Dylan Harper may be the newest face of the San Antonio Spurs, but the roots of favorite comfort food lies farther — and way closer to home.
In a lighthearted video posted on the Spurs' official Instagram account, the no. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft was asked what his favorite Filipino dish is. Harper didn’t hesitate.
“Chicken adobo!” he said with a smile.
But not just any adobo — it has to be made by someone special.
“I think the sauce is different. You can’t really replicate it,” Harper said. “I only eat my grandma’s one, but yeah, definitely that.”
The 18-year-old guard out of Rutgers may be thousands of miles from his maternal roots, but he made it clear that his Filipino heritage is close to his heart — and, judging by his answer, even closer to his taste buds.
[ALSO READ: Dylan Harper proud to carry Filipino heritage next to Clarkson, Green, McCain in modern NBA]
Food, however, isn’t the only thing Harper is bringing with him to San Antonio.
Even before he’s played a single minute for the Spurs, Harper has already made one thing clear: the losing stops now.
“That’s going to change really quick,” Harper said. “We’re going to make the playoffs. I think for the Spurs fans and everyone else, our group is very exciting. There’s a lot to look forward to. The sky’s the limit for this group we’ve got.”
[ALSO READ: Spurs bolster backcourt with selection of Fil-Am Dylan Harper as second pick in 2025 NBA Draft]
San Antonio hasn’t made the playoffs since 2019, but Harper isn’t afraid to speak boldly about the future.
He’ll wear jersey no. 2 — a number last worn by Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard — and joins a young core that includes back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. All three were top-four picks.
[ALSO READ: San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle emerges as 2025 Rookie of the Year winner]
That context isn’t lost on Harper. In fact, it’s already shaping his mindset.
“I don’t feel any pressure [to win Rookie of the Year], but I definitely want to keep that going,” he said. “That’s definitely a goal of mine. But really, my biggest goal is just getting better every day, taking it day by day, step by step, and learning from everyone I can.”
Harper’s confidence may sound bold for someone just entering the league, but it’s built on work, not hype.
“I think my confidence comes from all the work I’ve put in,” he said. “I feel like I’m one of the hardest-working people out there. I know how much I’ve sacrificed. You’ve still got to stay humble, because just as quick as you get everything, everything can go away.”
Harper may be new to the NBA, but he already sounds like someone who understands the culture — of his team, his family, and himself.
