The New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has played 6 seasons in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks and the Knicks. While he’s been shooting hoops and putting the Knicks back on the map, his wife Ali Marks has been cheering for him every step of the way. Their bond, formed way back in high school, has only grown stronger as Brunson embarked on his journey to becoming an NBA star.

Though Ali Marks leads a private life, she’s naturally been in the public eye as she’s been with Jalen since before he was even famous. Their story began at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. While Brunson went on to Villanova University as an undergrad and played Division 1 basketball, Ali chose to stay closer to home, attending the University of Illinois.

Following her passion for kinesiology and exercise science, Ali graduated from the University of Illinois in 2017. The following year, she pursued her doctorate in physical therapy at Northwestern University, graduating in 2021. This meant the couple navigated a long-distance relationship during their college years until she finally moved to Dallas after completing her studies.

Jalen Brunson All-Star Journey: From Being the Kid That “Thinks He’s an NBA Player”

Unlike many NBA wives, Ali maintains her own successful career beyond the spotlight. As a licensed physical therapist, she started her journey at W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic in Dallas, where Brunson was playing at the time. She has also expanded her experience by working as a rehabilitation aide at Athletico in Chicago.

On September 21, 2022, Jalen popped the big question after 9 years of dating and this was done in no ordinary place. The duo found themselves back where it all started in their High School. Ali shared pictures on Instagram to share her engagement with the caption, “You are a lifetime”. Check them out here:

The two eventually tied the knot on July 30, 2023, and Brunson’s Knicks gang turned up to celebrate their boys’ big day. In one of these videos, Jalen is seen pulling out his dance moves and the internet had a field day with his comedy.

Courtside Support

Ali has been backing Jalen since day one. In a 2014 Instagram post, Jalen shared a picture of him with Ali as his literal cheerleader along with another friend captioned as, “#TBT with my best friends. Miss you guys! @ali_marks @sheridangoldstein” In another Instagram share, Ali posted pictures from the Knicks’ arena making it evident that even without the cheerleading uniform, Ali’s support for her husband shines through.

Ali’s dedication extends beyond her personal life. In October 2020, she completed her first half marathon, which was organized by Project Purple, an organization that supports families affected by pancreatic cancer. This cause held particular significance, as her father had succumbed to the disease a decade before. Project Purple played a vital role in supporting her family during that difficult time. Two years later, she ran another marathon for the same cause, raising $5,900.

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Jalen Brunson has been elevating the New York Knicks by averaging 27.6 points per game with 3.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the 2023-24 season. As the Philly game approaches on February 23rd, fans can be sure to see Ali cheering him on from her usual courtside seat.

Watch the Story: “No Disrespect Rick”: Charles Barkley Flames Jalen Brunson’s Father on Live TV Only to Praise Son