Kelly Oubre Jr. is no stranger to the spotlight these days. We all know about his on-court appearances, but what we do not know is about his family, which has stood as his backbone in tough times. Since childhood, his goal to become an NBA star was clear in his mind. From poverty to glory- what he’s become is a pure testimony of resilience and staying grounded. So with that, it’s time to explore his family and their story.

Where is Kelly Oubre Jr. from? About the Philadelphia 76ers star’s ethnic background

Kelly Oubre Jr. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 9, 1995. Thus, making his nationality American. But his ethnicity is not fully American. So here is how- his mother, Tonya Coleman, and father, Kelly Oubre Sr. live in the US, but they are African-Americans, which makes Kelly also an African-American. He also has an older sister named Amber Coleman. The hoopster’s early life was shaped by hardship, as his parents got divorced in 1999 when their son was only 3 years old. His father gained full custody of him.

The hoopster grew up in the Magnolia Housing projects, a place where respect for life and property often felt fleeting. Who knew these challenges would be the lessons that would define his future?

Their biggest challenge came when their home in New Orleans was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Oubre family, like many others, was forced to flee. Nevertheless, keeping their hopes alive, they packed their lives into a silver 2002 Toyota Sequoia, a car that would serve as a temporary home. “There were nights when we had to hang in the truck,” Oubre Sr. recalls.

But it was better than the alternative: a rodent-infested budget hotel. For young Kelly, these moments were defining. “I remember feeling hopeless because I couldn’t help my dad financially, emotionally. All I could do was stay strong,” he recalled.

Their journey led them to Richmond, Texas, where they found stability. But it wasn’t easy. Kelly Oubre Sr. worked 3 jobs to support his son—selling ads, working nights at a club, and even as a teacher. Despite the long hours, he never missed an opportunity to teach his son life lessons. “We weren’t victims of anything,” he often said. “I don’t raise victims because I’m not a victim.”

However, as a father, he knew his duties weren’t just about teaching his son about resilience; but also discipline. Do you know he earned a black belt in taekwondo? Yes, he did! That experience taught him the importance of dedication and hard work, lessons he would carry into basketball.

Well, talking about basketball, it wasn’t his first love—it was martial arts. But as he watched his father play pickup games whenever he could, something clicked. At age 7, he decided to try basketball. His father was there every step of the way, even when Kelly’s talent began to shine through. And by age 11, he was already a pro, as he was playing against much older kids, often holding his own.

By the time the hoopster was in high school, he had become a star! His talent caught the attention of scouts, but his father kept him grounded. “We weren’t going to play the game of money or shortcuts. No agents, no runners,” his father said. He worked tirelessly to give his son the best opportunities, even though the financial strain was immense.

At one point, his father wrote a hardship letter every year to keep his son enrolled in a private school in Houston. The sacrifices were many, but for Kelly Oubre Sr., it was all worth it.

When Jr. moved to Las Vegas for his senior year at Findlay Prep, the separation was hard. They spoke daily, but it wasn’t the same. He had missed too many of his son’s games, and now they were thousands of miles apart. Sr. remained his son’s biggest support. “I knew as long as I had him, I didn’t have to worry,” he says. “We were going to make it.” All this led to him being a strong believer in God.

Is Kelly Oubre Jr. religious? A sneak peek into his faith in God

When Kelly Oubre Jr. was drafted into the NBA, it was a testament to never giving up. In 2015, his words about faith left a lasting impression. “I put God first. I pray every night, you know, for strength and guidance,” he shared during the presser.

“Because there’s this crazy world, and if I don’t have God, I don’t have anybody.” These words weren’t just a throwaway line; they were a reflection of the deep-rooted faith that has shaped his journey. Even at a young age, he knew that hoops were only part of the bigger picture. Faith, for him, was everything.

Throughout his rise from New Orleans to NBA stardom, he never shied away from speaking about his relationship with God. On Instagram, his bio is: “My story is a blank canvas that God practices his art on for you to judge. Look deeper. God$peed.”

His posts often echo the same sentiments, including moments of gratitude and reflection on life. In one, he shared, “Love wins. I repent for my sins. And God blessed me with these gems. The T$unami’s. $Till ♾️ #Shhh.” His faith, however, is not just a social media statement, but a constant presence in his life.

The hoopster’s Instagram captions are often laden with spiritual references. During his second baby shower, he posted a powerful quote from 1 Corinthians 11:12: “For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman; and all things originate from God.” These words describe his faith and his identity, not just as a basketball player but as a person.

But it’s not just in the public eye where his faith shines. It’s in the quiet moments, the nights when he prays before sleeping, seeking God’s guidance. It’s in the gratitude he expresses for his family and the blessings in his life. Amidst the NBA grind, with its pressures and expectations, Kelly Oubre Jr. never forgets where he came from.

However, it’s not just about a few Instagram posts or words in interviews. It’s a way of life. The hoopster’s belief shapes how he faces challenges, honors his family, and approaches each day. His journey is proof that- even amidst fame, faith is his anchor!