Jalen Brunsons rise from second-round NBA pick to Finals MVP didn’t happen by itself. The Knicks star comes from a family with deep athletic roots, led by his father, Rick Brunsona former NBA player who was part of New York’s 1999 Finals team and now serves as an assistant coach for the franchise. His mother, Sandrawas a standout volleyball player at Temple University, where she met Rick while his younger sister, Ericahas followed the family into the world of sports. In a full-circle moment, Jalen and Rick celebrated the Knicks’ first championship in 53 years together on the court after New York’s Game 5 win over the Spurs.
Learn more about the Brunson family below.
Who are Jalen Brunson’s parents?
Jalen is the son of Rick and Sandra Brunson, who met while attending Temple University. Rick played basketball for the Owls, while Sandra was a member of the school’s volleyball team. Sandra has worked in finance and nonprofit management and co-founded the Second Round Foundation with her son.
Is Jalen Brunson’s dad a coach?
Yes. Rick is a former NBA player who spent nine seasons in the league, including two stints with the New York Knicks. After retirement, he moved 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 was part of the team’s 2026 championship run.
How many siblings does Jalen Brunson have?
Jalen has a younger sister, Erica.
Like her brother, Erica attended Villanova University and has built a career in the sports industry. She previously interned with the Dallas Mavericks and now works for Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Jalen has called Erica his “best friend” and the siblings are still extremely close.
Is Jalen Brunson Married?
Yes, Jalen is married to Dr. Ali Marks Brunsonhis longtime girlfriend and high school sweetheart. The couple began dating while attending Stevenson High School in Illinois and remained together through college before Jalen proposed in 2022.
They tied the knot on July 29, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. Ali is a licensed physiotherapist and founder of the fitness platform AMB Method. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Jordyn James Brunsonin July 2024.
