Harper’s son open to play for Gilas

MANILA, Philippines — Five-time NBA champion Ron Harper’s son Ronald Jr. hopes to someday play for Gilas, an item in his bucket list, and his Filipina mother Maria Pizarro said recently it would be a dreamcome true for the 6-6 Rutgers University star to represent her home country.

Pizarro left Manila when she was seven to migrate to the US with her family. “We made sure our home in the US was a Filipino home with the core values, traditions and food,” she said. “My mom is an awesome cook and Ron attests to that. Ronald could eat chicken adobo and white rice every day and my two younger kids Dylan and Mia, the same thing. Ron loves adobo, too. Ronald grew up embracing our Filipino culture, feeling the warmth of Filipino generosity and hospitality.”

Ronald, 21, said he was supposed to join Jalen Green to play in the NBTC in Manila in 2018 but couldn’t make the trip because his high school season hadn’t ended. Green and another Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson are now playing in the NBA and they’re Ronald’s role models. “They’re the best of the best and Filipinos look up to them,” he said.

Harper, who played on five NBA title teams with Chicago and Los Angeles under coach Phil Jackson, said he was never offered to see action in the Philippines when his NBA career ended in 2001. “After 15 years in the NBA and all those injuries, it was time to stop playing,” he said. “I’d considered playing in Italy, Greece or Germany and a couple of countries asked. I did a tour with MJ in Japan, with Moses Malone and Spud Webb in Switzerland and summer games in Guam. I was actually in the Philippines on three or four trips and I remember being asked about my son taking out dual citizenship. Ronald was then in junior high. When I got back home, I talked to Ronald about it but he wasn’t sure. If ever he plays for the national team, I’ll come over and see him play. I’ll be in the back row so nobody sees me.”

Ronald said before graduating from high school, he tried to get a Philippine passport. “The process was tedious and I wasn’t able to do it,” he said. “It’d be special to represent the Philippines at the global level.” His grandfather Manuel Pizarro represented the Philippines in the demonstration sport of basque pelota at the 1968 Mexico Olympics so there’s a family tradition to follow. Ronald calls his mother’s parents Lolo Manuel and Lola Lilia.

Ronald applied for the NBA draft this year but withdrew to play his final year at Rutgers. “Growing up, my dad took a step back because of his NBA career and my mom worked wonders in my life,” he said. “When I was younger, I watched my dad play countless games but now, I watch KD, Steph and Giannis a lot.” Harper said he won’t pressure his son into turning pro. “It’s his choice,” he said. “All I want is for him to enjoy his senior year, work hard and have fun. Whatever he decides after graduating, I’ll support him.”