PJ Washington always believed in himself to make his basketball dreams come true. So much so that as a seventh grader, he made a list by including everything he wanted to achieve. The list included becoming a McDonald’s All-American, signing for Kentucky, playing for the USA, becoming an NBA Lottery pick, and last but not least, playing for the Dallas Mavericks.

Later, he took a picture of the list and made it his home screen on all electronic devices. Fast forward to 2024, Washington now has checked everything on that list! However, it couldn’t have been made possible without his grit and hard work. Moreover, it’s not without help from his family, who’ve stood beside him from his high school days to Kentucky, and now in the NBA. Let’s learn more about the Mavericks star’s family and his roots.

Where did PJ Washington come from? What is the Mavericks star’s nationality?

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Washington has lived in several cities while growing up. His family moved to St. Louis, then Chicago, before ultimately settling in Frisco, Texas. Although he moved a lot as a kid, PJ Washington is American through and through. Furthermore, the Mavericks forward is the son of Sherry and Paul Washington, both hoopers and played for Middle Tennessee State.

Also, Washington was raised alongside his three siblings, Spencer, Tyler, and Alexandria. It was Frisco where he truly picked up basketball as a sport. Before joining Lone Star High School in Frisco, Washington suited up for Prime Prep Academy for a short while. Later, he again switched schools to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada. As a junior at Findlay, Washington put up a stellar season averaging 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and four assists.

Following his incredible junior season, he suited up for an AAU team, Team Penny, sponsored by none other than former NBA star Penny Hardaway. Additionally, as a senior, PJ improved even more by averaging 19.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. This earned him spots at the Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonald’s All-American.

He then followed his childhood dream of playing for the Wildcats as he chose the University of Kentucky as his college. Then soon made it to the NBA as the 12th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets and the rest as we know is history.

Which religion does PJ Washington follow?

However, there is no solid evidence to reveal which religion the Mavericks star PJ Washington follows. There are multiple interviews and hints dropped by Washington that show he believes in God. One such incident transpired during last season’s playoff games where, in an interview, he shared some insight on his faith.

Washington said, “It’s the reason I’m here, [God has] done so much for me, and I’m just thankful and forever grateful. I feel like the closer I get to him, things just start getting a lot better for me.” He suggested God became one reason why he’s been so successful and will be forever grateful for it. In addition, he also posts a Bible verse on his Instagram story every day.

All of these points to him being a believer and a follower of God. With that being said, PJ Washington has been extremely successful throughout his career and still has a lot more to offer to the Mavericks and the NBA at large. He continues to navigate through the highs and lows with great confidence as he hunts his first-ever NBA Championship with Dallas.