Dorian Finney-Smith, born on May 4, 1993, now represents the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. Before landing with Brooklyn after a February 2023 trade from the Dallas Mavericks, where he spent seven seasons, Finney-Smith made waves in high school and college basketball.
At I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was a dominant force. As a senior, he powered his team to back-to-back state titles, averaging 18 points, 10.7 rebounds, and nearly four blocks per game. His standout performances, including 19 points and 17 rebounds in the state championship game, earned him VHSL Class AAA Player of the Year honors twice. If you’re into those underdog success stories, Finney-Smith’s rise should catch your eye.
In college, he started at Virginia Tech, earning a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team in 2011-12. After transferring to Florida in 2012, he had to sit out a season, but the wait paid off. By his sophomore year, he snagged the SEC Sixth Man of the Year award. Over time, he became Florida’s top scorer and rebounder, leading the team in both categories during his last two seasons. He wrapped up his college career with 1,220 points, cementing his place in Gator history.
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From high school phenom to college standout and now an NBA mainstay, Finney-Smith’s journey is a testament to resilience and hard work. But today we’ll be delving into his personal life.
Is Dorian Finney-Smith married? A look into the Nets star’s personal life
Dorian Finney-Smith is engaged to JazMyne Branch, with plans to tie the knot on August 23, 2025, according to their website. JazMyne, a University of Florida alumna, earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature in 2016. She runs Mizizi Curls, a Dallas-based business focused on hair care.
Though Dorian and JazMyne have been together for a few years, they’ve kept most details about their relationship under wraps. What we do know? They’ve built a beautiful family together, raising two children, Aysen and Dorian II. And while their bond is strong, Dorian also shares a special connection with his eldest daughter, Sinai, who’s 13 and from a previous relationship.
It’s clear that family plays a central role in Dorian’s life, and the couple’s upcoming wedding marks another milestone in their journey.
How many children does Dorian Finney-Smith have?
Dorian Finney-Smith is the proud dad of three kids: his oldest daughter, Sinai, and his two boys, Dorian Jr. and Aysen. Believe it or not, he became a father at just 16 years old—a moment he described as both terrifying and life-altering. In an interview with the NBA, he opened up about the overwhelming responsibility he felt at such a young age.
He knew he had to grow up fast, determined to be the provider and the protector his family needed. For Finney-Smith, it wasn’t just about being there—it was about setting the bar high for what a father and a man should be. He had to face tough times during the pandemic.
Back in February 2021, Dorian Finney-Smith was juggling more challenges than anyone could imagine. His 10-year-old daughter, Sinai, woke him up one icy Monday morning, frustrated because the TV wouldn’t turn on. That’s when he realized the Dallas snowstorm wasn’t just a headline—it was now his reality.
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At first, he thought the power would come back quickly. It didn’t. Temperatures in his house plummeted into the 40s. Dorian, his pregnant girlfriend JazMyne (just five weeks from her due date), Sinai, and 4-year-old Dorian Jr. spent that night bundled up in front of the fireplace. They piled into the same bed for warmth, with Dorian pulling out all the dad moves—like telling scary stories—to keep the kids entertained.
This wasn’t his first challenge that year. Just weeks earlier, Dorian had tested positive for COVID-19 and spent two weeks quarantined in a Denver hotel, stressing over his family’s safety. By the time he returned, he had to rebuild his conditioning, all while making sure he didn’t bring the virus home to JazMyne. Now, with no power and limited options, he faced a new kind of battle.
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Hotels were packed, so the family stayed put. JazMyne cooked chicken on their gas stove, while Dorian kept the kids distracted with games like hide-and-seek. By midweek, the Mavericks arranged for players to stay at a local hotel, giving his family two nights of relief before the power went out again at home.
Amid all this chaos, Dorian still found his rhythm on the court. He nailed season-best shooting performances just before the storm, proving his resilience wasn’t just personal—it was professional, too. It’s wild how life throws curveballs, but Dorian handled them like a pro, on and off the hardwood.
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Facing life's curveballs, has Dorian Finney-Smith set the bar for balancing family and career?
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