History of Jalen Brunson in Timeline

Jalen Brunson is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Drafted 33rd overall in 2018 by the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent his first four seasons, Brunson achieved significant success in college basketball. He played for the Villanova Wildcats, where he won two national championships and was named national player of the year as a junior, marking him as a promising talent before his entry into the professional league.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Second NBA Player with 35+-point/10+-assist Games

In the 1973 NBA playoffs, Oscar Robertson had three 35+-point/10+-assist games. This achievement set a high standard for future players in NBA playoff series.

1984: Knicks Single-Game Playoff Record

During the 1984 NBA playoffs, a Knicks player twice scored 46 points, matching a record. This set the stage for future achievements by Knicks players in playoff games.

1989: Consecutive 40+-Point Games Since Michael Jordan

In the 1989 NBA playoffs, Michael Jordan closed out an NBA playoff series with consecutive 40+-point games. This set a benchmark for players in subsequent playoff series.

1993: Jordan Scores 40+ in Four Consecutive Playoff Games

During the 1993 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan became the fourth player in NBA history to score 40+ in four consecutive playoff games. This marked a significant achievement in NBA history.

1994: Surpassed Stephon Marbury's Assists Record

Jalen Brunson surpassed Stephon Marbury's 12 assists against Brazil in the 1994 FIBA Americas U18 Championship by recording 13 against Uruguay, setting a new USA Basketball U18 single-game assist record.

August 31, 1996: Jalen Brunson Born

On August 31, 1996, Jalen Marquis Brunson was born. He is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Others born on this day/year

1997: Highest Scorer in Fourth Quarters of Playoffs Since 1997

Since 1997, Jalen Brunson became the highest scorer in fourth quarters through the first 10 games of a playoffs, surpassing Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry.

2001: Sister Erica Born

Around 2001, Jalen Brunson's sister, Erica, was born.

2010: Family Settles in Lincolnshire, Illinois

In 2010, the Brunson family settled in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where Jalen played his high school career for Stevenson High School.

2012: All-Lake County Honorable Mention

In 2012, as a freshman, Brunson received All-Lake County honorable mention selection, with Stevenson finishing the season with a 17–11 record.

March 16, 2013: IHSA Class 4A Championship Game

On March 16, 2013, Brunson led Stevenson to the IHSA Class 4A championship game against Simeon Career Academy, ultimately losing 58–40. Stevenson finished the season 29–5.

2013: IHSA Tournament Final Four Loss

In 2013, the team was expected to perform well, but they lost to teams led by Parker and Okafor in the IHSA tournament final four.

February 21, 2014: Scored 57 Points in Double Overtime Victory

On February 21, 2014, junior Brunson scored 57 points in a double overtime victory over Lake Forest High School, setting school single-game and career scoring records.

April 2014: College Visits

In April 2014, Illinois, Purdue, Kansas and Villanova had in-home visits with Brunson.

May 3, 2014: Announced Top Eight Schools

On May 3, 2014, Brunson announced the eight schools that he was considering playing college basketball for: UConn, Michigan State, Illinois, Kansas, Purdue, Villanova, Michigan and Temple.

May 5, 2014: Invited to USA Basketball Tryouts

On May 5, 2014, Jalen Brunson was announced as one of the 21 athletes invited to try out for the 12-member USA national team for the 2014 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, marking the beginning of his journey with USA Basketball.

2014: IHSA Tournament Final Four Loss

In 2014, the team was expected to perform well, but they lost to teams led by Parker and Okafor in the IHSA tournament final four.

June 18, 2015: Named to USA Basketball U19 World Cup Team

On June 18, 2015, Jalen Brunson was announced as a member of the 12-man 2015 USA Basketball Men's U19 World Cup Team for the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

2015: Commitment to Villanova

In 2015, Brunson committed to Villanova. He was ranked as the number one point guard in the national class of 2015 by Scout.com.

2015: Participated in various games

In 2015, Brunson showcased his talent by participating in the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit.

2015: Ranked as Top Point Guard

In 2015, Brunson was recognized as the only point guard ranked in the top 25 players at the conclusion of the class of 2015's junior season. His peers voted him the best passer in high school basketball prior to his senior season.

