As Ryan Dunn enters the NBA All-Star games, by participating in the NBA Rising Stars, he’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most exciting young players. But there’s one thing that we need to look at other than his basketball career, his background.

Each hooper’s background gives an overlook at their journey. Similarly, Dunn’s background is an important piece of the puzzle, shedding light on the cultural influences that have shaped him.

Where are Ryan Dunn’s roots from?

Ryan Dunn’s journey started in the small town of Brookville, New York, where he was born. This makes his nationality American, but information about his ethnicity is not known, so let’s not assume anything. However, now talking about his story, his parents, Edmund and Donna Dunn, deserve the highest spot among people who helped him shape his basketball skills.

Growing up, his father, Edmund, was more than just a guiding force. Edmund believes in the power of hard work because of which he pushed his son to aim high. Ryan himself once shared, “He just wants the best for me, and I know that.” While Edmund’s methods could be considered tough, his son understood it was never about being hard on him—it was about preparing him for life’s challenges. He wasn’t just a father; he was a mentor, teaching his kids that success wasn’t handed out but earned. Edmund’s words: “Keep pushing. You’re capable of more than you think,” stuck with Ryan, especially on days when his strength was tested. While his father molded him, his mother, Donna, was the heart of the family.

Donna, a human resources specialist and an American Methodist Episcopalian reverend, has always been an emotional anchor. Like when Ryan faced setbacks or felt weighed down by the pressures of the game, he found solace in his mother’s comforting presence. “Mom’s like a teddy bear for me,” he said, and this is a tender reflection of how much he valued her calming influence. Donna was always there to remind him that everything would be okay, offering soft answers when the world around him seemed hard. So when the stress of basketball became too much, he knew where to reach out. And this was a clear balance of parenting.

While Edmund instilled discipline and focus and Donna provided warmth and reassurance, creating a safe space for their child to grow. As Ryan made his way through high school and onto the University of Virginia, his parents’ influence was evident in every part of his life. When Ryan’s name was called during the NBA draft, for his parents it wasn’t just the culmination of years of training and sacrifice—it was also the culmination of the love and belief they had shown him every step of the way.

At the draft, Edmund spoke about the hooper’s work ethic and how it would guide him in the NBA. “It’s his work ethic and how hard he works… next thing you know, he’s contributing well,” he said, echoing the values that had been instilled in Ryan from the very beginning. The Dunn family’s journey had come full circle—what started with late-night practices and tough lessons now led to a dream fulfilled. And he was not the only one who bloomed under his parents’ guidance, his sibling was always beside him in the journey.

Does Ryan Dunn have any siblings?

Yes, Ryan Dunn has one brother named Justin Dunn. And Justin is also an athlete. While Ryan’s focus was basketball, Justin’s talent shone in a completely different arena. Well, you might have already guessed, baseball. Born in Freeport, New York, Jusin grew up with the same drive that his younger brother did. The brothers’ bond went beyond shared values—they also shared a fierce determination to succeed in their respective sports.

After an impressive career at Boston College, Justin’s baseball career started in 2016. Do you know which team drafted him? It was the New York Mets, where his ability as a pitcher was undeniable, and he soon made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners. As of now, he plays for the Cincinnati Reds, solidifying his spot in professional baseball. Both brothers are living their dream.

The Dunn family didn’t just raise two talented sons—they also raised two men who they can be proud of. While one has a successful career on the basketball court, the other one’s achievements in the MLB ensured that the Dunn family name would be known across both professional sports.