Home/NBA

via Imago

via Imago

0
  Debate

Debate

Is Domantas Sabonis' dedication to family and faith the secret to his success on and off the court?

Domantas Sabonis wasn’t just born into basketball; he was destined for it. Born to father Arvydas Sabonis—an icon whose name echoes across global basketball arenas—how could he not? Arvydas, regarded as one of Europe’s greatest players, set the bar high. Domantis’ mother, Ingrida Mikelionytė, adds a unique flair to their legacy, having been crowned Miss Lithuania in 1988. This combination of athletic prowess and beauty speaks volumes about the family’s extraordinary influence. So, does Domantas feel the weight of such a legacy? But beyond his remarkable career and lineage, the hooper’s family life adds another layer to his story. Let’s take a closer look at the world that he created, his wife and kids.

Meet Domantas Sabonis’ wife and kids?

Domantas Sabonis’ life off the court revolves around his beautiful family. He met his wife, Shashana, at a Los Angeles restaurant, Catch, and their love blossomed. While everyone knows how private the hooper’s life is, no one knew about his relationship until the couple decided to get engaged. By 2020, they were engaged, and a year later, in August 2021, they married on the French Riviera. But do they have kids?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Yes, they have two children, their son, Tiger, born March 11, 2022, and daughter, Eleven Rose, born July 11, 2023. How does fatherhood shape Domantas? A closer look into their family life was given in Netflix’s 2024 series Starting 5.

“Anyone who knows me knows I’m the one who doesn’t like being in front of cameras, so she’s the one who always wants me to do more and really show myself out there. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be here today, so she always pushes me to be better,” Domantis stated. Their journey together shows the balance of love and career. But what does Shashana do?

What’s your perspective on:

Is Domantas Sabonis' dedication to family and faith the secret to his success on and off the court?

Have an interesting take?

Shashana is a professional dancer

Born on October 16, 1992, Shashana grew up in a family with a strong passion for dance and fitness. Her father, Jimmy Rosen, runs a gym equipment company, further emphasizing their deep roots in fitness. But did you know she isn’t his only child? Shashana has five siblings: brothers Sage and Shai, and three sisters—Shaynee, Shaya, and Sasha.

Saga and Shai are popular dancers. Shashana is also a dancer. She has created her path, co-founding several successful dance studios, including The Movement Los Angeles and The Company Dance Studio. However, after welcoming her first child, she announced on Instagram that she was stepping back from the dance world.

“It’s a wrap on 10 years of owning dance studios. I am so overcome with gratitude to have been able to do what I love for a living all of these years. I wish I could do it forever but I am entering a new chapter where I am a wife and mommy to amazing boys. I really want to enjoy this time with them. And as supportive as my husband has always been he’s excited that we will finally get to live together for the first time. I love each and every student so much and am so thankful for the honor to have gotten to work with truly incredible people! ❤️” She wrote. Is her decision a shift towards family life? While she chose to embrace this new chapter with grace, Domantas chose to change for her.

“He loves (Judaism)”: Shashana on Domantas’ view on her religion.

Domantas’ commitment to Shashana’s Jewish faith has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially, Shashana made it clear that her religion would play a significant role in their life together, and he embraced it wholeheartedly. Why would a professional athlete like Domantas go through such a personal transformation? His dedication to Judaism, even amid his NBA career, speaks volumes about his devotion to his family and values. From learning the rituals of Shabbat to keeping kosher, Domantas has gone above and beyond to understand and live by the principles of her religion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

She once said, “We really haven’t talked about it. He loves (Judaism) and wants to be a part of it. People that follow me see how we do the holidays and Shabbat, and I think it’s really fun for the Jewish community to see that representation in basketball.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

If this wasn’t enough, then once she revealed that Domantas even reached out to Rabbi Erez Sherman to deepen his understanding of the faith. As an NBA player, his commitment to both his career and family life sets him apart. It’s rare to see athletes make such personal sacrifices—could this level of commitment be the key to their strong relationship? His actions, including handing out sufganiyot (Chanukah donuts) at a Kings game, showcase how seriously he’s taking the journey. Domantas’ willingness to change for Shashana further strengthens their bond, offering a powerful example of love and growth.

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.