If you’ve been paying attention to the NBA lately, you’ve probably heard the name Amen Thompson buzzing around. The 6’7 “point guard has been turning heads while playing for the Houston Rockets, showcasing serious skills and leadership. But who is the man behind the game?  What’s his backstory, and how did his family make him into the player he is today?

Let’s dive into the deets about Amen’s family, upbringing, and all you didn’t know about his life off the court.

Who Are Amen Thompson’s Parents? What’s Their Nationality?

Let’s start with the basics. Amen Thompson wasn’t born on some remote corner of the globe; he’s an all-American prodigy, born on January 30, 2003, in San Leandro, California. But his heritage? A bit more complicated. Amen’s father, Tray Thompson, hails from Jamaica, so there’s that Caribbean spice in his blood. And his mother? Maya Wilson has the good old American roots, offering a counterbalance to her upbringing.

Growing up in California, the entire basketball culture, which is literally ingrained in the atmosphere, surrounded Amen. From beach to court, it’s fair to say that basketball was always on the agenda. But Troy, being of Jamaican descent, likely imparted to Amen that little bit of flame, hard work, and commitment were surely in the recipe. So, whether it was a game of street ball or preparing for AAU, the family culture was all about pushing boundaries.

Who Is Amen Thompson’s Mother, Maya? What Does She Do?

So okay, we know that Maya Wilson may not have as many media lights as some of the other NBA moms out there (most likely by choice), but don’t underestimate her significance in Amen’s life. Maya’s place in Amen’s life? Very important, to put it mildly. She’s a mentor who has kept Amen level-headed amidst all the hype that comes with becoming a star.

Despite the lack of discussion surrounding her professional career, her influence as a mother is obvious. Maya’s focus was always on balancing family and success. Making sure that Amen, his twin brother Ausar, and their older brother Troy Jr. understood the value of education, discipline, and staying humble, even when you’re sitting on top of the world. In the Thompson family, basketball was never anything less than a family business, but it was never just about the game. Maya possibly instilled the work ethic and attitude that both Amen and Ausar possess today.

Their mother even home-schooled them in the sixth and seventh grade just so they could focus on their game! How refreshing it is to hear that in a world where parents traditionally focus only on their children’s academics.

Who Is Amen Thompson’s Father, Troy?

Troy Thompson is the epitome of a “hands-on dad“. In Amen’s success, Troy’s enormous role cannot be disregarded. Already from the outset, he was not only applauding from the sidelines but was the one putting his sons, Amen and Ausar, into the courts, instructing them through drills, and showing them how to approach basketball in more ways than by simply scoring baskets.

Troy’s history is the key here. While Amen’s Jamaican roots give him a unique cultural edge, Troy brought the no-nonsense discipline and work ethic you’d expect from a dad who values grit. It wasn’t just about building strength, but about building strength, both physically and mentally. Troy was there for every step of the journey, making sure his boy knew the grind didn’t stop. He’s been around, keeping them grounded, getting them moving, and showing them the importance of hard work and sacrifice. You know the expression, “it takes a village“?

Troy was Amen’s first coach after he drew his inspiration from LeBron James, and in all honesty, it’s obvious that his impact extends much further than merely the this and that of the basketball floor.

Who Are Amen Thompson’s Siblings?

This is where things get interesting. Amen isn’t the only one in this grind. He’s got his twin brother, Ausar Thompson, by his side. Now, picture growing up with somebody who is essentially you but also your toughest competition. That’s what Amen and Ausar’s dynamic is all about. These two have spent years in the gym together, competing against and motivating each other daily. Yes, they’re twins, but the friendly competition? It’s REAL. They both possess identical skill sets, both excel in their own manner, and both contribute unique qualities to the game.

They didn’t merely grow up with a birthday to share, but grew up with a dream to share. And although they might have slightly different styles of playing, it’s visible that the twin connection is undeniable. Observing them play alongside or even against one another is like watching two sides of a coin. So, yeah, you can bank on their court chemistry being because of years of fighting it out in the yard or neighbourhood courts.

They also have an older brother, Troy Jr., who’s carved his own path. Troy Jr. had played college ball at Prairie View A&M, so he’s certainly taught Amen and Ausar how to take it to the next level. “Without him, I don’t know if I’d like basketball as much as I did growing up,” Ausar said. “Troy always believed in us … ever since I was little, he always thought we were the greatest basketball players at our age that he had ever seen. He just didn’t think we could beat him. Having someone, and even my whole family, who believes in you like that, it makes you believe and keep going.”

It’s not merely the on-court abilities that reinforce the Thompson family connection; it’s the principles that they hold. From Big Brother Troy Jr. to twin Ausar, both contribute to ensuring amen remains concentrated and maintaining that laser-sharp focus on what’s ahead. Well, what are brothers for if not this, right?

If you’ve been keeping up with Amen’s career, it’s clear: he’s got the talent, the skills, and the drive to go far in the NBA. But none of that happens in a vacuum. Amen’s story is one of family dedication, discipline, and pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves. From Troy and Maya’s hard work to the deep-seated sibling rivalry with Ausar, Amen’s background is based on hard work, respect for one another, and an ongoing quest for greatness.

As Amen continues to dazzle for the Houston Rockets, one thing’s certain: this is only the beginning. With his family’s backing and his ruthless drive, no one knows how far Amen Thompson will take his career in the NBA. But one thing’s for sure, he’s already left his mark, and he’s only just getting started.