New Era Philippines continues to bring the spirit of the game to the streets, offering official NBA headwear and apparel that bridges fans, players, and culture. Whether it’s a cap that reps your team or a silhouette that speaks to your style, every drop is made for those who live and breathe basketball.
The NBA is the biggest stage in basketball. It's where young athletes become legends, where rivalries span generations, and where fans around the world follow every move. For Filipinos, the NBA has always been more than a league. It's a passion that runs deep in every barangay court and a dream shared by millions.
NBA Draft 2025: The Future Starts Here
This year’s NBA Draft was held in Brooklyn and featured one of the most talked-about rookie classes in recent memory. From rising stars to international prospects, each pick came with a story—and for Filipino fans, the second pick hit close to home.
1st Pick – Cooper Flagg (@cooper_flagg) Dallas Mavericks
IMAGE SOURCE: https://apnews.com/article/nba-draft-2025-picks-cooper-flagg-315cf506494acafe615e1809531b5be4
The Dallas Mavericks made a bold choice by selecting Cooper Flagg, a 6’9” forward out of Duke. Flagg was the consensus number one throughout the year, winning the Naismith and Wooden awards. Known for his elite defensive instincts, high motor, and scoring versatility, he brings a fresh spark to Dallas. He’s expected to play alongside veterans like Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks, who missed consistency last season, now have a defensive anchor who can also score from all three levels. Could Flagg be the two-way star they’ve been missing since the Dirk Nowitzki era?
2nd Pick – Dylan Harper (@dylharpp) San Antonio Spurs
IMAGE SOURCE: Instagram @dylharpp
All eyes were on Dylan Harper, a 6'6" combo guard from Rutgers, who was selected by the San Antonio Spurs. Harper is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and Maria Pizarro, a Filipina from Bataan. He averaged nearly 20 points per game in college and stood out for his slashing drives, creative playmaking, and calm under pressure. He joins Victor Wembanyama and fellow rookie Stephon Castle in a Spurs lineup that is loaded with young talent. With his Filipino roots and high basketball IQ, Harper represents a new wave of players who can connect with fans in the Philippines and beyond. Will he rise as one of the leaders of this next-generation Spurs team?
3rd Pick – V.J. Edgecombe (@vj.edgecombe) Philadelphia 76ers
IMAGE SOURCE: www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2025/06/25/vj-edgecombe-third-pick-philadelphia-76ers-nba-draft/84349260007/
Philadelphia picked up Baylor standout V.J. Edgecombe, a 6’4” shooting guard from the Bahamas. Known for his elite athleticism and defensive mindset, Edgecombe is a perfect fit alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Philly fans are expecting him to contribute right away, especially as a lockdown perimeter defender and transition threat. Edgecombe’s work ethic and team-first attitude have already drawn comparisons to Jimmy Butler’s early years.
4th Pick – Kon Knueppel (@kon2knueppel) Charlotte Hornets
IMAGE SOURCE: https://fox11online.com/sports/bucks-and-nba/milwaukee-native-kon-knueppel-taken-4th-in-nba-draft-by-hornets
Charlotte picked Kon Knueppel, a sharp-shooting 6'7" forward from Duke. His basketball IQ and elite three-point shooting will be valuable alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The Hornets are banking on Knueppel to become a reliable spot-up shooter and help improve their offensive spacing.
5th Pick – Ace Bailey (@acebailey) Utah Jazz
IMAGE SOURCE: https://clutchpoints.com/nba/utah-jazz/jazz-rumors-ace-baileys-representatives-made-shocking-request
Rounding out the top five, the Jazz picked up 6'8" forward Ace Bailey, also from Rutgers. Known for his raw athleticism and highlight dunks, Bailey is a high-upside pick who will join Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George in Utah. Despite skipping several pre-draft events, his on-court potential made him impossible to ignore.
Other Standouts in the Draft
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Tre Johnson, taken at 6th by Washington, brings scoring and pace to a young Wizards backcourt.
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Jeremiah Fears, picked by New Orleans at 7th, is a defensive-minded point guard who could surprise with his maturity.
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Egor Demin, a 6’9” Russian-born guard drafted at 8th by Brooklyn, is one of the tallest guards in league history and a long-term development piece.
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Khaman Maluach, selected 10th by Houston, is a former refugee from South Sudan who made his name at Duke. His journey to the NBA is one of the most powerful stories of this class.
Filipino Roots Run Deep in the League
Dylan Harper now becomes part of a small but proud group of NBA players with Filipino heritage. The journey began with Raymond Townsend, the first player of Filipino descent to reach the NBA. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1978, Townsend made history for the Filipino community and paved the way for others to follow.
IMAGE SOURCE:https://www.facebook.com/SDBasketballportal/posts/raymond-townsend-is-the-first-filipino-american-played-in-the-nba-he-was-drafted/1665010996955802/; INSTAGRAM: @jordanclarksons; @jalen
Next came Jordan Clarkson (@jordanclarksons), whose grandmother hails from Pampanga. A key piece for the Utah Jazz, Clarkson won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021 and is a consistent contributor on and off the court. Jalen Green (@jalen), selected second overall in 2021 by the Houston Rockets, has roots in Ilocos Sur. Known for his explosive athleticism, Green quickly became one of the most exciting young players in the league.
What does this mean for Filipino fans? It means there are now more players to root for, more reasons to stay tuned, and more pride in every possession. Could this be the start of a new generation of Pinoy power in the league?
New Era NBA 2025 Draft Collection: 19TWENTY Makes Its Mark
To celebrate this next generation of stars, New Era Philippines introduces the NBA 2025 Draft Collection featuring the all-new 19TWENTY silhouette. This retro-inspired adjustable cap is built for everyday wear, with a pre-curved visor, relaxed crown, and interior inset that give it a laid-back, throwback look. Available in both Men’s and Kids’ sizes, the 19TWENTY is a fresh way to rep your team while keeping it casual and street. Whether you’re following Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper to Dallas and San Antonio, or backing your own squad, this new silhouette is the perfect fit for the modern fan.
NBA Finals Recap: Oklahoma City Thunder Rise
Before the draft took over the headlines, the Oklahoma City Thunder closed the season with a championship run. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, Chet Holmgren locking down the paint, and Jalen Williams stepping up as a clutch scorer, OKC beat more experienced squads to claim the 2025 NBA title. The win confirmed what fans already suspected—this young Thunder core is ready to dominate.
Celebrate the Win: Thunder 2025 Championship Cap
To mark this historic win, New Era Philippines launched a Preorder Special Release of the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA 2025 Championship Black 9FIFTY A-Frame Snapback Cap. It is now available for preorder at neweracap.ph and in all physical New Era stores nationwide. Quantities are limited per location, so secure your piece of history before it sells out.
The 2025 Draft opened the door to the league’s future. A new generation is stepping up, and Filipino pride is louder than ever. Players like Dylan Harper bring more than talent, they bring identity, representation, and connection. Whether you’re courtside or curbside, with New Era Philippines, you’re not just watching the game. You’re wearing it. New Era Philippines keeps you connected to the game with headwear that makes a statement. From Filipino pride to NBA legacy, every cap tells a story. The question is: whose story will you wear this season?