At 6’10″, Wendell Carter Jr. isn’t just another big man—he’s a game-changer. With his high basketball IQ, poise under pressure, and leadership on both ends of the floor, he has become a crucial piece of the Orlando Magic’s success. But as the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” — and neither was he.

Behind every step of his journey, Carter had his family by his side. Whether he stumbled or needed guidance, they were there to lift him up. From Chicago to Orlando, his parents have traveled alongside him, supporting him through every challenge.

So, let’s take a closer look at the people who shaped Wendell Carter Jr. and the family that has been his foundation.

What is Wendell Carter Jr.’s nationality? Who are his family?

Wendell Carter Jr.’s journey is one worth telling. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he comes from a proud African American family that deeply values both education and sports. And if growing up in a basketball-rich city wasn’t enough, he had something even better—parents with their own hoops legacy to inspire him.

His father, Wendell Carter Sr., had a standout college career at Delta State University before going pro in the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, his mother, Kylia Carter, played college basketball at the University of Mississippi. With both parents having been hoopers themselves, it’s no surprise where Wendell Jr. gets his passion for the game.

One thing about his mother was that she was a strong advocate for her son’s future, making him understand the importance of being socially aware and being grounded. “We keep him socially aware and educated on who he is as a black man,” she said.

His mother’s perspective shaped the way Wendell Carter Jr. viewed life beyond basketball. For her, it wasn’t just about making it to the NBA—it was about understanding his roots, his journey, and the importance of knowing where he comes from. That mindset helped him see the bigger picture, both on and off the court.

But when it came to role models? He didn’t have to look far.

Growing up, Carter had no shortage of inspiration. With two basketball-savvy parents, he became a student of the game early on, soaking in lessons from both his mother and father.

It was his mother who identified his raw talent. “If what Wendell is now is something that you aspire to for your son, the main thing is that you have to know who your child is,” Kylia once said. This mindset pushed Carter Jr. to not only excel in basketball but also to focus on academics, choosing Duke over Harvard for his education.

For the Carters, sports and education were never separate—they went hand in hand. While many elite basketball prospects dream of playing at Duke, Wendell Carter Jr. initially considered a very different path—Harvard.

His mother, Kylia Carter, once explained the reasoning behind that decision: “Harvard was the best long-term choice, but Duke suited her son’s purpose for the here and now.” In the end, he chose Duke, but the process reflected a core family value—balancing academics with athletics. That mindset didn’t just shape Wendell Jr. as a player; it helped him think beyond the game, giving him a well-rounded perspective on his future.

Talking about some of the other activities of the Carter family is their deep sense of community. The Carters have always been the first ones to help others and stay humble, values that their son carried with him as he climbed the ranks in basketball. However, the family’s tight-knit bond became even more evident when Wendell Jr. was drafted into the NBA by the Chicago Bulls in 2018. Do you know both parents traveled with him to Chicago? Yes, they both were by his side.

The Carters were not only proud of their son’s achievements, but of the young man he had become. They guided him through the complex world of professional sports with humility and dedication. “You can’t just put some guy off the street on my son,” Kylia proudly said during one of Wendell Jr.’s practices.

Wendell Carter Jr.’s journey proves that he isn’t just a product of athletic genes—he’s a reflection of his parents’ deep commitment to education, social awareness, and community values. Their lessons have shaped not just the player he’s become but also the person he is off the court. No matter where his NBA career takes him, the values instilled by his family will always be a guiding force.

But beyond basketball and family, there’s another pillar that plays a significant role in Carter Jr.’s life—his faith. Religion has been a major influence in the Carter household, shaping their beliefs, decisions, and daily lives. So, let’s take a closer look at how faith has shaped Wendell Carter Jr.’s journey.

Which religion does Wendell Carter follow?

Religion plays an integral part in Wendell Carter Jr.’s life, and he is a Christian. He’s always been vocal about his gratitude towards God. On X once he expressed, “I give all the glory to God! He has done some remarkable things in my life, and all I can do is say thank you! #blessed.” His connection to faith runs deep, as it’s been a cornerstone of his family’s journey.

His mother, Kylia Carter, has also spoken about the role of faith in their lives. She said, “If God is in it, I just believe that it can be fixed, whatever it is. God has proven that to me.” This belief has helped the family through difficult times.

She described their struggles openly, saying, “We are not the Huxtables or the Jeffersons… We’ve had some real problems, some in-your-face drama, some separation.” Despite these challenges, their faith in God has provided a foundation for healing and growth.

For Wendell Carter Jr., basketball and faith have been intertwined from the very beginning. It was in the church league—at just four years old—where he first discovered his love for the game. His height made him stand out early, so much so that he was already competing against six-year-olds.

But it wasn’t just about basketball. His family’s unwavering faith shaped his character, both on and off the court. Through challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, the Carters have leaned on their belief in God, proving that faith has the power to turn even the toughest situations around.