Rick Brunson’s Son: The Rise of Jalen Brunson

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Written By Kanisha Laing

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Jalen Brunson is not just a star player for the New York Knicks—he’s also the son of former NBA player and current assistant coach, Rick Brunson. Born into a family deeply rooted in sports, Jalen’s journey from a young basketball enthusiast to a professional athlete is a story

filled with hard work, discipline, and the guidance of his parents, especially his father, Rick. Let’s take a closer look at how Rick Brunson has played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s career and the family dynamic that has contributed to Jalen’s success.

Jalen Brunson: A Natural Athlete Born to Play Basketball

Born on August 31, 1996, Jalen Brunson was destined for greatness on the basketball court. Growing up in a family where both parents were collegiate athletes, Jalen had a solid foundation. His father, Rick Brunson, had a nearly decade-long career in the NBA, playing for teams like the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. His mother, Sandra Brunson, was a volleyball player at Temple University, where she first met Rick.

From an early age, Jalen’s parents instilled in him the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. One phrase that stood out for him growing up was, “The magic is in the work.” This quote was plastered everywhere in their home, serving as a daily reminder of the importance of dedication and effort. Jalen took this to heart, which has been a key factor in his rise to success in the NBA.

Rick Brunson’s Role as a Coach and Father

Rick Brunson has been more than just a father to Jalen—he has also been his coach for most of his life. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks, Rick is in a unique position to work alongside his son at the professional level. However, coaching Jalen began long before their time together with the Knicks.

As Jalen grew up, Rick’s role in his basketball development was significant. From their backyard workouts to conversations about the mental aspect of the game, Rick prepared Jalen for the challenges he would face in the competitive world of basketball. He always

encouraged Jalen to think of him as a “study guide” for the sport. Having already “taken the test” of becoming a professional athlete, Rick used his experiences to train his son in both the physical and mental aspects of the game.

One of Rick’s mottos was, “If you can shoot here, you can shoot anywhere,” which pushed Jalen to practice under challenging conditions, such as shooting in the summer heat with a weight vest. These rigorous training methods were designed to not only improve Jalen’s skills but also to build mental toughness—qualities that have been instrumental in his professional career.

Rick Brunson’s Own NBA Career

Rick Brunson had an impressive NBA career, spanning from 1997 to 2006. He played for multiple teams, including the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Houston Rockets. His deep knowledge of the game has allowed him to serve as a mentor and coach to his son. Rick’s

NBA experience also led him to various coaching roles after his playing career ended. From assistant coaching positions with the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, and Minnesota Timberwolves, Rick has gathered a wealth of experience that he now brings to his role with the Knicks.

But coaching at the professional level isn’t where Rick’s influence on Jalen stops. He has always emphasized the importance of discipline, and while he trained Jalen rigorously, he was careful not to push him too hard. Instead, he constantly reminded Jalen that success would come if he worked for it. This balance of fatherly support and tough coaching helped Jalen develop not only his basketball skills but also his mental resilience.

Sandra Brunson: The Backbone of the Brunson Family

While Rick handled the basketball side of things, Jalen’s mother, Sandra Brunson, was the glue that held the family together. As a former college volleyball player, she also had an athletic

background, which she used to instill a no-quit mentality in Jalen from a young age. Sandra made sure Jalen remained focused on his goals, holding him accountable for everything he did.

Jalen credits much of his success to his mother. In interviews, he has expressed deep appreciation for Sandra, acknowledging her role in shaping him both as an athlete and as a person. “She was the general,” Jalen said, noting that his mother was the one who ensured that he finished everything he started.

Sandra’s influence extended beyond the family. She and Jalen co-founded the Second Round Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to create opportunities for young people through education, sports, and community initiatives. Her role as CFO of the foundation, as well as president of JMB1 Enterprises (a company founded by Jalen), highlights her leadership within both the family and their charitable efforts.

Jalen Brunson’s Close Bond with His Parents

Despite the challenges that come with growing up in a family of high achievers, Jalen has maintained a close relationship with both of his parents. His bond with his mother, in particular, is strong. In a 2020 interview, Jalen referred to Sandra as his “best friend.” He credited her with sacrificing so much for him and his sister, always being there to support them, and guiding them through life’s ups and downs.

With his father, Jalen has learned to separate Rick’s roles as both a coach and a dad. In a 2023 interview, Jalen explained that understanding this dual role has made life easier and has even motivated him to work harder. As a coach, Rick is tough and expects the best from his son, but as a father, he is loving and supportive. This dynamic has been key to Jalen’s success, allowing him to thrive under his father’s guidance without feeling overwhelmed.

Conclusion

Jalen Brunson’s journey to becoming a star player in the NBA has been shaped by the strong influence of his parents, Rick and Sandra Brunson. From Rick’s intense training methods to Sandra’s unwavering support, both have played crucial roles in molding Jalen into the athlete

and person he is today. Their combined efforts have not only contributed to Jalen’s professional success but also to the foundation of a family that values hard work, discipline, and giving back to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Jalen Brunson’s father?
Jalen Brunson’s father is Rick Brunson, a former NBA player and current assistant coach for the New York Knicks. He has played a significant role in Jalen’s development as a professional basketball player.

2. What role did Rick Brunson play in Jalen’s basketball career?
Rick Brunson has been both a coach and a father to Jalen, training him rigorously from a young age and helping him develop both physically and mentally for a professional career in basketball.

3. What is the Second Round Foundation?
The Second Round Foundation is a nonprofit co-founded by Jalen and Sandra Brunson. Its mission is to empower young people through education, sports, and community engagement.

4. How has Jalen Brunson’s mother, Sandra, influenced his career?
Sandra Brunson has been a crucial figure in Jalen’s life, instilling in him a no-quit mentality and holding him accountable for his actions. She also played a key role in his personal and athletic development.

5. How did Rick Brunson’s NBA career influence Jalen?
Rick’s experience as a professional player provided him with the knowledge and skills to train Jalen effectively. His NBA background gave Jalen a firsthand guide on what it takes to succeed at the highest level of basketball.

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