Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Dylan Harper is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Born on March 2, 2006, Harper developed into one of the country’s most promising young basketball players during his time at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in New Jersey and Rutgers University. He was selected with the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors following his impressive debut season. Beyond basketball, his family has played an important role in his development, with both parents and his older brother having experience in competitive basketball.
Dylan Harper’s family includes his girlfriend, JoJo Lacey, his father, Ron Harper Sr., his mother, Maria Harper, his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., and his younger sister, Mia Harper. His father is a five-time NBA champion who played alongside Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, while his mother is a former college basketball player and experienced coach. His brother also plays professionally in the NBA, making the Harpers one of basketball’s most recognizable families.
Dylan Harper’s Girlfriend: Who Is JoJo Lacey?
Dylan Harper is in a publicly documented relationship with JoJo Lacey, an American basketball player who previously represented Boston College and Rutgers University.
The couple attracted increasing attention during Harper’s first NBA season, particularly when Lacey appeared at San Antonio Spurs games and celebrated his basketball achievements through social media.
JoJo Lacey is originally from Douglassville, Pennsylvania. She attended Westtown School before beginning her college basketball career at Boston College in 2020.
During her four seasons with the Boston College Eagles, Lacey developed into an important member of the women’s basketball program.
Her performances included a career-high 23 points against North Carolina in February 2024.
After completing her undergraduate career at Boston College, she transferred to Rutgers University for the 2024-25 season while pursuing graduate studies.
At Rutgers, Lacey started all 33 games and averaged 10.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. She became one of the team’s most consistent players and led the Scarlet Knights in three-pointers made.
Her basketball career continued after graduation. In 2025, she signed a training camp contract with the Washington Mystics of the WNBA but was waived before securing a regular-season roster position.
She subsequently participated in Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball, continuing her professional development.
How Did Dylan Harper Meet JoJo Lacey?
Dylan Harper and JoJo Lacey met while attending Rutgers University in New Jersey, where both played college basketball during the 2024-25 season.
Although Harper represented the men’s basketball team and Lacey played for the women’s program, their shared university environment gave them opportunities to develop a relationship.
The exact date when their romance began has not been publicly established. However, the couple became increasingly visible together during Harper’s transition from college basketball to the NBA.
Following his selection by the San Antonio Spurs in June 2025, Lacey celebrated the milestone through Instagram, posting a message expressing happiness about sharing his journey.
Harper also included photographs of Lacey among the family members and friends who supported him throughout the draft process.
On August 24, 2025, the couple attended the USTA Foundation’s Opening Night Gala at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
Their appearance together provided additional public confirmation of their romantic relationship.
In June 2026, People magazine identified Lacey as Harper’s girlfriend while reporting on the wives and girlfriends supporting San Antonio Spurs players during the NBA Finals.
The publication noted that Lacey had continued supporting Harper throughout his rookie season, frequently celebrating his achievements in person and on social media.
As of now, JoJo Lacey remains Dylan Harper’s most recently publicly confirmed girlfriend. No reliable subsequent announcement of an engagement or marriage has been established.
Dylan Harper’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
There is no publicly verified information indicating that Dylan Harper has children. The San Antonio Spurs guard has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and reliable biographical sources do not identify him as a father.
Born in March 2006, Harper entered the NBA at just 19 years old after completing one season at Rutgers University.
Most publicly available information about his personal life centers on his basketball career, his relationship with JoJo Lacey and his close connections with his parents and siblings.
Although the couple has shared moments of their relationship publicly, neither has confirmed welcoming a child.
As of now, Dylan Harper has no publicly confirmed children.
Dylan Harper’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Dylan Harper was born to Ron Harper Sr. and Maria Harper, formerly known as Maria Pizarro. Both of his parents have extensive backgrounds in competitive basketball.
His father enjoyed a successful 15-season NBA career and won five championships, while his mother played Division I college basketball and later became a respected high school coach.
Ron and Maria first met in 1998 and married on December 31, 2005. They welcomed three children together: Ron Harper Jr., Dylan Harper and Mia Harper.
The couple divorced in 2012, after which Maria raised their children while continuing her basketball coaching career.
Despite their separation, both parents have remained involved in supporting Dylan’s basketball development.
Dylan Harper’s Father: Ron Harper Sr.
