5 Fascinating Facts About Maria Pizarro-Harper: How Old Is Dylan Harper's Mom?
The question of "How old is Dylan Harper's mom?" has become a major search query, especially since her son, Dylan Harper, made headlines as a top NBA draft pick. As of December 2025, Dylan Harper's mother, Maria Pizarro-Harper, is 51 years old, having been born in November 1974. Her age, however, is just one small detail in a much larger, compelling story of a dedicated athlete, coach, and mother who has quietly built a basketball dynasty alongside her famous family.
Maria Pizarro-Harper is much more than just the mother of a rising NBA star; she is a former Division I college basketball player, a successful coach, and the ex-wife of NBA legend Ron Harper Sr. Her influence on the careers of her sons, Dylan Harper and Ron Harper Jr., is a central theme in their success, proving that the roots of their talent run deep within the family.
Maria Pizarro-Harper: A Basketball Dynasty Matriarch
The family of Dylan Harper is steeped in basketball excellence, with both parents and his older brother having significant careers in the sport. Maria Pizarro-Harper has been a driving force behind this legacy, transitioning from a collegiate player to a highly respected coach.
- Full Name: Maria Pizarro-Harper (also known as Maria Pizarro and Maria Harper)
- Current Age (as of December 2025): 51 years old
- Birth Month/Year: November 1974
- Place of Birth: Bataan, Philippines
- Nationality: Filipino-American
- Parents: Manuel and Lillia Pizarro
- Ex-Husband: Ron Harper Sr. (NBA Legend, married 2005–2012)
- Children: Ron Harper Jr. (NBA G League player) and Dylan Harper (NBA player)
- College Career: University of New Orleans (Guard, 1993–1996)
- Current Profession: Basketball Coach (Founder of Ring City AAU program)
The Confirmed Age of Dylan Harper's Mom
The exact age of Maria Pizarro-Harper can be determined through public records and her verifiable college basketball career. She was born in November 1974, which means she celebrated her 51st birthday in November 2025. This places her in a similar age bracket to many parents of top-tier professional athletes, but her personal journey to this point is unique.
This birth year aligns perfectly with her time as a Division I collegiate player. Maria Pizarro played as a guard for the University of New Orleans from 1993 to 1996. A typical college player starts at age 18 or 19. If she started in 1993, she would have been born in 1974 or 1975, which strongly supports the November 1974 birth date. Her grit and tenacity on the court, which she is known for, have clearly been passed down to her sons.
From Bataan to the Big Leagues: Maria Pizarro's Filipino Roots and College Career
Maria Pizarro-Harper's story is one of immigration, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of basketball excellence. Her background is a vital part of the Harper family narrative and a point of pride for the Filipino-American community.
Immigrating from the Philippines
Maria Pizarro was born in Bataan, Philippines, and immigrated to the United States when she was just seven years old, settling in Paterson, New Jersey. Her Filipino heritage is significant to the family; Dylan Harper is often noted for his Filipino roots.
The connection to basketball runs even deeper through her side of the family. Maria's father, Manuel Pizarro, represented the Philippines in the 1968 Olympics, making the family a multi-generational basketball powerhouse long before Ron Harper Sr. became an NBA champion.
The University of New Orleans (UNO) Years
Before becoming a respected coach and the mother of two elite prospects, Maria Pizarro was a dedicated college athlete. She played Division I basketball at the University of New Orleans (UNO) from 1993 to 1996. While she was not known primarily as a shooter, her reputation was built on being a "gritty player" who excelled in the guard position. This on-court toughness and defensive mindset are qualities that both Dylan and his older brother, Ron Harper Jr., have demonstrated in their own careers.
The Coaching Legacy: Ring City AAU and Influence on Dylan Harper
After her playing days, Maria Pizarro-Harper transitioned into coaching, where she has had a profound and direct impact on the next generation of basketball stars, including her own children. This coaching experience is arguably the most critical factor in the development of Dylan Harper's game.
Founding the Ring City AAU Program
Maria has over 30 years of experience in basketball coaching, a testament to her deep commitment to the sport. She founded the Ring City AAU program in New Jersey, a significant platform for young athletes. Her role as a coach has been hands-on and instrumental in shaping the skills and discipline of her sons.
Dylan Harper has frequently credited his mother for his growth in the sport, often citing her as his biggest inspiration. While his father, Ron Harper Sr., is a five-time NBA champion, Maria provided the foundational coaching and day-to-day discipline that cultivated Dylan's talent from a young age.
The Dynamic Family Trio: Ron Sr., Maria, and the Sons
The Harper family structure, though complex, is unified by basketball. Ron Harper Sr. and Maria Pizarro-Harper were married from 2005 to 2012, but their commitment to their children's careers remains absolute. Their collaboration ensures that both Dylan and Ron Harper Jr. receive guidance from two different, yet equally valuable, perspectives: the NBA championship experience of Ron Sr. and the grassroots coaching and development expertise of Maria.
Maria Pizarro-Harper's appearance at the 2025 NBA Draft, where Dylan was a top pick, went viral, drawing attention to her stylish and supportive presence. Her visibility in the media is a clear indicator that the story of Dylan Harper's success cannot be told without highlighting the dedication and coaching prowess of his mother, Maria, who at 51 years old, is still actively shaping the future of basketball.
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