Ayanna, or “Yanni” as Tillman’s eldest daughter is affectionately called, was the pleasant surprise that changed his world for good with just one look. Everybody who knows Xavier Tillman will know the story behind the standout Michigan State product. Father at the mere age of 17, Xavier’s entire life turned upside down. Here was a little bundle of joy who would take up the whole of his energy, time, and sleep! But Tillman wouldn’t have it any other way.

With good reason, too. Because according to his MSU coach, Tom Izzo, little Ayanna was just what the 6’7 power forward/center needed. “His daughter changed everything. He is working for her now. He wants to provide for her, to give her a good life,” Coach Izzo said (credit: Shawn Windsor of Detroit Free Press [2019]). At an age when his fellow student-athletes had just one goal in life, Xavier Tillman was juggling with several.

He had a daughter to take care of, ensure Yanni’s mother received all the support and love he could provide, and at the same time, make sure he didn’t slack off as a basketball player. In retrospect, all of this made him the man he is now, on the way to his first ring and part of an elite team and franchise filled with top names of the league. And he credits it all to his family.

The father and husband in Xavier Tillman shaped him into the player he is now

Tamia and Xavier met in high school through mutual friends. Taken in by her tattoos, Tillman complimented her. The chat they started then grew into a family of five now. When she was in college, Tamia had to drop everything when the couple found out that she was pregnant. Xavier was a junior in high school at the time.

Knowing the challenges this posed, both of their families came forward to offer their support. Everyone agreed that it was best for Tillman to continue pursuing his goal of playing basketball. A college basketball player herself, his mother Powell-May, knew the demands it would entail and the impact it would have on his budding family. “Tamia and Ayanna are his priority, but he also has a great opportunity with basketball and to get an education. We were all clear that there couldn’t be distractions and everyone is committed to that,” his mother had said in a 2017 interview with The Athletic. 

Little Ayanna came into this world in December 2016. She captured the hearts of everyone she came across and has been her father’s biggest fan and supporter.

Tillman took his young family to Michigan and lived in the family housing provided there. His time was spent between working out, practice, studies, household duties, father duties, and husband duties. That was a lot for a college student to have on his plate! But it was one he embraced with open arms. “When kids look up to NBA players or college players, it’s like ‘I want to be like them.’ So, when they look up to me, I want to be able to tell them you got to make sure you do all the right things,” Tillman said as he was preparing for his move to college.

He also had a simple solution to stay out of trouble for the youngsters out there: “Honestly, stick to sports and video games.” With pleasure!

When did Xavier and Tamia become Mr. and Mrs. Tillman?

After welcoming their first child, Tamia and Xavier decided they would like to continue this partnership forever. On May 19, 2019, they took the big leap and tied the knot.

After everything the couple had faced since their high school days, it was natural Xavier wanted Tamia to be the woman pushing him from behind on his road to success. And Tamia knew that Xavier was the perfect man everyone dreamed of and only the very lucky few got.

What is Tamia’s educational background?

As per various sources, Tamia was looking to transfer to Michigan to pursue her goal of becoming an elementary teacher. But there is no other available information on whether she did work as a teacher. As of now, all we know is that Mrs. Tillman is a full-time stay at home.

How many children do the Tillmans have?

The couple have three children as of 2024. After the birth of Ayaana Justis Tillman in 2016, Tamia and Xavier welcomed a baby boy on February 17, 2020, Xavier Justis Tillman Jr. It was after the Tillman Jr. that his dad added a Sr. at the end of his name.

“The Tillman wasn’t quite big enough, so we decided to go halves on another one,” was the caption of Tamia’s post on August 16, 2021, letting the world know that they were expecting a third member. Tillman Sr. once again enjoyed the joy of being a girl dad on March 6, 2022, as Leilani Justis Tillman made her appearance.

So, there you go. Xavier Tillman is the perfect example of hard work, and determination can get you to your ultimate goal. As the Boston Celtics took a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals tonight, No. 26 is looking at his first NBA championship on his resume.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.

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