How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jalen Brunson. A timeline of key moments.
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, he spent his first four NBA seasons there. Brunson's college career at Villanova University was highly decorated. As a junior, he earned the National Player of the Year award. He also secured two national championships during his time playing for Villanova.
August 31, 1996: Jalen Brunson Born
On August 31, 1996, Jalen Marquis Brunson was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.
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2010: Family Settled in Lincolnshire, Illinois
In 2010, the Brunson family settled in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where Jalen played high school basketball for Stevenson High School.
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2014: Committed to Villanova
On September 10, 2014, Brunson committed to Villanova. He was ranked as the number one point guard in the national class of 2015 by Scout.com at the time of his decision.
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2015: McDonald's All-American, Jordan Brand Classic, Nike Hoop Summit
In 2015, Brunson participated in the McDonald's All-American Boys Game, Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit. He also led Stevenson to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 4A championship and won Illinois Mr. Basketball and earned the MVP of the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
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2017: National Player of the Year
In 2017, Brunson was the National Player of the Year for the championship season of the 2017–18 Villanova Wildcats.
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2018: All-American
In 2018, Brunson was a Consensus first-team All-American for the championship season of the 2017–18 Wildcats.
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September 21, 2022: Engagement to Ali Marks
On September 21, 2022, Jalen Brunson announced his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Ali Marks, at Stevenson High School's gymnasium after being inducted into the school's athletic Hall of Fame.
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July 29, 2023: Wedding to Ali Marks
On July 29, 2023, Jalen Brunson married Ali Marks at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, with current and former teammates in attendance.
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June 28, 2024: WWE SmackDown Appearance
On June 28, 2024, Jalen Brunson made an appearance on WWE SmackDown at Madison Square Garden, alongside Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.
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August 2024: Birth of First Child
In August 2024, Jalen Brunson and his wife, Ali Marks, announced the birth of their first child, born on July 31.
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