jovic on September 5. Harper made sure to celebrate her stint with an Instagram story featuring the Philippine flag and fist emoji.

The young guard’s Filipino heritage comes from his mother’s side of the family. His mother, Maria Pizarro-Harper, was born in Bataan, Philippines. She immigrated to Paterson, New Jersey, along with her family when she was seven years old.

This athletic lineage also traces back to his maternal grandfather, Manuel Pizarro. He proudly represented the Philippines in Basque pelota (jai alai) at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

As for his basketball journey, Harper credits his mother’s family and her deep understanding of the game as the ultimate foundation for his success.

His father, Ron Harper, is a former NBA champion who won five championships in the league. Harper Sr. won three with the Chicago Bulls, while two came during his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Maria, who played collegiate basketball at the University of New Orleans, coached Dylan from grade school through high school. Her crucial contribution during Harper’s development years helped him build a work ethic that led to him becoming the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Standing alongside Filipino-American talents like Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green, Harper proudly carries the flag for the global Pinoy community.

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