The Branson Family: Jalen’s Journey from the Draft to NBA Finals MVP
14 june 2026 в 21:13
Jalen Brunson’s rise from a second-round draft pick in the NBA to the title of Finals MVP did not happen by itself. The New York Knicks star comes from a family with deep sports roots, led by his father, Rick Brunson, a former NBA player who was part of the Knicks team that reached the Finals in 1999 and currently works as an assistant coach for the franchise. His mother, Sandra, was an outstanding volleyball player at Temple University, where she met Rick, and his younger sister, Erica, also chose a career in sports. In a significant moment, Jalen and Rick celebrated the Knicks' first championship victory in 53 years on the court after New York’s win in Game 5 against the Spurs.
Learn more about the Brunson family below.
Jalen is the son of Rick and Sandra Brunson, who met while studying at Temple University. Rick played basketball for the Owls, while Sandra was a member of the university’s volleyball team. Sandra worked in the financial sector and non-profit organizations, and together with her son, she founded the Second Round Foundation.
Yes, Rick is a former NBA player who spent nine seasons in the league, including two stints with the New York Knicks. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and is currently an assistant coach for the Knicks. Rick joined the coaching staff in 2022, the same year Jalen signed with New York, and became part of the team that competed for the championship in 2026.
Jalen has one younger sister, Erica.
Like her brother, Erica attended Villanova University and built a career in the sports industry. She previously interned with the Dallas Mavericks and currently works at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Jalen refers to Erica as his «best friend», - and the brother and sister remain very close.
Yes, Jalen is married to Dr. Ali Marks Brunson, his longtime girlfriend and first love from school. The couple began dating while attending Stevenson High School in Illinois and stayed together throughout college before Jalen proposed in 2022.
They married on July 29, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. Ali is a licensed physical therapist and the founder of the fitness platform AMB Method. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Jordan James Brunson, in July 2024
Learn more about the Brunson family below.
Jalen is the son of Rick and Sandra Brunson, who met while studying at Temple University. Rick played basketball for the Owls, while Sandra was a member of the university’s volleyball team. Sandra worked in the financial sector and non-profit organizations, and together with her son, she founded the Second Round Foundation.
Yes, Rick is a former NBA player who spent nine seasons in the league, including two stints with the New York Knicks. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and is currently an assistant coach for the Knicks. Rick joined the coaching staff in 2022, the same year Jalen signed with New York, and became part of the team that competed for the championship in 2026.
Jalen has one younger sister, Erica.
Like her brother, Erica attended Villanova University and built a career in the sports industry. She previously interned with the Dallas Mavericks and currently works at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Jalen refers to Erica as his «best friend», - and the brother and sister remain very close.
Yes, Jalen is married to Dr. Ali Marks Brunson, his longtime girlfriend and first love from school. The couple began dating while attending Stevenson High School in Illinois and stayed together throughout college before Jalen proposed in 2022.
They married on July 29, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. Ali is a licensed physical therapist and the founder of the fitness platform AMB Method. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Jordan James Brunson, in July 2024
© Artemenko Olga
