Only a few hoopers possess a combined package of skill, intelligence, and leadership, a set that Karl-Anthony Towns brings to the game. A generational big man, Towns has continued to prove that he is a certified NBA star, ever so quick to draw attention to his spectacular stats and versatility. But beyond his on-court prowess, there is a deeper story that often goes untold: one of exploring his unique heritage, family background, and the cultural influences that helped mold him into who he is today. In an attempt to figure out who Karl-Anthony Towns is, we must turn back the calendar and trace the roots through which his success lies.

When people look at Towns now, they see a towering 6’11” New York Knicks superstar. But behind every highlight dunk reel and career milestone lies a story of family, loss, and strength. It is a story that began generations before his NBA career, basking in the cultures of two proud lineages. For now, this is it. But if you want to know more about his roots, keep reading further.

Where is Karl-Anthony Towns from? What’s his nationality?

Karl-Anthony Towns was born on November 15, 1995, in Edison, New Jersey, surrounded by his family, for whom basketball was more than just a sport. His nationality is Dominican-American. Now you must think, how? But, before we say how, we will look into his family.  His father, Karl Towns Sr., played at Monmouth University and went on later to be a mentor at the high school level, thus ensuring that young Karl-Anthony had the solid base that he needed to excel in the game.

While basketball was always the central part of his life, it was the bond with his mother, Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, that defined who the hooper would become. She was an anchor, keeping him down to Earth as his stardom began. In interviews, KAT often refers to the supporter in the stands, his mom was matched by no one in energy, and how she will never stop pushing him to remember where he came from.

Unfortunately, Towns’ world was turned upside down in 2020 after his mother died from complications related to COVID-19. That indeed was a great loss not only for him, but even for the whole community. His mom, the heart of the family, was suddenly gone.

“She was everything to him,” Ryan Saunders, the Timberwolves coach, said, “Watching him go through that kind of loss, and still finding the strength to play, was beyond inspiring.”

Indeed, Karl-Anthony Towns himself spoke about how difficult it was to continue. “I lost my best friend,” he tearfully said in an interview with NBA.com. “But I know she’d want me to keep going to keep playing and to honor her every time I step on the court.” Anyhow, that’s a lot about his family and their story, but we still need to look at his roots, right? So, let’s find his roots.

What is Karl-Anthony Towns’ ethnicity and religion?

“My mom was my biggest supporter, my best friend. She always told me to be proud of who I am,” Karl-Anthony Towns once shared with ESPN. “She always told me to be proud of who I am,” the hooper added, looking back to his mum’s profound influence that has blossomed into his life and illustrious NBA career. And it is this pride, along with her words of wisdom, that still motivates him daily.

Not only was Jacqueline supportive as a parent on the court, but she also made sure her son knew and embraced both sides of his cultural identity. KAT, by his father’s side, is African-American, and Dominican on his mother’s side. Jacqueline conversed in Spanish at home; she cooked traditional Dominican food while teaching him about the history of the Dominican Republic.

She made sure Karl-Anthony Towns had a strong connection, as much as he could, with his heritage. “It’s who I am,” the hooper had said. “My mother taught me to always embrace where I come from, and I carry that with me every day.”

That duality, balancing his father’s African-American heritage with his mother’s Dominican pride, instantly gave the Knicks star a sense of responsibility. From a young age, he learned that his success would be shared infinitely by the communities he represents, both in the USA and abroad.

Towns was selected to play for the Dominican Republic at the age of 16. Not many hoopers have debuted for their national team at that tender age! “To be selected to the Olympic team is one of the greatest feelings I’ve had in a while,” said Towns. When he was 15, his mum took him to the Dominican Republic for the first time, and he knew in that moment that this was what he wanted to represent.

Over the years, since his mom’s death, KAT has found ways to keep her spirit alive. He wears special tribute shoes seemingly every game; he speaks of her in interviews. But more so than that, he has used his platform to give back to the community, especially to those communities hit hard by COVID-19 and social injustice, some of the issues he knows his mom would have cared about.

A big part of his life pertains to his Dominican heritage, whether it’s representing the country at international events in basketball or giving respect to his culture through his public persona, Towns keeps saluting the heritage his mom built in him. “Every time I step on that court, I’m playing for more than just myself. I am representing my people, my heritage, and my family,” he proudly said.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – AUGUST 27: Karl-Anthony Towns 32 of Dominican Republic celebrates victory with teammates after the FIBA Basketball World Cup Group A game between Dominican Republic and Italy at Araneta Coliseum on August 27, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN Copyright: xVCGx 111451321141

Karl-Anthony Towns has continued to rise in his career. Karl Towns Sr. had never wavered in his commitment to his roots: he was, in every sense, the product of a diverse upbringing. An athlete molded by two cultures, shaped by the love and support of his family, and a deep sense of pride in who he is, drives him. This is not a story about basketball success; this is more like a story about identity, family, and resilience. But, wait, what about his religion?

KAT is a devout Christian, and his faith is a cornerstone of his life. He openly credits his Christian beliefs for providing a foundation of strength and perspective, essential qualities in the demanding world of professional sports. Towns often shares inspirational Bible verses and spiritual insights on his social media platforms, connecting with fans on a level that transcends basketball.

He is so religious that behind his right ear is a tattoo. He has to fold his ear to reveal the ink. It reads “4:/13.”  It’s basically his favorite bible verse, Philippians 4:13, which reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” So now that we know about his family and religion, let’s also explore his high school career.

Which high school did Karl-Anthony Towns attend?

Karl-Anthony Towns went to St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey. That’s where it all started, where he turned heads early and often. As a freshman, he led his team to a state title. Just fourteen years old, already commanding the floor like a pro.

That 2012 season ended with him topping ESPN’s list for underclassmen. He wasn’t just good, he was dominant. And he didn’t stop there. He carried St. Joe’s to more championships in 2013 and 2014. Three straight. The kind of run most kids dream about.

By his junior year, he was putting up video game numbers. On January 6, 2013, he recorded a quadruple-double, 16 points, 17 rebounds, 11 blocks, 11 assists. A year later, he did it again. This time? 20 points, 14 boards, 12 blocks, and 10 assists. Who even does that?

He reclassified in December 2012. Moved up a year to join Kentucky early. John Calipari had already coached him on the Dominican national team. The fit made sense. ESPN dropped him from No. 1 to No. 3—but no one really doubted him.

He graduated with a 3.96 GPA. Not just buckets—books too. St. Joseph was the beginning, but it never held him back. It just gave him the launchpad.