Who Are Isaiah Jackson’s Parents? Everything You Need to Know About the Indiana Pacers Star’s Family and Background

Indiana Pacers big man, Isaiah Jackson’s path to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse has been full of adversities. In fact, some might even say his chances of making it to the NBA were slim to none. That’s because Jackson did not grow up in an ideal environment. However, the Indiana Pacers forward did not let that stop him from dreaming big. The 6-foot-9 forward took his first steps in hooping at the Lutheran Northwest High School in Michigan. That place would become a stepping stone for a young Isaiah Jackson.

He then suited up for several other high schools, including playing alongside none other than LaMelo Ball. The two future stars shared the floor at the SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio. Then, when it came to picking a college, offers poured in for the five-star recruit. He’d end up choosing Kentucky over offers from Alabama and Syracuse. This was just the beginning for Jackson of what was about to come. The wasn’t easy through it all. But his parents’ support and situation were all the motivation he put to use.

Who are Isaiah Jackson’s parents? What is their nationality?

The Pacers’ star grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, albeit with a few adversities. His parents split up when he was just six, and he hated having to constantly switch homes during his childhood. If this wasn’t too much for a young Jackson, his dad then went to prison for a year. Isaiah’s father is Wesley Jackson, who also grew up in Pontiac, Michigan. While the Pacers star shared a good bond with his dad, he didn’t get to spend much time as Wesley was often in and out of prison.

Meanwhile, his mother, DeUngela, struggled to make ends meet. Isaiah watched his mother go through unimaginable boundaries to feed her three children. However, she did not give up despite all the problems thrown her way. DeUngela made sure her children’s needs were met, and for that, she’d do every kind of work possible. Amid all this, Isaiah used basketball as a way of escape from the daily struggles of his life. Soon, he understood that it’s more than a hobby and it’s something he could pursue to help his family.

Who is Isaiah Jackson’s father, Wesley Jackson?

The dynamic hasn’t always been smooth sailing between the father-son duo. Years after the couple had split and Isiah was in sixth grade, Wesley was sent to prison for a year. Anger was already vent up within the now-Pacers star who was adjusting to the changes. He even compares his temper, something he inherited from his father, to that of Hulk’s.

“I had an anger problem growing up. I think I’ve just always had this fire deep inside. But eventually I learned to control it. It’s a lot of self-care, trying to meditate, pray, read my Bible,” he says. That was a necessity, considering Wesley would walk back to prison again only 2 and a half years later, after he had some chance to connect with his son.

But soon, Isaiah got his turn to spend time with his father. When he made his debut for the Kentucky Wildcats, his dad made sure he was there for his son’s biggest moment. “My chest is always out when I talk about his achievements in basketball, but I’m most proud of who he is — his ability to endure, to learn, to grow as a man. It’s not being in the limelight and enjoying success that makes you a man, it’s surviving and learning from the situations that would destroy most men.” Wesley said, He’s a proud father and has always been there for his son despite having spent some time away from him.

During the times he was away, Isaiah’s mom stepped up big time for her son.

Who is Isaiah Jackson’s mother, DeUngela?

While Wesley was away in prison, DeUngela looked after not just Isaiah, but his siblings as well. To bring food to the table, she would work night shifts in factories because it paid better. Despite these struggles she wasn’t the one for give, especially with her children dependent on her. Seeing Isaiah’s growing interest in basketball, his mother wanted to do something special for her son. Even though she did not have much, DeUngela somehow managed to save enough to buy her son his first pair of basketball sneakers. Not just any sneakers, but Lebron James’ signature shoes!

Sure enough, seeing this gift, Isaiah couldn’t be happier. In fact, he was so hyped that he wore those sneakers everywhere he went. When we say everywhere, we mean everywhere. He would wear those on the courts, the playground, the mall, to school, you name it.

His mother has always been his No. 1 supporter. She’s been there since day one. Even today, she’s at every game she can attend and is always cheering for her son. However, Isaiah isn’t the only son of DeUngela and Wesley.

Who are Isaiah Jackson’s siblings?

The biggest influence in Isaiah Jackson’s life has been his family. He loves his mother and father dearly. Moreover, he also has four siblings: Wesley Jr., De’Dra, Jah, and China Evens. Jackson’s life has been full of adversities, and his siblings have gone through the same, which has helped them develop a close-knit relationship.

While his season with Indiana came to a disappointing end in 2025 after he suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury, he was back on track to recover as the Pacers aimed to get to the Eastern Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons.