Talented, hardworking, principled, humble—these are just a few of the many words used to describe Jalen Brunson by his acquaintances, friends, coaches, and experts. He is a true basketball star who shines brightly on the court for the New York Knicks. The 28-year-old athlete has boldly joined his dream team and won over the demanding New York crowd. And while his life may seem like a fairytale now, it was a long road to get to this moment. Here is the story of the basketball player’s journey. More at i-new-york.
A Family of Athletes
You can hear a huge number of positive reviews about Jalen Brunson and read just as many laudatory articles and words of support. And it’s all for good reason, as he proves this information to be true every day on the court and in life. However, it’s often said that he was born to be a basketball player. But only his family and he himself know the secret to his success. And it lies in the fact that it all goes back to his childhood. Jalen Brunson was born into a family where it seemed you were destined to become an athlete. And while many aren’t surprised by his career after learning about his family, none of it would have been possible without Jalen’s own desire. He was born on August 31, 1996, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His father, Rick Brunson, has a distinguished career as both a basketball player and a coach, his mother, Sandra, played college volleyball, and their children also chose similar paths for themselves.
Jalen’s childhood was spent constantly on the move, as the family had to follow his father, who was either playing or coaching. Despite this, the future star had something stable in his life. And that one thing was basketball. At a very young age, the boy was already familiar with many basketball stars, attended practices with his father, and was immersed in the athletic life of various teams. For instance, when Rick Brunson played for the New York Knicks, his son was already amazing the entire team. The players would ask the young boy to repeat various drills, and he would gladly hone his skills. And although it was too early to talk about Jalen’s future then, the boy’s love for basketball was obvious.
When the young man got older, his dad realized that Jalen wanted to become a professional athlete. That’s when the real work began. The boy loved to play, trained constantly, watched Rick’s colleagues with fascination, and never missed an opportunity to visit his dad at work. So, his father promised his son that when he was in high school, they would stop moving. And so it happened, as Rick Brunson got a job as an assistant coach for the Chicago Bulls, and the family settled in Lincolnshire, Illinois. There, Jalen became the star of the Stevenson High School basketball team, which he led to many victories. During this time, the basketball player managed to make a name for himself with his play. So, when it came time for college, he had his pick of schools. Jalen chose Villanova as his next team. With them, he won numerous awards, including Sporting News Player of the Year, the Bob Cousy Award, the Oscar Robertson Trophy, and many, many others. This experience prepared him for the start of his professional career. 
The New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson’s first professional team was the Dallas Mavericks, who signed him in 2018. The basketball player spent 4 years with them, which became an important stage in his growth and development. And although the team holds a place of fond memories for Jalen, in 2022, he decided to fulfill a lifelong dream. That’s when the athlete joined the New York Knicks. Since childhood, he had watched his father play in New York, so when he managed to move here, it became a special moment in his career. An additional incentive was that he was reunited with his old acquaintances, idols, and mentors. In the New York team, he began working with head coach Tom Thibodeau, president Leon Rose, and his father—the very people who had watched him grow and develop as a player.
The first thing Jalen Brunson told the New York Knicks fans was that he didn’t come to be the team’s savior. And that wasn’t expected of him, as New York was skeptical of a new player who didn’t fit the standard mold. At the time, no one could have known how things would turn out. Jalen became the one who practiced long before the season began. At first, he was alone, then a few teammates joined him, and soon the rest of the team followed. He managed to unite everyone by his example, and together the guys worked every day for the New York Knicks. Jalen met all the demands of his coach, who always sought more from the basketball player. The athlete understood these aspirations and tried to do everything possible. And as Thibodeau said, Jalen Brunson became the embodiment of the team they wanted to be: smart, tough, and competitive.
From season to season, the New York Knicks improved their game and achieved results they hadn’t seen in a long time. The team found its strength and stability, and Jalen Brunson became its leader. In 2024, the basketball player signed a new contract, thinking first and foremost about the team’s interests. That same year, he became a captain of the New York Knicks and continued to work towards everything he aspired to. Jalen is absolutely happy to play for his dream team, to perform regularly at the legendary Madison Square Garden, to grow with the team, and to lead it to new achievements. And the New York public has grown to love its playmaker, whom they consider not only an incredible basketball player but an equally incredible person.
The Heart of a Champion
Everyone who speaks about Jalen Brunson’s personality notes not only his basketball abilities but also his character. It is thanks to his character that the athlete has achieved everything he has. And for that, he has both his parents and himself to thank. When his parents realized he wanted to pursue sports, they immediately began to build his resilient character. They taught him confidence, humility, faith that anything is possible, and how to be a leader. That’s why coaches on different teams were amazed by Jalen’s maturity and called him the ideal player. Very quickly, he became the dream of many teams, as he worked for the common goal while not being afraid to take responsibility himself.
Early on, his mantra became the phrase, “The magic is in the work.” His parents told him this in high school, when his journey was just beginning. Since then, it has become associated with a player who has known his whole life that talent alone is not enough. He trained, he strived, and he worked every single day to be where he is now. Many colleagues and coaches praise his work ethic. And its foundation is hard work on the path to a dream. Jalen Brunson is the type of basketball player who will help other players when needed and will deliver a brilliant performance on his own. He is often called a stoic, with which he agrees. He is an example of determination and focus, which he considers some of the most important things during a game.
The basketball player is not without ambition and, despite his humility, strives for great results. As Jalen has stated, the most important thing for his career is to be a champion. He wants to win, and he takes every loss hard. However, the player knows that every new day is a new game that brings even more opportunities. Brunson has long been beloved by the public, who note that he draws people to him. His teammates agree, seeing him as an example, a leader, and a source of support. And the most important support for him is his family. Jalen is happy that he can do what he loves, for his dream team. He is glad to see his family at games and to know that his wife and daughter are waiting for him at home. So now, he is becoming even better, because he has someone to strive for.
Community Involvement
Despite a demanding game schedule and a fast-paced career, Jalen Brunson also finds time for social activities. And he does it very well, having created numerous projects to which he devotes his attention. Perhaps the player’s most well-known initiative is the Second Round Foundation. The foundation supports young people who want to learn, grow, and play sports. The basketball player knows how difficult the path to the top can be. That is why he created an organization that helps everyone get a chance to make their dreams come true. Its name is symbolic, a reminder that Jalen himself was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. This serves as an example and motivation for youth.
No less important is the Jalen Brunson Skills Academy initiative. Jalen passes on his knowledge, experience, and confidence to children. The athlete also supports Covenant House, where youth in need can receive medical help, education, and all the necessary support. Jalen also hasn’t forgotten Stevenson High School, where students receive scholarships for various achievements. Through this, the basketball player recognizes students’ leadership qualities, work ethic, hard work, integrity, and other virtues. And Brunson also regularly organizes tournaments, charity evenings, games, and other events to raise funds for various projects.
