BROTHERS Dylan and Ron Harper Jr. can’t play as locals should they decide to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas disclosed the playing children of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, unfortunately, weren’t able to secure their Philippine passports before they turned 18 and thus, won’t be considered as local players for the Philippines.
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy clarified the matter in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
She said the Harpers initially inquired about the possibility of playing for Gilas, at which point the SBP learned they were already over the age of 18.
“To begin with, I don’t believe si Dylan has a passport already. Although they’ve reached out, I think, two years ago nung nasa Las Vegas kami ni coach Norman [Black] asking about eligibility,” she related.
“But he was already 18 at that time or 19. And wala pa pala silang passport.”
Harpers' Filipino heritage
Dylan, now 20 years old, was the No. 2 overall pick of San Antonio in last year’s draft and was a key player for the Spurs team that finished runner-up behind the New York Knicks in the finals.
Ron Jr., meanwhile, is currently with the Boston Celtics.
Their mother Maria Pizarro Harper is from Bataan and once served as head coach of DePaul Catholic High School.
Their father Ron was a 15-year NBA veteran who won five championships with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers.
“So definitely, yung magkapatid, they won’t be eligible as a local kung maglalaro sa Gilas yan,” said Dy.
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