Jalen Brunson is a talented guard for the New York Knicks in the NBA, born on August 31, 1996.
He had a stellar college career at Villanova University, where he won two NCAA championships and was named National Player of the Year in 2018.
His success at the collegiate level led to him being selected 33rd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA Draft.
During the current 2024-2025 season, Brunson is averaging an impressive 25.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.
His shooting efficiency has also been notable, with an effective field goal percentage of 55.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 40.2%.
Parents
Jalen is the elder of two children born to Rick Brunson and Sandra Brunson.
Rick Brunson is a former NBA player who transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks among other teams.
Sandra Brunson was a college volleyball player, which contributed to a sports-oriented upbringing for Jalen and his sibling.
The family lived in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where basketball was an integral part of Jalen’s life from a young age. He would often accompany his father to the gym and emulate professional players, fostering his passion for the sport.
Career
Growing up in a sports-oriented family, with his father Rick Brunson being a former NBA player and coach, Jalen developed a passion for basketball at an early age.
He attended Camden Catholic High School, where he quickly emerged as a standout player.
During his high school career, he led his team to a state championship and earned numerous accolades, including being named the New Jersey Player of the Year.
Brunson committed to Villanova University, where he had an illustrious college career under head coach Jay Wright.
He was instrumental in helping Villanova win two NCAA National Championships, first in 2016 and again in 2018.
In the 2016 championship game, he played a key role in Villanova’s thrilling victory over North Carolina.
By his junior year (2017-2018), Brunson had established himself as one of the best players in college basketball.
He was named the Naismith College Player of the Year and won the John R. Wooden Award, recognizing him as the top player in the nation.
That season, he averaged 18.9 points and 4.6 assists per game while demonstrating exceptional leadership and basketball IQ.
In the 2018 NBA Draft, Brunson was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 33rd overall pick in the second round.
During his time with the Mavericks, he steadily improved each season and became a key contributor to the team’s success.
In his rookie year, he averaged 9.3 points and 3.2 assists per game, earning recognition as a reliable backup point guard.
Over four seasons with Dallas, Brunson’s scoring average increased each year as he developed into a more versatile and confident player.
In July 2022, Brunson signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent on a four-year deal worth approximately $104 million.
In 2024, he earned his first NBA All-Star selection, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top guards.
He also delivered record-breaking performances, including setting an NBA record for most three-pointers made in a half without a miss (8) and tying another record for most three-pointers made in a single game without a miss (9).
