Childhood and Education Journey of Jalen Brunson in Timeline

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, 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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.