“The world will never grow until we are comfortable having the uncomfortable talks and taking action upon them!!!!” wrote Bradley Beal on X, as he became one of the most prominent NBA voices to speak out amidst the George Floyd protests of 2020. In today’s age, with social media holding more prominence than before, every opinion is prone to receive criticism, no matter what stance they highlight. In light of this, many celebrities, aka people with strong following, sometimes prefer to avoid speaking out if they can.

Bradley Beal is not among them. After all, as he stated during a Bleacher Report interview back in 2019, “I have a voice. Whenever opportunity presents itself and I can use it I’m going speak out on it”. Especially, when it comes to opinion about his race and ethnicity. In light of this information, let us explore the Phoenix Suns star’s family background.

Where was Bradley Beal born? What’s the Suns’ star’s nationality?

Bradley Beal was born in 1993 in the densely populated city of St. Louis, Missouri. Both his parents, Bobby and Besta Beal, also originate from St. Louis. This makes the NBA player’s nationality to be American. At the same time, his ethnicity can be classified as African-American, as highlighted by Sports Brief. While Beal did not reveal his race through his parents, he has talked about it, in several interviews, over the years.

Beal, grew up in Missouri City, with his four other siblings (all brothers). Bradley is the middle child, as two brothers are older than him, while the other two are younger. Bradley Beal can boast about coming from a sports background since, amazingly, both of the NBA star’s parents are former athletes! Bobby Beal, who found success in football, represented the Kentucky State Thorobreds between 1978 and 1982. According to reports, he played as an outside linebacker.

Meanwhile, Besta Beal made a name for herself through basketball. She represented the Kentucky State Thorobreds women’s basketball team as a forward. Therefore, the duo’s tenure at Kentucky State University not only gave them a chance to highlight their skills at the college level but also allowed them to find each other.

Bobby and Besta eventually passed down their own interest in sports to each of their children. A major portion of the sports world may be already well-acquainted with Bradley Beal. However, it would also interest you to know that Brandon Beal, Bradley’s oldest brother, also played college football. Unlike his father, Brandon represented Northern Illinois and played in the tight end position.

Similarly, Bradley’s other older brother, Bruce, played college football at Alabama State as an offensive lineman. Meanwhile, the Suns star’s younger brother, Bryon, is Bradley’s younger brother, played as an offensive lineman for Lindenwood University. The youngest member of the Beal family is also named Byron, and he played as a defensive lineman for Lindenwood University.

Bradley Beal began the journey of his basketball career at Chaminade College Preparatory School. During his final year of high school, Beal averaged 32.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. This allowed him to be selected as the ‘2011 Mr. Show-Me Basketball’, which distinguished him as Missouri’s best high school basketball player. On top of that, Beal also won the Gatorade National Player of the Year award in 2011. 

Bradley Beal has never publicly underestimated the family contributions to where he is today. During a Washington Post interview back in 2012, he stated, “I’ve always thanked them for everything they’ve done. Because I know a lot of kids don’t have their family, or don’t have one of their parents or don’t have the siblings that I have. But I knew without them, or without them pushing me and without God, of course, I wouldn’t even be here.”

What religion does Bradley Beal follow?

Throughout his NBA career, Bradley Beal has been quite open about his faith in Christianity. In fact, the 3x NBA All-Star’s X profile even carries the words “To God be the Glory!” in the caption. During the early stages of his NBA career, Beal developed a habit of taking to X and dropping faith-based messages.

One of them, which he put out back in February 2015, said, “Every day, FAITH is tested. Let us not rely on our own confidence or understanding, but rather God’s. Have a blessed day !!”. He continued this practice for years, putting out other faith-based messages like “give it to God!” and “blessed to see another day.”

As a teenager, Bradley Beal tattooed symbols of his faith on his arms. Guess what, he drew it himself. One of them contained praying hands with Philippians 4:13 on his left arm. It read, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” From reportedly giving thanks to Jesus Christ before every post-game press conference to writing two scriptures on his shoes before each game, Bradley Beal is as devoted to his religion as one could be.

Has Bradley Beal played for the US National Team?

The last few decades have seen several NBA players take their talents to the international level. They elevated Team USA’s status to a new standing. From the 1992 Dream Team to the 2024 roster that secured Gold at the Paris Olympics, the athletes have created memorable moments for basketball enthusiasts. With Bradley Beal, the 31-year-old shooting guard/small forward is yet to represent Team USA in the Olympics. However, this doesn’t mean he hasn’t been a part of the national team in other formats.

Bradley Beal was a part of the Team USA roster that played in the FIBA World U17 Championship in Hamburg, in 2010. Throughout 8 games, he averaged 18.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2 assists. His efficiency rating stood at 18.4. Beal’s contributions earned him the MVP award, a spot on the All-Tournament Team, and the Gold Medal.

Before that, Beal had also represented his national country in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship, held back in 2009 in Argentina. In 5 games, Beal averaged 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His efficiency rating was lower in that series, as it only stood at 16.4.

Bradley Beal’s NBA stats initially opened him up for consideration to be part of an Olympic roster. In fact, the player committed to playing for the Team USA squad that went on to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Unfortunately, fate was not on Beal’s side. The shooting guard/small forward had played just three exhibition games when he was ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19. Beal had later expressed an interest in joining the 2024 Olympic squad, but the same didn’t amount to anything.

Beal’s playing career is not looking to be over anytime soon. Therefore, he may attempt to be considered for the squad heading to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Bradley Beal’s upbringing, nationality, ethnicity, and religious beliefs all played an important role in shaping him. If he stands out as a prominent NBA star today, it is only because of the past experiences that molded him.