Taurean Prince, the NBA pro we know today, currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. Before making his name in the league, he was balling out for the Baylor Bears in college. Fast forward to 2019, and the Brooklyn Nets swooped in, trading for him after his run with the Atlanta Hawks. But here’s the twist: the Utah Jazz had actually drafted Prince in 2016, getting picked 12th overall before being shipped to Atlanta. Then, in January 2021, his journey took him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Quite the ride, right?
If that wasn’t enough, then he went to Timberwolves and then the Lakers before finally settling at the Bucks. Prince kicked off his basketball journey under coach Jim Weaver at Earl Warren High in San Antonio, Texas. There, he earned a three-star rating as a recruit. After a standout junior season, Prince decided to enter the 2016 NBA Draft, where he was chosen 12th overall by the Utah Jazz.
During his rookie year, Prince didn’t get a lot of playing time, averaging just 5.7 points in 10 minutes per game across 59 appearances. However, in his second season, the Hawks gave him more opportunities to shine. He became a regular starter and was essential to the team’s defense. Not just a stopper, though—Prince also proved he could space the floor and drive to the basket.
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By the 2017-18 season, he was a key part of the Hawks’ lineup. Starting all 82 games, Prince posted solid numbers: 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. It was clear that he was finding his rhythm and cementing his role in the NBA.
Enough about his career. Let us take a look at his nationality, ethnicity, and the family roots of the star.
Where is Taurean Prince from?
Born on February 19, 1993, in San Marcos, Texas, he’s worked his way up to NBA fame. Therefore, he is American. He’s also a practicing Muslim and has been seen fasting as part of the observance of Ramadan. During the last season in March, Prince sometimes had to go without food from early morning until about 8 p.m. on game days during Ramadan.
In one video, Hanah Usman captured the moment Prince was preparing to break his fast right before their game against the Golden State Warriors. She showed him getting ready for iftar, the meal to break the fast. It’s a glimpse into how he manages his faith and professional commitments.
I did not know that Taurean Prince is a Muslim and fasting.
Respect 💯 pic.twitter.com/uHpG3BFByo
— terry (@terryworst) March 17, 2024
Usman has been by his side for years, offering unwavering support. She’s not just his partner; she’s also his biggest cheerleader, showing up to games and being there for every major decision. Hanah, a proud mom of three, shares their journey as parents with fans, including the recent birth of their third child in August 2022.
His family, especially his parents, played a huge role in shaping his journey. They passed on strong values of discipline, hard work, and determination, which are clear in every step of his career.
From a young age, Taurean had big dreams, but he didn’t just sit back and hope they came true. His parents were right there, backing him up, and giving him the tools he needed to succeed.
Who are Taurean Prince’s parents?
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Taurean Prince’s upbringing wasn’t easy. Born in San Marcos, Texas, to Anthony and Tamiyko Prince, he faced a lot of adversity early on. With his father working multiple low-paying jobs, the family often struggled to get by. Some nights, they had no choice but to sleep in a Salvation Army shelter.
Even with all the challenges, Anthony never gave up. His drive to improve their situation pushed him to work relentlessly, focusing on education and teaching his kids the value of hard work. It’s this work ethic that Taurean would carry with him, using it to fuel his ambitions.
Growing up in such a tough environment shaped Taurean into the underdog mentality we see on the court today. Every basket he scores, every win he achieves, is a nod to the sacrifices his family made. Basketball wasn’t just his dream—it became the way he could repay them for all they sacrificed to help him chase it.
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From a young age, Mr. and Mrs. Prince made sure their son stayed focused on his studies, all the while fueling his passion for hoops. Their guidance led him to Baylor University, where he really fine-tuned his game. But it wasn’t just his skills that got him to the pros—it was that solid balance between sports and academics.
Thanks to his parents’ consistent support, he earned a spot at Baylor, which was a stepping stone to making it to the NBA. Without them, his dream of playing professionally could’ve easily remained just that—a dream.
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From shelters to the NBA—does Taurean Prince's story inspire you to chase your dreams?
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