Ron Harper Sr. is Dylan Harper’s father and a former American professional basketball player who won five NBA championships during his distinguished career.
Born on January 20, 1964, in Dayton, Ohio, Ron developed into an outstanding basketball player at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
During his college career, he became one of the greatest players in the university’s history, earning multiple Mid-American Conference honors.
He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the eighth overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft.
Ron immediately established himself as an outstanding NBA guard, averaging 22.9 points per game during his rookie season.
After beginning his professional career with Cleveland, he joined the Los Angeles Clippers in 1989.
He spent five seasons with the Clippers before signing with the Chicago Bulls in 1994.
At Chicago, Harper became an important defensive contributor alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.
He helped the Bulls win three consecutive NBA championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
Following his time in Chicago, Ron joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played alongside Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
He won another two NBA titles in 2000 and 2001, bringing his career championship total to five.
Ron retired in 2001 after playing 15 NBA seasons with the Cavaliers, Clippers, Bulls and Lakers.
His professional experience provided Dylan with valuable insight into the demands of competing at basketball’s highest level.
Although Maria was Dylan’s primary basketball coach during childhood, Ron also offered advice about preparation, discipline and developing a professional mentality.
In a May 2025 interview with HoopsHype, Dylan explained that his father frequently shared stories about the work ethic of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
Those conversations helped him understand the dedication required to succeed in the NBA.
Ron also recognized his son’s basketball potential from an early age. In an interview with The Athletic, he recalled believing that Dylan could become an exceptional player when he was approximately five years old.
When Dylan entered the 2025 NBA Draft, Ron attended the event and celebrated his son’s selection by the San Antonio Spurs.
The occasion represented an important milestone for the Harper family, with Dylan following his father and older brother into professional basketball.
Dylan Harper’s Mother: Maria Harper
Maria Harper, formerly known as Maria Pizarro, is Dylan Harper’s mother and a former college basketball player who became a respected basketball coach in New Jersey.
Maria has Filipino ancestry and originally comes from Bataan in the Philippines. She immigrated to the United States with her family when she was approximately seven years old.
Growing up, she developed an interest in basketball and began playing during elementary school.
Her athletic abilities eventually earned her an opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division I level.
She attended the University of New Orleans, where she played college basketball during the 1990s.
Maria was known for her defensive intensity, competitiveness and willingness to create scoring opportunities for her teammates.
After completing her playing career, she moved into coaching and developed extensive experience in youth and high school basketball.
Her coaching journey included working as an assistant coach in Chicago and later becoming the head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, New Jersey.
She temporarily stepped away from coaching to support the basketball career of her oldest son, Ron Harper Jr.
In 2019, Maria returned to coaching as an assistant with the boys’ basketball program at Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey.
The appointment allowed her to work closely with Dylan, who was developing into one of the country’s leading high school prospects.
How Maria Harper Helped Dylan Become an NBA Player
Maria Harper played a particularly important role in Dylan’s basketball development because she served as his coach from elementary school through his senior year of high school.
She introduced him to basketball, taught him fundamental skills and encouraged him to develop confidence in his abilities.
As Dylan grew older, Maria maintained demanding expectations regarding effort, discipline and teamwork.
Her coaching philosophy emphasized making intelligent decisions, playing strong defense and improving through consistent practice.
In a December 2024 interview with Swish Cultures, Dylan described his mother as the first person who coached him and one of the most important influences in his life.
He credited her with helping him overcome difficult moments and remain focused on his long-term ambitions.
Maria also handled many of the responsibilities associated with raising three children while maintaining her coaching career.
Her dedication became especially evident when Dylan was preparing for the 2025 NBA Draft.
On June 25, 2025, she accompanied her son to the draft in Brooklyn, New York, where the San Antonio Spurs selected him with the second overall pick.
Maria celebrated the announcement alongside Dylan and other family members, and their emotional reaction attracted significant attention from basketball fans.
In subsequent interviews, Dylan continued emphasizing his mother’s influence, explaining that she encouraged him to concentrate on basketball while she helped manage other responsibilities.
Her support remained important during his rookie season with San Antonio and the team’s run to the 2026 NBA Finals.
Dylan Harper’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Dylan Harper has two publicly documented siblings: an older brother named Ron Harper Jr. and a younger sister named Mia Harper.
