Jalen Brunson’s family life is a slam dunk.
The New York Knicks player, 29, has a tight-knit circle around him, including his parents, Sandra and Rick Brunson.
The couple met at Temple University where they both played college sports.
Sandra and Rick then welcomed Jalen in 1996, just a couple years before the family patriarch joined the Knicks as a point guard, playing with the team between 1999 and 2001.
Also by his side as he heads into NBA Finals Game 5 on Saturday is Jalen’s wife, Dr. Alison “Ali” Marks Brunson, whom he tied the knot with in 2023.
One year later, in 2024, the high school sweethearts welcomed their daughter, Jordyn.
Keep scrolling to learn all about Jalen’s family members.
Rick Brunson
Jalen followed in his dad’s footsteps, as the latter also played in the NBA.
He first made his league debut during the 1997 to 1998 season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Throughout his time as a player, Rick played point guard for the Trail Blazers, Knicks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, LA Clippers and the Seattle Sonics.
The athlete ended his NBA playing career with the Houston Rockets in 2006.
During his time on the court, Rick played for the Knicks during the 1999 NBA Finals when the team lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
After retiring, the former pro became an assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets, the Bulls, the Charlotte Hornets (the Bobcats at the time) and the Minnesota Timberwolves, among other teams.
In 2022, Rick joined the coaching staff for the Knicks — the same year Jalen joined the team.
Jalen told “CBS Mornings” in 2024 that throughout his childhood his dad would always ask him if he wanted to be a professional basketball player for “a living.”
“The answer was always ‘yes,’” the Knicks star admitted. “No matter what mood I was in.”
Sandra Brunson
Jalen’s mom played volleyball for the Owls at Temple University. The athlete majored in business law with a minor in real estate.
Sandra went on to work in corporate law in New York City and currently resides as the co-founder and CFO of the Second Round Foundation.
The nonprofit’s mission is “to advance a vision centered on expanding access, opportunity, and equity for young people.”
Sandra also serves as the president of JMB1 Enterprises, which was founded by the Brunson family.
Jalen gushed over how his mom — who he dubbed his best friend — always held him accountable while speaking to WFAA in 2020.
“If I was putting my mind to something, I couldn’t quit until it was done,” he explained. “She basically gave me that no-quit mentally.”
Jalen also thanked the family matriarch for his “athletic ability.”
“Because without you I wouldn’t be able to jump as high as I do,” the basketball star noted.
Erica Brunson
Jalen’s little sister has always been his No. 1 fan.
Erica, who was born five years after the NBA star in 2001, attended the same college as her brother: Villanova University.
During his college career, the NBA star took home two NCAA championships.
For her part, Erica received her degree in communications and a minor in education in 2023, per Sports Business Classroom.
The New Jersey native now works at Creative Artists Agency, which also reps her brother and some of his famous teammates.
“I wanted to look at what goes on behind the scenes,” Erica explained to the outlet about becoming a talent manager, “and what makes the sports world so special.”
The siblings share a close bond, with Jalen celebrating Erica’s 18th birthday with a sweet Instagram shout out in 2019.
“My best friend turns 18 today and I couldn’t be more thankful to have a sister like her!” he penned. “Watching you grow is a beautiful sight to see and I couldn’t be more proud of you! I love you and thank you for always being by my side Eri 🥰.”
Dr. Ali Marks Brunson
Jalen and his wife, Ali, first met at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
After graduation, the pair made it work while attending different colleges, with Ali attending the University of Illinois.
In 2021, the mom of one earned her doctorate in physical therapy at Northwestern University.
Shortly after, Ali became a physical therapist in Dallas during Jalen’s time on the Dallas Mavericks.
In 2022, Jalen proposed to Ali in the gymnasium of their high school.
At the time, Ali posted a shot from the special moment, simply writing, “you are a lifetime.”
The two tied the knot at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago on July 29, 2023, before welcoming their daughter a year later.
The WAG is now the founder and creator of the low-impact fitness program, The AMB Method.
Jordyn Brunson
Jalen and Ali welcomed their first child, a daughter named Jordyn, on July 31, 2024.
The two kept the news private until Jalen posted a black-and-white of the newborn holding his finger to Instagram in August.
Ali has taken her little one to numerous Knicks games during the season.
In December, the Knicks posted a shot to Instagram of Jalen holding his daughter on the court with the caption, “every day is take your daughter to work day with the brunsons 😍.”
Ali told People in February that bringing their daughter the games is “surreal.”
“Everyone at MSG loves their job and loves the Knicks,” she gushed. “It’s just been such a family experience.”
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