Jaren Jackson Jr. has been on a steep rise in the NBA ever since he entered the league in 2018. After his third season in the NBA was hampered by injury, he became one of the best players for the Memphis Grizzlies last season. His improved performances and defense caught the eyes of many. He was subsequently rewarded with his first-ever All-Star team selection. Furthermore, he also won the DPOY award. Notably, Jackson Jr.’s parents played a huge role in his development over the years. But who are they?
After a disappointing end to last NBA season, Jackson Jr. announced his intention to play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Now, he’s all set to play his first game in the tournament in USA’s opener against New Zealand.
Jaren Jackson Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps
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Jaren Jackson Sr. and Terri Carmichael Jackson are the parents of Jaren Jackson Jr. His father is a former basketball star and an NBA champion. Jackson Sr. played four years of college basketball for Georgetown. But he went undrafted in 1989. However, he was soon signed as a free agent by the New Jersey Nets. But his time in the league was not smooth sailing.
The former shooting guard was in and out of the NBA throughout his career until finally finding a home in the San Antonio Spurs. The 6’6″ star played for the Spurs for four straight seasons from 1997 to 2001 where he won the NBA title in 1999. He played one more year for the Orlando Magic before hanging his boots.
After retiring from the NBA, Jackson Sr. pursued a career in coaching. Over the years, he has been the coach of multiple teams. Notably, he was promoted to head coach of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the G-League in 2008 after serving as an assistant the year prior.
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After this, he coached multiple Canadian professional teams. He is currently an assistant coach at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s mother plays an important role in the WNBPA
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Jaren Jackson Sr. and Terri Carmichael Jackson met each other during their time in Georgetown where she pursued law as per Sports Illustrated. She then worked for multiple law firms over the years.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s mother’s sports association started when she became legal counsel for athletics at the University of the District of Columbia. She then became the director of law for the NCAA, a role she served for four years.
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In 2016, Terri was appointed as the director of operations of the WNBPA. She played a crucial role in bringing higher pay and increased maternity benefits for WNBA players.