CJ McCollum might be well-known for his skills on the court but there’s more to the New Orleans Pelicans star’s story than just basketball. When a rookie enters the NBA, he’s often told about the money, the hard work, and the fun and enjoyment that comes with this life. But something many people overlook is that suddenly they will have a lot of free time on their hands.

However, that has not been a problem for McCollum who has a journalism degree from the University of Lehigh. Furthermore, he also has a range of other hobbies from media as the Pelicans veteran hosts a podcast, to real estate to financial investments to wine as he purchased a vineyard back in 2021.

“I’ve always had other interests and hobbies I was passionate about,” McCollum told NBA. “It’s allowed me to grow (as a person). When I got (to the NBA), I knew I was going to have a lot of free time. You have 24 hours in a day, but you can only work out so much.” Suggesting the Pelicans’ guard tries to make the most of his time outside of the Smoothie King Center.

However, his path to the NBA was anything but easy. Even during his time at Lehigh University McCollum always thought like a professional. He knew to be the first Mountain Hawk to make it to the NBA, he had to be the hardest-working player on the team and he did just that! Throughout his journey from Lehigh to the NBA, his family has always been there to support him. Let’s get to know more about the Pelicans star’s family roots and ethnicity.

Is CJ McCollum of mixed ethnicity? Where is the Pelicans star from?

Born in Canton, Ohio, to parents Erick and Kathy McCollum, CJ started his basketball journey pretty early. Additionally, both Erick and Kathy are American citizens of African-American descent making CJ McCollum of African-American descent as well. His family are tightly-knitted together and has been incredibly supportive along with his basketball-minded brother.

Furthermore, CJ’s dad has been instrumental in his development and has pushed his son to become the player he is today in the NBA. Also, basketball runs in the family as his brother Erick McCollum II has played professionally overseas since 2010 and has helped inspire CJ to follow in his footsteps and the two brothers share a special relationship.

What religion does CJ McCollum follow?

Although there is no accurate information on which religion Pelicans star CJ McCollum follows. Looking at a 2015 interview that he gave to OregonLive.com one might assume that the guard follows Christianity. In that interview, McCollum was asked about who he would like to interview past or present.

To which he replied, “Probably Jesus, then, right? If it’s an athlete, then probably Michael Jordan or Allen Iverson. Someone like that.” As he further stated it would be a lengthy interview given he has lots of questions for Jesus. Also, in an X post from 201,9 McCollum quoted a verse from the bible along with match-day pictures, “The Bible says “Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain “ 1 down #ripcity”

These are a few of several examples where McCollum has hinted toward following Christianity. However, we cannot fully assume anything unless he confirms it by himself. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old guard continues to remain one of the best players in the league as the hunt for his maiden championship goes on with the Pelicans.