What comes to your mind when you hear of Jaren Jackson Jr.? If you don’t watch the Memphis Grizzlies regularly, you might think of him as a rangy stretch big who struggles on the interior. That would have been fairly accurate until now as the forward has evolved into a physical interior scorer. While his three-point shooting has dipped, his overall shooting has improved, and it shows in his performance—he’s currently averaging 19.5 points this season.

Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Jaren Jackson Jr. was immersed in NBA life from a young age. He recalls moving frequently during his childhood—to places like New Jersey, Maryland, and San Antonio—due to his father’s basketball career. As the son of Jaren Jackson Sr. and Terri Carmichael Jackson, Jackson Jr. benefitted from his father’s guidance in training, which helped shape him into a well-rounded player.

His son also always looked up to him as he told the Players Tribune, “Every kid who plays ball eventually gets asked to name their favorite player.” For Jackson Jr., it was his father. “I always looked forward to being asked that because all my life I’ve been lucky enough to have the perfect answer ready to go: ‘Dad.’”

Born into a basketball family, Jaren Jackson Jr. has always had the support of his parents. His mother, Terri, is also involved in the basketball world, adding to the strong influence of the sport in his life. However, his parents never pressured him to pursue basketball; instead, they encouraged him to explore his own interests, which ultimately led him to the game. Let’s take a closer look at the Jackson family and explore the roots of this talented hooper.

What is Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Ethnicity?

Born on September 15, 1999 in Plainfield, New Jersey, US. Jaren Jackson Jr. holds American nationality and is an American citizen. Jaren Jackson Jr. is of African-American descent, the son of Jaren Jackson Sr. and Terri Carmichael Jackson, both of whom share the same heritage and hold American citizenship.

Who is Jaren Jackson Jr.’s father? Did he play in the NBA?

Jaren Jackson Sr. is the father of Jaren Jackson Jr., he is a former NBA star and champion as well. Jackson Sr. started his hooping journey back at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Where he was a 6’4″ shooting guard from 1985-89. This is where he met his future wife and Jackson Jr.’s mother Terri Carmichael Jackson.

However, after graduating he went undrafted and spent the initial years of his basketball career playing for various minor league teams. Eventually, he got around to signing with the Washington Bullets in 1996. His most successful time came when he joined the San Antonio Spurs, where he became an NBA Champion in the 1998-99 season. Now, Jaren Jackson Sr. has turned towards coaching after a 13-year-long NBA career, he is now an assistant coach for the Incarnate Word Cardinals men’s basketball team that represents the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.

Who is Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Mother?

Jackson’s mother is also involved in the basketball scene. She’s a lawyer and the current Executive Director of the Women’s Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). Growing up she wanted to pursue a career in Law just like her father LeRoy Carmichael. So, she attended Georgetown University and studied law.

After Graduating she began her career in law and started a nonprofit, Black on the Block. Later on, she taught as a professor at Tulane University and even worked at a law firm in Louisiana. Then from 2012 to 2016, she was the Director of law, policy, and governance for the NCAA. Now, she works for the WNBPA.

She was a key figure for the WNBA players who were fined in 2016 for wearing T-shirts supporting Black Lives Matter, as she said “I begged and pleaded for the league not to fine them,” and added, “It was a pretty intense conversation. And they still fined the players anyway.” Although she wasn’t successful this time this hasn’t stopped her from fighting for the players. She has negotiated for higher pay and increased maternity benefits for WNBA players. For her, it is always important to empower women.