If you scroll through Niele Ivey’s Instagram, one thing is obvious—Jaden Ivey isn’t just her son; he’s her why. Her profile picture? A photo of them together. One of her story highlights? “My Why!”—a collection of moments dedicated to him.

But their connection runs deeper than that. They’re not just mother and son. They’re coach and player, mentor and student, biggest supporters, and lifelong teammates. From Niele’s WNBA days to Jaden’s rise in the NBA, their story is one of love, sacrifice, and basketball. And now, life has come full circle—Jaden, once the little boy following his mom everywhere, is now a father figure to two kids of his own.

Niele has always embraced the challenges that came with breaking barriers. She was an All-America guard for Notre Dame, the 19th pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft, and in 2020, she made history as the first female African American head coach in Notre Dame history. But for her, it was never about pressure. “Being the face of Notre Dame and representing African American females, there’s so many pressures you can try to take on, but I never wanted to take it on as a pressure,” she shared. Instead, she took it as an opportunity—just like every other moment in her career.

From the court to the sidelines, from motherhood to coaching, Niele and Jaden’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the unbreakable bond they share.

Niele Ivey: Jaden’s first coach who took her gig seriously for life

Before Niele was leading Notre Dame or coaching NBA stars, she was coaching Jaden in the gym, teaching him the fundamentals. At first, he wasn’t exactly taking notes.

“When I first got him in a gym, it was, ‘Let’s work on your layups,’” Niele told NBA.com. “It took a while for him to respect what I was saying. I think it was because I was mom, and kids say, ‘Aw, mom.’ He gave me a bit of a hard time initially.”

But around age 10 or 11, something shifted. “All of a sudden, it was, ‘Mom, can you help me with this? Can I come to the gym with you when you work out with the girls?’ I said, ‘Wow, he’s really serious.’”

From that point on, Jaden wasn’t just tagging along—he was locked in. He started training alongside the Notre Dame women’s team, watching some of the best college players up close.

“If you’re a basketball fan and love the game, you look up to the men’s and women’s game,” Jaden said. “That’s how it is. I grew up in that environment and looked up to those players, the powerful Black women who play the game.”

And even now, Niele may not be on the Pistons’ coaching staff, but she’s still coaching Jaden—just from afar. “She watches every game, gives me things that can help me improve,” Jaden said. “That’s why we have that special bond. It’s destiny to have a coach for a mom. She sees the game, knows the game, coached at the highest level.”

Growing up in Niele Ivey’s basketball world

Jaden was quite literally born into basketball. Niele gave birth to him in 2002, just after her WNBA rookie season with the Indiana Fever. His father, Javin Hunter, was an NFL player, but Niele’s world captivated and shaped him the most.

As a single mom, she raised Jaden while juggling her own career. Whether it was traveling for games or holding film sessions, Jaden was always by her side. Her teammates, including WNBA legend Tamika Catchings, helped raise him.

“If I wasn’t holding him, Tamika Catchings had him. He was raised by a village of strong women,” Niele said.

That continued as Niele’s career grew. She won an NCAA title as an assistant coach in 2018, became the first Black woman to head coach Notre Dame in 2020, and even spent time coaching Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies. But no matter what job she had, one thing never changed—Jaden was always by her side, soaking it all in.

Niele Ivey’s double duty: March Madness for mom and coach

In 2022, Jaden and Niele found themselves in a rare moment—both competing in the NCAA Tournament at the same time. Jaden was leading Purdue in the men’s bracket, while Niele was coaching Notre Dame in the women’s.

Even with her own responsibilities, Niele made time to see Jaden play, sometimes driving across the country just to be in the stands. “I’m a mess,” she told Forbes. “People ask, ‘Are you more nervous as a coach or as a mom?’ I’m like, ‘A mom.’ I’m hanging on the edge of my seat.”

That tournament run was one of the most special moments they had shared, but it was just the beginning.

Draft Night: Niele Ivey’s courtside seat to Jaden’s dream

A few months later, Jaden’s lifelong dream became reality. He was selected fifth overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2022 NBA Draft. As he walked on stage, his emotions poured out, and sitting beside him, Niele held back tears. “I’m speechless almost,” she said. “This is his dream come true … I’m just so happy for him.”

Jaden knew exactly who to thank for this moment. “She had a tremendous impact on me,” he said. “I know I wouldn’t be standing in this arena if it wasn’t for her.”

Niele Ivey’s Detroit connection: Family ties run deep

Jaden wasn’t just drafted—he was drafted to Detroit, a city that means everything to his family. Niele played for the Detroit Shock at the end of her WNBA career. Jaden’s father, Javin, was a star athlete at Detroit Country Day. His grandfather, James Hunter, played cornerback for the Detroit Lions and wore the number 23—a number that now carries weight in the family.

The night after the draft, Detroit honored Jaden with a special ceremony. Alongside his Pistons jersey, his mother, father, and grandfather’s jerseys were displayed—a tribute to a family that has left its mark on the city.

“[My emotions today] definitely [come from] my family,” Jaden told ABC. “Everything that I do represents my family, and I’m just so happy to be here and to be a Piston.”

Niele Ivey: Coach, Mom and Inspiration

From being a baby in WNBA locker rooms to stepping onto an NBA court himself, Jaden’s journey has always been intertwined with his mother’s. Niele taught him the game, but more importantly, she taught him resilience, sacrifice, and the meaning of family.

And even now, whether it’s through late-night texts, game film breakdowns, or just a simple “I’m proud of you” after a tough loss—she’s still coaching him.

Because their story isn’t just about basketball. It’s about family, legacy, and a bond that’s bigger than the game.