Rick Brunson’s Stern Coaching Approach Scared Wife Sandra for Young Jalen’s Future: “He’s Not Gonna Like Basketball”

The popular show, ‘CBS Mornings’, recently highlighted a new segment as they interviewed New York Knicks star, Jalen Brunson. However, the basketball player was not alone, with his mother, Sandra, and father, Rick Brunson, also joining in different parts of the conversation. A particular emphasis was placed on discussing the journey that allowed the 2024 NBA All-Star to become the man he is today. And, of course, that story would be left unfulfilled without touching base on his basketball training.

Jalen’s father, Rick Brunson, took it upon himself to train his son in basketball. After all, he was also an NBA player from 1997–2006 and even went on to serve as a coach for different franchises. When asked if following a strict training regime under his father caused him to act out angrily often or made him believe that maybe he was not good enough, Jalen jokingly replied, “I still do that today, btw.” Sandra, too, laid out her thoughts on what truly went on in her mind during that period.

“I’ve had those moments; I would say to Rick, ‘You know, I’m afraid he’s not going to like basketball soon’” said Jalen Brunson’s mother, continuing, “And it wasn’t so much Rick pushing him; it was more so Rick trying to embed the discipline that it takes”.

Rick Brunson revealed that he pushed his son while keeping his best interests in mind, explaining, “I’ll always talk to him and ask him, like, how bad does he want this? ‘How good do you really want to be?’” Elaborating further, Jalen affirmed that he was never upset about his dad’s strict ordeal, despite knowing that they had an ‘air-conditioned facility’ while he was made to work out in the hot sun. “It was more mental than anything,” the Knicks star claimed.

And no matter how rigorous the training was, or what doubts existed in the earlier days, Jalen’s hard work has now paid off. Today, Brunson has followed in his father’s footsteps, carrying his legacy into the NBA.

Jalen Brunson was roasted by his father during the All-Star Break

Rick Brunson may not be an NBA player anymore, but he hasn’t said goodbye to the big league yet. Today, the 51-year-old continues to serve as an assistant coach of the New York Knicks, the same team of which his son is currently the highest-average scorer. Being a coach has allowed him to be present for Jalen’s big moments, continuing his guidance. However, he may have chosen to go in the opposite direction during Jalen’s very first All-Star Break.

A few months ago, Jalen Brunson appeared in an interview for ‘The Roommates Show’. During the exchange, he discussed participating in the 3-point contest that was a major part of the All-Star Break. However, despite performing well, he could only finish the first round with 24 points, preventing him from making it to the next one. And no one was more upset about this than Brunson Sr.

“I heard like some dude behind the bench…. ‘You effing bum!’ I was like, ‘Who just said that?’ My dad,” said Jalen Brunson, adding, “He was like, ‘With that bonus, we could have finished my basement.’”

The winner of the 3-pointer contest receives a prize of $60,000. And that amount is certainly enough to make any addition/repair one needs to make to the basement. Unfortunately, that money probably had to be found from some other source.

What’s your take on Rick Brunson roasting his son? Let us know in the comments.