Jalen Brunson, a professional basketball player for the New York Knicks, has been making waves in the NBA since he joined in 2018. However, following a recent injury on May 19, 2024, fans are curious to learn more about the star player’s family background.
Jalen Brunson, born on August 31, 1997, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is the son of Rick and Sandra Brunson. Rick, Jalen’s father, is currently an assistant coach for the New York Knicks, bringing his expertise to the team. The Brunson family moved around frequently due to Rick’s own basketball career, eventually settling in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
Jalen has had an impressive career in basketball, playing four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks before signing with the New York Knicks in 2022. He was chosen as the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Mavericks and has continued to showcase his talent on the court.
Apart from his accomplishments in basketball, Jalen is also a family man. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Ali Marks, and the couple had a lavish ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton in Chicago on July 29, 2023.
Jalen comes from an athletic background, with both of his parents being former student-athletes. Rick and Sandra met at Temple University, where they played sports and eventually started a family. Rick, in particular, has had an extensive career in basketball, playing for various NBA teams and now passing down his knowledge to his son.
Sandra, who was also a student-athlete at Temple University, played a significant role in shaping Jalen’s sports success. According to Jalen, his mom instilled in him a “no-quit mentality” and held him accountable for his actions, helping him develop into the accomplished athlete he is today.
In addition to his parents, Jalen also has a younger sister named Erica Brunson. Erica, who studied at Villanova University like her brother, recently started working as a client services and social media specialist for Creative Artists Agency, showcasing that sports talent runs in the family.
