Two players with Filipino heritage will compete in the NBA Finals this month, ensuring one will bring a championship to the Philippines for the first time.
Jordan Clarkson of the New York Knicks and Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs both have deep ties to the Philippines through their mothers. Clarkson, who turns 34 on Sunday, joined the Knicks last July after previous stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz. He has also represented the Filipino national team. Harper, a 20-year-old rookie drafted second overall last year, is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and Maria Harper, who is from the Philippines. Maria serves as a high school boys assistant coach in New Jersey. Clarkson said the matchup is inspiring for Filipino-Americans and Filipinos everywhere. Harper noted that basketball is the biggest thing in the Philippines and expressed excitement about representing their heritage on the biggest stage.