2015: Preseason Watchlist and Freshman of the Year Selection

In 2015, Brunson was selected to the 20-man Bob Cousy Award preseason watchlist and was chosen as the 2015–16 Big East Conference Preseason Freshman of the Year by the conference coaches.

2015: Won Illinois Mr. Basketball

In 2015, Brunson won Illinois Mr. Basketball with 552 points and 99 of the 132 first place votes. Brunson led Stevenson to the first state championship by a Lake county school with an IHSA Class 4A title-game record 30 points in a 57–40 victory over Normal Community High School.

2015: Big East Freshman of the Week

In 2015, Jalen Brunson averaged 15.3 points and earned Big East Freshman of the Week.

2016: NCAA Championship Win

In 2016, Brunson and the Villanova Wildcats won the championship game of the tournament by defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 77–74, with Brunson as a starter.

2016: McDonald's All-American Game Roster

In 2016, Brunson was named to the 2015 McDonald's All-American Boys Game roster.

2016: Ascended to Top Position

In 2016, the Wildcats ascended into the top position in the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball rankings.

2017: All-Big East First Team Selection

In 2017, Brunson was one of four unanimous selections to the 2016–17 All-Big East first team, marking his achievements as a sophomore.

2017: Championship season of Villanova Wildcats

In the 2017–18 championship season of the Villanova Wildcats, Jalen Brunson was named the national player of the year and a consensus first-team 2018 All-American.

2018: All-American Selection

In 2018, Brunson was named the national player of the year and a consensus first-team All-American for the championship season of the 2017–18 Villanova Wildcats.

2018: Drafted by Dallas Mavericks

In 2018, Jalen Brunson was drafted with the 33rd overall selection of the NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks, beginning his NBA career with them.

September 21, 2022: Engagement to Ali Marks

On September 21, 2022, Jalen Brunson announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Ali Marks, whom he met in high school. The proposal took place at Stevenson High School's gymnasium following Brunson's induction into the school's athletic Hall of Fame.

2022: Signed with New York Knicks

In 2022, after playing four years with the Dallas Mavericks and helping them reach the Western Conference finals, Jalen Brunson signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent.

June 4, 2023: Commitment to Team USA for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

According to a June 4, 2023, tweet from Marc Stein, Jalen Brunson was one of the first commitments to Team USA for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

July 29, 2023: Wedding to Ali Marks

On July 29, 2023, Jalen Brunson wed Ali Marks at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago with current and former teammates in attendance. The wedding date was moved to accommodate Brunson's selection to the United States men's national basketball team for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

June 28, 2024: WWE SmackDown Appearance

On June 28, 2024, Jalen Brunson appeared in WWE SmackDown at Madison Square Garden, alongside Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.

July 12, 2024: Signs Contract Extension

On July 12, 2024, Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with New York through the 2028–29 season, opting for less money to give the team more flexibility in the future.

August 2024: Birth of First Child

In August 2024, Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks announced the birth of their first child, born on July 31.

2024: NBA All-Star and All-NBA Team Selection

In 2024, Jalen Brunson became an NBA All-Star and received an All-NBA Team selection for the first time. He also set the NBA record for most three point shots made in a half without a miss (8) and tied the NBA record for most three point shots made in a single-game without a miss (9).

2024: Team USA Secured 2024 Olympic Invitation

Team USA secured a 2024 Olympic Games invitation after finishing high enough (top 2 in the Americas) in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

January 25, 2025: Named Eastern Conference All-Star Starter

On January 25, 2025, Jalen Brunson was named as an Eastern Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking a significant achievement in his career.

December 13, 2025: Leads Knicks to NBA Cup Semifinal Victory

On December 13, 2025, Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 40 points and delivered 8 assists to lead the New York Knicks to a 132–120 victory over the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup semifinal, helping the team advance to the final.

2025: Led Knicks to Eastern Conference Finals

In 2025, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years.

January 19, 2026: Third Consecutive NBA All-Star Selection

On January 19, 2026, Jalen Brunson earned his third consecutive NBA All-Star selection and was named a starter for the second time in a row, highlighting his consistent performance and recognition in the league.