Jalen Brunson Bio
Jalen Marquis Brunson is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted with the 33rd overall selection of the 2018 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks and played his first four seasons in the NBA with them. He played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats, earning national player of the year honors as a junior and winning two national championships. Brunson participated in the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit. He led Stevenson to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A championship and won Illinois Mr. Basketball, earning the MVP of the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup. Brunson was a role player for the championship season of the 2015–16 Villanova Wildcats and was named the national player of the year and a consensus first-team 2018 All-American for the championship season of the 2017–18 Wildcats.
Early Life and Background
Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on August 31, 1996, Jalen Brunson was raised in southern New Jersey until the sixth grade. He is the son of Rick and Sandra Brunson, with his father having played in the NBA for nine seasons. The family first settled in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, but moved seven times before settling in Lincolnshire, Illinois, in 2010. Brunson played his high school career for Stevenson High School, where he was exposed to basketball at a young age, often spending time in NBA locker rooms due to his father’s career.
Path to Basketball
Jalen Brunson’s basketball journey began at Stevenson High School, where he quickly made a name for himself. As a freshman, he earned All–Lake County honorable mention, and by his junior year, he was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Illinois. His high school career was marked by impressive performances, including a 57-point game in a double overtime victory. Brunson’s success in high school led to his recruitment by several top college programs, ultimately committing to Villanova. He became a key player for the Wildcats, contributing to their national championship wins in 2016 and 2018.
Jalen Brunson Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, marking the beginning of his professional career. He made his NBA debut on October 17, 2018, and quickly established himself as a reliable player off the bench. Over his four seasons with the Mavericks, Brunson’s role expanded, and he became a starter, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. He played a crucial role in helping the Mavericks reach the Western Conference Finals in 2022.
Breakthrough (2022–Present)
In 2022, Brunson signed with the New York Knicks, where he experienced a significant breakthrough. He became an NBA All-Star in 2024 and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2025. Brunson set multiple records, including the most three-point shots made in a half without a miss and tied the record for the most three-point shots made in a single game without a miss. His leadership and performance led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jalen Brunson’s signature work includes his contributions to the Villanova Wildcats’ national championships and his record-setting performances with the New York Knicks. He has received numerous accolades, including being named the NBA Cup MVP in 2025 and earning multiple All-Star selections.
Jalen Brunson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jalen Brunson has received several award nominations, including recognition as a consensus first-team All-American and various college basketball player of the year honors during his time at Villanova.
Jalen Brunson Awards Won
Jalen Brunson has won multiple awards, including the Naismith College Player of the Year in 2018 and being named to the NBA All-NBA Second Team in 2025. He is also a two-time NCAA Champion, having won titles with Villanova in 2016 and 2018.
Jalen Brunson Family
Jalen Brunson is married to Ali Marks, whom he met in high school. The couple announced their engagement in September 2022 and wed on July 29, 2023. They welcomed their first child in August 2024.
Personal Life
Jalen Brunson is known for his close friendships with teammates, particularly Josh Hart, with whom he co-hosts a podcast. He has also made appearances in popular culture, including a guest spot on WWE SmackDown. Brunson’s commitment to his family and friends is evident in his personal life, as he maintains strong connections with those close to him.
