‘The Unicorn’. No, not the 7’2 Kristaps Porziņģis. Rather, almost a foot shorter, Filipino-American sensation of the Houston Rockets – Jalen Green. The third player in the NBA of Filipino descent, Green, was dubbed ‘The Unicorn’ by a Florida State coach who had come to watch him in high school. While the 6’4 shooting guard isn’t primarily known by the moniker, he truly is one.

Along with Houston’s standout star, Alperen Sengun, Green has also received his flowers. In fact, he came close to winning the Western Conference Player of the Month in March, thanks in large to his 30 points per game while leading the Rockets to an 11-game winning streak! But the 22-year-old had humble beginnings.

Jalen Green and his family

“He works for everything. There was nothing really handed to him,” said Jalen’s stepfather, Marcus Green. And the one thing that always kept him on the straight and narrow was his family. His mother, Bree Purganan, was a nurse. With a basketball-inclined son and two daughters, it’s not hard to imagine the modest lifestyle they would have led in California.

In a 2018 feature by Mirin Fader of Bleacher Report, Green and his family lived in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. Jalen is the middle child (without the usual sufferings accompanying a middle kid – ‘Unicorn,’ remember?) and the only boy in the family. Let’s find out about the other members of the family.

Raquel Purganan

Green’s eldest sister, Raquel Purganan, is married to Steve Tucker, and they also have a son, Liam. Per the popular self-promotion and social networking platform for digital designers, Dribble, where Raquel has showcased her work, she has a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design from Full Sail University. Her profile also mentions that she worked as a freelancer for around three years.

Jurnee Tyra

Born on February 17, 2011, the second daughter -Jurnee Tyra- is the youngest in the family. Jalen Green often posts adorable photos of them. And it’s clear from the images that she’s the baby and princess of the family. While Jurnee seems to have an interest in basketball, it seems like her choice right now is volleyball, often participating in AAU tournaments and other competitions.

Aside from sports, the 13-year-old is also a model and an actress, represented by Zuri Talent Agency, according to her Instagram profile. She has modeled for popular outdoor clothing and gear brand, The North Face, and sports apparel giant, Adidas, among others. Suffice it to say, she’s a multi-talented kid. Then again, what less can we expect from Jalen’s sister?

Green is a father to two babies

Although he is just 22, the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup MVP has a daughter with actress and fashion designer, Draya Michele. We don’t have to tell you more about the highly publicized relationship owing to the 17-year age gap between the pair. Anyway, they welcomed a baby girl on May 12, 2024, and continue to happily raise the little one. In fact, when asked what motivated his play since the All-Star break, Green said, “My family. My baby.”

And the second baby is none other than Green’s beloved Twilight, a poodle (apologies about the sudden heart attack). The McD’s All-American has the most adorable dog ever. In fact, his interest in being a veterinarian stems from his love for animals in general, and dogs, in particular.

As for his NBA journey, the Rockets are still undecided on extending a contract to Green. An inconsistent start to last season had Houston cautious of their 2020 No. 2 pick. But Green’s masterful March performance was his saving grace. Now, this season will provide the franchise enough time to evaluate his place in a team that’s increasingly looking like a serious playoff contender.

Well, if there’s one thing Jalen’s friends, family, and coaches have said in one voice, it’s this: “He’s got that dog in him!” What do you think about Green’s journey? Let us know in the comments below.