There are rising stars. And then there’s Rob Dillingham, a kid from Hickory, North Carolina, whose story is as raw as his crossover. From Donda Academy to Kentucky to a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Dillingham didn’t just climb the ranks. He did it with flair, fire, and a family that’s been right there in the trenches with him.

But while the world’s just catching on to Rob’s elite scoring and tight handles, the people who know him best have always known his true spark. So who are the folks behind the Minnesota Timberwolves’ latest backcourt sensation? Here’s everything you need to know about Rob Dillingham’s parents, siblings, and his roots.

Who are Rob Dillingham’s parents? What is their nationality?

Rob Dillingham was born to Donald Dillingham and Valaaulia “Lia” Tailele, two parents who’ve mostly kept things low-key; until business clashed with basketball. Both are American nationals, but the family tree goes a little deeper. Lia is of Samoan descent, adding a unique cultural layer to Rob’s story, while Donald is African American.

Their American nationality matches Rob’s upbringing in Hickory, North Carolina. But their perspectives have been anything but identical. Especially as Rob’s star power soared, their roles became more scrutinized, largely due to the NIL whirlwind that hit before he even went pro.

Still, no matter the current dynamics, there’s no denying their influence. From court-side cheers to contract debates, Donald and Lia have both played parts in shaping Rob’s journey to the league.

Who is Rob Dillingham’s father, Donald Dillingham?

Donald Dillingham might not be a name fans hear often. But when the NIL smoke cleared, his voice rang loud. Listed as Rob’s custodial parent in legal documents, Donald was reportedly kept in the dark when his then-minor son entered a deal with WME Sports. The move gave the agency 15% of Rob’s future earnings, and 5% to Lia.

For Donald, it wasn’t just a legal issue. It was about protecting his son. He’s spoken up about the risks of young athletes signing major contracts without full guidance or consent, especially when they’re still navigating high school or college. His stance? Minors shouldn’t be left to carry adult burdens before they’re ready.

He’s now become somewhat of a quiet advocate for other parents, warning about the pitfalls of the NIL era. Whether courtside or off the radar, Donald’s message is clear: he wants what’s best for Rob, even if that means fighting from the shadows.

Who is Rob Dillingham’s mother, Valaaulia “Lia” Tailele?

Lia Tailele may be at the center of some controversy, but she’s also been a constant in Rob’s corner. As co-signer of the WME NIL agreement, she approved a deal while Rob was still underage, sparking public disagreement with Donald. Still, her intentions seemed rooted in securing her son’s future.

According to reports, the agreement gave WME Sports 15% of Rob’s earnings and Lia 5%. While the contract lacked a WME rep’s signature and Donald’s signature space remained blank, Lia moved forward. The legalities are still debated, but one thing’s clear. She’s been involved in her son’s career every step of the way.

And it’s personal. In a heartfelt interview with Shams Charania, Rob revealed he bought a house for his mother and sister as a way to thank them for their support. “Without family, without struggles, you don’t really have no motivation,” he said. “And I feel like, with my family, we’ve been through so much, it just pushes me to keep wanting to go and provide for them.” That moment said more than any contract ever could.

Who are Rob Dillingham’s siblings?

Rob Dillingham has kept much of his family life private, but he did shine a light on his sibling relationship in a recent sit-down. Speaking with The Athletic, he shared how he gifted a new house to his mother and sister. That act wasn’t just about money; it was about gratitude.

While the number and names of his siblings haven’t been publicly revealed, one thing is clear: they’ve been through the ups and downs together. Rob often credits his inner circle, especially family, for being the motivation behind his relentless drive. “They’ve been one of the biggest helps,” he told Charania.

In a sport where flash can outshine substance, Rob’s bond with his siblings keeps him grounded. It’s the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t show up on stat sheets, but shows up everywhere else.