Maria Harper’s Age And Biography: 5 Facts About The Woman Behind The 2025 NBA Draft Star
Maria Pizarro Harper: Complete Biography and Profile
Maria Pizarro Harper is a prominent figure in the New Jersey basketball community and a key member of one of the sport's most successful families.
- Full Name: Maria Pizarro Harper (Maiden Name: Pizarro)
- Current Residence: New Jersey, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: 100% Filipino (Fil-Am)
- Spouse: Ron Harper Sr. (Five-time NBA Champion)
- Children: Ron Harper Jr. (Professional Basketball Player), Dylan Harper (2025 NBA Draft No. 2 Pick), and Mia Harper (Youngest Daughter)
- Parents: Manuel Pizarro and Lillia Pizarro
- Immigration: Immigrated from the Philippines to the United States at the age of seven.
- Education: University of New Orleans (Division I Basketball Player)
- Current Roles: Assistant Coach at Don Bosco Prep; Owner of Ring City Basketball.
- Known For: Mother of NBA star Dylan Harper and wife of NBA legend Ron Harper Sr.
Addressing the Question: What is Maria Harper's Age?
The exact birth date and year for Maria Pizarro Harper are not publicly disclosed, which is common for individuals who maintain a degree of privacy despite their family's fame. However, we can accurately estimate her age based on key milestones in her life and career.
Estimated Age Range: Mid-40s to Early 50s (as of late 2025).
This estimate is based on the following facts:
Firstly, her son, Dylan Harper, was born in March 2006, making him 19 years old during the 2025 NBA Draft. Assuming Maria was in her mid-to-late 20s when she had her eldest son, Ron Harper Jr. (born 2000), and her youngest, Dylan, she would likely be in her late 40s or early 50s today.
Secondly, Maria played Division I college basketball at the University of New Orleans. Her college career would have taken place in the late 1980s or 1990s, aligning with the timeline of a woman in her late 40s or early 50s in 2025. She met her husband, Ron Harper Sr., in 1998, further suggesting she was a young adult around that time.
While the exact date remains private, the most accurate estimation places this influential figure in an age range that reflects her long and successful career in basketball, both as a player and a coach.
5 Key Facts About Maria Harper’s Impactful Career
Maria Harper is far more than just the mother of a top NBA draft pick; she has a distinguished career that makes her a powerhouse in her own right. Her journey from an immigrant child to a basketball entrepreneur showcases incredible determination.
1. She Was a Division I College Basketball Star
Maria Pizarro Harper was a standout athlete who played Division I college basketball. She attended the University of New Orleans, where she played the Guard position. Her experience as a 5-foot-4 athlete who competed at the highest collegiate level provided her with the foundational knowledge she now passes on to her sons and the players she coaches.
2. Maria is 100% Filipino and an Immigrant
Her heritage is a point of pride for the family. Maria is 100% Filipino, having immigrated from the Philippines to the United States when she was seven years old. She grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, where she first began playing basketball in the fifth grade. This background has made her a celebrated figure in the Filipino-American (Fil-Am) community, particularly in the world of basketball.
3. She is the Owner of an AAU Basketball Program
Beyond coaching at the high school level, Maria is the owner of Ring City Basketball, one of North Jersey’s fastest-growing Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) programs. Both of her sons, Ron Harper Jr. and Dylan Harper, competed for Ring City on the AAU circuit, demonstrating her hands-on involvement in developing their foundational skills. This role highlights her business acumen and her commitment to youth development in the sport.
4. She Coached Both of Her NBA-Bound Sons
Maria served as her sons’ basketball coach from a young age, playing a crucial role in their development. She is currently the assistant coach for the boys' team at Don Bosco Prep, the high school attended by both Ron Jr. and Dylan. Dylan Harper has frequently credited his mother's coaching for his growth in the sport, noting that her perspective as a former player and coach was invaluable to his success.
5. She is Married to NBA Legend Ron Harper Sr.
Maria is married to five-time NBA champion Ron Harper Sr., who had a storied career with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. The couple met in 1998. Their combined basketball knowledge and experience—a five-time NBA champion and a Division I player/coach—have created a true basketball dynasty, with both of their sons now playing professionally.
Detail Author:
- Name : Sean Hansen
- Username : beer.dylan
- Email : celine42@hudson.com
- Birthdate : 1990-03-07
- Address : 6300 Skyla Inlet Lamontbury, SD 83678
- Phone : 828.988.4569
- Company : Sanford and Sons
- Job : Metal-Refining Furnace Operator
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