The three children were raised by Ron Harper Sr. and Maria Harper, growing up in a household with strong connections to competitive athletics.
While Dylan and Ron Jr. followed their parents into basketball, Mia developed her own athletic interests through competitive dancing.
Ron Harper Jr. – Dylan Harper’s Older Brother
Ron Harper Jr. is Dylan Harper’s older brother and an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics in the NBA.
Born on April 12, 2000, Ron Jr. grew up in New Jersey and developed his basketball abilities under the guidance of his parents.
He attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School, where he became an accomplished high school basketball player.
Following graduation, Ron Jr. committed to Rutgers University, joining the Scarlet Knights for the 2018-19 season.
During four years at Rutgers, he developed into one of the program’s most important players.
Ron Jr. played 121 college basketball games and averaged 12.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game during his university career.
One of his most memorable performances occurred in December 2021, when he made a dramatic buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat top-ranked Purdue.
His contribution helped Rutgers achieve significant success, including returning to the NCAA Tournament in 2021 after a 30-year absence.
Ron Jr. entered the 2022 NBA Draft but was not selected.
He subsequently signed with the Toronto Raptors, beginning his professional basketball career through a two-way contract.
After spending time with Toronto and the Detroit Pistons, he joined the Boston Celtics organization in 2025.
His performances eventually earned him a standard NBA contract in April 2026.
On July 6, 2026, Boston officially announced that Ron Harper Jr. had signed a new multi-year contract with the franchise.
The agreement represented an important milestone in his career after several seasons working to establish himself in the league.
How Ron Harper Jr. Influenced Dylan Harper’s Basketball Career
Dylan Harper grew up watching his older brother compete in basketball, making Ron Jr. an important role model during his childhood.
The brothers regularly practiced together and developed a competitive relationship that helped improve their skills.
Because Ron Jr. was approximately six years older, Dylan often found himself competing against a stronger and more experienced player.
Those challenges encouraged him to develop his ball-handling abilities, court awareness and confidence.
When Ron Jr. joined Rutgers University, Dylan became familiar with the basketball program and its coaching staff.
His older brother’s positive college experience eventually influenced his own recruitment.
Despite receiving offers from prominent programs including Duke, Kansas and Auburn, Dylan committed to Rutgers in December 2023.
He explained that his connection to the university and its coaching staff played an important role in his decision.
By choosing Rutgers, Dylan followed his brother’s path while pursuing his own ambitions.
The brothers eventually achieved the distinction of both becoming NBA players.
In March 2026, they faced each other professionally when the Boston Celtics played the San Antonio Spurs, providing another memorable chapter in their family’s basketball history.
Mia Harper – Dylan Harper’s Younger Sister
Mia Harper is Dylan Harper’s younger sister and the youngest child of Ron Harper Sr. and Maria Harper.
Born in 2010, Mia grew up in New Jersey alongside her two older brothers.
Unlike Dylan and Ron Jr., who followed their parents into competitive basketball, Mia developed a passion for dancing.
She became involved in competitive dance and tumbling through Studio L Dance Company in Waldwick, New Jersey.
According to a February 2024 feature published by NorthJersey.com, Mia trained extensively in different forms of dance and developed particular strength in tumbling.
Her performances require athletic ability, flexibility, coordination and dedication, qualities also associated with competitive basketball.
Kelly Larkin, the owner of Studio L, praised Mia’s determination and her willingness to help younger dancers develop their skills.
Despite growing up in a famous basketball family, Mia has expressed greater enthusiasm for dancing than basketball.
In interviews, she has humorously described her brothers’ sporting careers as ordinary parts of her family life.
Dylan has also spoken affectionately about his younger sister’s athletic abilities.
In the NorthJersey.com interview, he joked that Mia could potentially become a talented basketball guard if she decided to pursue the sport.
Although her brothers have achieved success in professional basketball, Mia continues developing her own interests and identity through dance.
Her achievements highlight the different athletic talents represented within the Harper family.
Dylan Harper’s Filipino Heritage and Family Background
Dylan Harper has Filipino heritage through his mother, Maria Harper, who was born in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States.
Maria’s family comes from Bataan, a province located in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines.
Her background has helped Dylan maintain a connection to Filipino culture despite growing up in the United States.
