Who Are Jalen Brunson’s Parents? Everything You Need To Know About the New York Knicks Star’s Family and Background

When Jalen Brunson wanted to quit a task as a kid, his mother never allowed him. Growing up, he had no excuses, no shortcuts—if he started something, he finished it. While his dad drilled him on the court, his mother built his mindset at home. She kept him focused, disciplined, and grounded. But you know what? It wasn’t just about athletic genes—it was about how she shaped him. Okay, wait, before we say anything further, let’s take a closer look at them in detail.

Who are Jalen Brunson’s parents? What is their nationality?

Jalen Brunson was born to parents Rick and Sandra Brunson, both of whom are athletes. Rick, his dad, is a white American and played in the NBA. You have seen him now, as he is an assistant coach for the New York Knicks, still closely involved in the game. Sandra, his mother, is African American with Jamaican roots and played volleyball at Temple. That mix of cultures and sports DNA clearly runs deep. You can kind of see it in the way Jalen carries himself, focused, tough, but calm. Just imagine what it’s like growing up with two athletes as parents. That must’ve meant competition in the house, but also support. Probably lessons thrown in at breakfast.

Sandra’s heritage adds another layer to Jalen’s identity, too—there’s pride in that, whether it’s talked about or not. Together, Rick and Sandra gave him more than just talent. They gave him grit, perspective, and a path. Jalen didn’t just learn the game; he inherited it. So, we are sure that you have a small picture of his parents, so let’s look at them deeply.

Who is Jalen Brunson’s father, Rick?

Rick Brunson was more than just a father to Jalen Brunson. He has been his coach, guide, and sometimes his toughest critic. Rick played nine seasons in the NBA, hopping between teams such as the Knicks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, LA Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers. He even wrapped up his playing career with the Houston Rockets in 2006. But Rick didn’t stop there. After retiring, he transitioned directly into coaching—first at the high school and college levels, and then back to the NBA. He’s now an assistant coach with the Knicks, working alongside the same kid he used to train in the driveway. Yes, a father and son on the same team.

But, Rick knows how to maintain the line between “dad” and “coach”? Yeah, it blurred early. “At first, yes,” Jalen admitted when asked if it was hard. Rick would ask him, even as a middle schooler, “Is this what you want to do for a living?” And the answer was always yes, no hesitation, no matter what mood he was in. That says something.

He didn’t just teach his son basketball skills. He taught him how to think about the game. He had this analogy Jalen still remembers: “If a teacher gave you a study guide for a test, you’d take the study guide, prepare, and take the test… Well, I am the study guide.” It sounds intense, and it probably was. His son said he found it annoying back then because his dad was always right.

Training wasn’t just drills and shooting. The father made the son work out in the blazing sun wearing a weighted vest. His motto was, “If you could shoot here, you could shoot anywhere.” That’s old-school mental toughness training, and it clearly worked. Jalen’s built for pressure.

Father coaching son, but still keeping that balance. “He’s the most loving, caring father that I could ever ask for,” Jalen said. “But when he’s a coach, he’s a hard-nose coach. He wants the best out of me.” That duality—love and demand- is what makes their bond different. Honestly, that’s rare.

Rick’s not just part of Jalen’s past. He’s still part of his present. And clearly, that relationship—tough, layered, and full of respect—is one of the reasons Jalen is where he is today.

Who is Jalen Brunson’s mother, Sandra?

Sandra Brunson raised her son as a fighter, a thinker, and someone who never quits halfway. Long before Jalen was hitting game-winners at Madison Square Garden, Sandra was putting in quiet, steady work behind the scenes. As we know, she was a student-athlete at Temple University, a volleyball player who knew what discipline felt like. One of her college roommates was Kobe Bryant’s sister. That says something about the circles of greatness she moved through, even then.

Her son got his hops from her—that’s his own words. “Thank you for my athletic ability because without you, I wouldn’t be able to jump as high as I do,” he once told her. But she gave him way more than just athletic genes. She was the one making sure homework got done, that he followed through, that if he started something, he finished it. No quitting. No shortcuts. She was the one who made sure he didn’t just become a player—he became a professional.

“She was the general. She held me accountable for everything I did.” That’s the kind of parent who doesn’t ask for the spotlight but deserves half the credit when the spotlight finally comes.

Their bond is different. Not just tight—but deep, like built-from-scratch deep. The hooper also calls her his best friend, adding, “I truly love you with all my heart.” It shows. The way he carries himself. The way he always circles back to family, no matter the stat line.

They work together now, too. She is the CFO of the Second Round Foundation, which she co-founded with Jalen. It’s not just a charity—it’s a mission. Focused on giving kids a shot, no matter their background. She’s also president of JMB1 Enterprises, a sign she’s still holding down the business side so Jalen can focus on the game.

She’s never needed headlines. But if you want to understand Jalen Brunson, the poise, the purpose, the presence—you’ve got to start with Sandra. That kind of strength doesn’t just appear. It’s passed down. Quietly. Relentlessly. And in Sandra’s case, with love that never once took a day off.