It takes one moment to spark the internet with claims, rumors, and more. The latest entry is a viral social media moment between Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, his mother, and WNBA star Angel Reese. It has basketball fans wondering if there’s more than just sneaker love connecting the athletes, after Eason’s breakout performance in Reese’s bright pink signature shoes sparked a playful online exchange that felt surprisingly like family banter.

Is Reese’s “Just like how they wear Jordans everywhere. I want people to wear the Angel Reese 1s everywhere” dream turning true? Or do the two athletes share a family connection beyond their court partnership? Let’s find out.

Who Is Tari Eason?

Tari Eason, who was selected 17th overall in the 2022 NBA draft, plays as a power forward for the Houston Rockets after being selected 17th overall in the 2022 NBA draft. The 24-year-old stands 6 feet 8 inches tall and has developed into a key rotational player for Houston. He previously played college basketball for Cincinnati and LSU before entering the professional ranks.

Eason is currently playing on the final year of his four-year rookie contract worth $16.3 million. The Rockets reportedly offered him a contract extension exceeding $100 million before the season began. His recent performance demonstrated the potential that made Houston interested in keeping him long-term.

The forward delivered one of his best performances against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday after the team failed to win the first two games of the opener. Eason scored 22 points off the bench while adding five rebounds and five assists. His efficient shooting, including making five three-pointers, did catch the eye, but that alone wasn’t drawing the internet’s attention.

Tari Eason’s viral sneaker moment sparked the question

Eason chose to wear Angel Reese’s “Mebounds” signature sneakers during his standout game against Brooklyn. The bright pink basketball shoes represented the WNBA star’s first signature line with Reebok. His footwear selection immediately caught viewers’ attention during the broadcast, and Houston’s comment section was filled with fans commenting on the shoes rather than the performance.

Even Chicago Sky star Angel Reese noticed Eason wearing her shoes and reacted enthusiastically on social media. “MEBOUNDS LOOK FIREEEE 🔥❤️‍🔥💖💕💞 @TAR13ASON @teroyaeason,” Reese tweeted after the game. She also shared images of Eason wearing the sneakers on her Instagram stories with excited comments.

Eason’s mother, Teroya, also joined the online conversation with a playful response to Reese’s post. “More like Lucky charms! Them two pink mfs brought him back to life, young Queen!” she wrote. This family interaction further fueled speculation about a possible relationship between the two athletes.

Is Tari Eason actually related to Angel Reese?

No credible evidence suggests Tari Eason and Angel Reese are biologically related or share immediate family connections. Their interaction appears rooted in brand promotion and mutual support rather than familial ties. Both athletes have pursued their basketball careers through different paths and geographic backgrounds.

Eason has consistently worn Angel Reese’s signature sneakers since the season began. He previously sported the “Charm City” colorway during workouts before switching to the pink “Mebounds” for his breakout game. This consistent endorsement indicates a business relationship or personal friendship rather than a family connection.

Reese’s “Mebounds” trademark originated from fans joking about her rebounding statistics, which she transformed into a business opportunity. Eason’s performance while wearing the shoes provided valuable exposure for both athletes. So, the online exchange between Reese, Eason, and his mother represents a successful brand collaboration moment more than any other connection.