During interviews following the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper expressed appreciation for his Filipino roots and discussed some of his favorite traditional foods.
In a July 2025 interview highlighted by GMA News, Dylan identified chicken adobo as one of his favorite Filipino dishes.
He particularly praised the version prepared by his grandmother, explaining that its distinctive flavor was difficult to replicate.
His family background has attracted interest from basketball fans in the Philippines, where the NBA enjoys a large following.
With an American father and a mother of Filipino heritage, Dylan represents a combination of cultural influences that have shaped his upbringing.
He has publicly expressed pride in his family and the values passed down through both sides of his heritage.
How Dylan Harper’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Dylan Harper’s basketball journey began in New Jersey, where he grew up surrounded by family members with extensive experience in the sport.
His father brought knowledge from a successful NBA career, while his mother provided direct coaching and his older brother became an example of how to pursue basketball at the college level.
As a child, Dylan frequently attended basketball practices and games, developing an understanding of the sport from an early age.
His mother coached him throughout elementary school and continued working with him as he progressed through high school.
Dylan eventually attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey.
During his high school career, he developed into one of the nation’s leading basketball prospects, earning widespread recognition for his scoring ability, court vision and physical strength.
He helped Don Bosco win a state championship during his senior season and received several prestigious individual awards.
His achievements included the 2024 Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year award and selection to the McDonald’s All-American Game.
Harper subsequently committed to Rutgers University, choosing to play for head coach Steve Pikiell.
During his freshman season in 2024-25, he averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.
His performances established him as one of the most exciting young guards in college basketball.
After one season at Rutgers, he declared for the 2025 NBA Draft.
On June 25, 2025, the San Antonio Spurs selected him with the second overall pick.
His selection placed him among the highest-drafted players in Rutgers basketball history and completed another important chapter in the Harper family’s sporting legacy.
During his rookie NBA season in 2025-26, Dylan averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and contributed to San Antonio’s run to the 2026 NBA Finals, where the Spurs faced the New York Knicks.
Although San Antonio lost the championship series, Harper’s performances demonstrated his potential to become an important part of the franchise’s future.
Throughout his journey, Dylan has consistently credited his parents and siblings with helping him remain focused and motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dylan Harper’s Family
Who is Dylan Harper’s girlfriend?
Dylan Harper’s most recently publicly confirmed girlfriend is JoJo Lacey, a basketball player who attended Boston College and Rutgers University. Their relationship was documented by People magazine in June 2026.
How did Dylan Harper meet JoJo Lacey?
Dylan Harper and JoJo Lacey met while attending Rutgers University in New Jersey, where both played college basketball during the 2024-25 season.
Is Dylan Harper married?
There is no publicly confirmed information indicating that Dylan Harper is married. His most recently documented relationship is with JoJo Lacey.
Does Dylan Harper have children?
There are no publicly verified reports indicating that Dylan Harper has any children.
Who is Dylan Harper’s father?
His father is Ron Harper Sr., a former NBA player who won five championships with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
Who is Dylan Harper’s mother?
His mother is Maria Harper, formerly Maria Pizarro, a former college basketball player at the University of New Orleans and an experienced basketball coach.
Are Dylan Harper’s parents still married?
No. Ron Harper Sr. and Maria Harper married in December 2005 and divorced in 2012. Both have continued supporting their children’s basketball careers.
How many siblings does Dylan Harper have?
Dylan Harper has two siblings: an older brother, Ron Harper Jr., and a younger sister, Mia Harper.
Who is Dylan Harper’s brother?
His older brother is Ron Harper Jr., a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics who previously represented Rutgers University.
Who is Dylan Harper’s sister?
His younger sister is Mia Harper, a competitive dancer associated with Studio L Dance Company in New Jersey.
Is Dylan Harper Filipino?
Dylan Harper is American and has Filipino heritage through his mother, Maria Harper, who immigrated to the United States from the Philippines during childhood.
Is Dylan Harper related to Ron Harper?
Yes. Former NBA player Ron Harper Sr., who won five NBA championships, is Dylan Harper’s father.
Where is Dylan Harper’s family from?
Dylan Harper grew up in New Jersey, United States. His father is originally from Dayton, Ohio, while his mother has roots in Bataan, Philippines.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
