The NBA point guard position is in the midst of a revolution. From the onset of the 2010s decade, the league has become more perimeter-centric. As a result, point guards become more valuable than ever. Perhaps that is the reason a man with averages of 24 points and 6 assists while shooting better than 41% from 3-point range, did not even make the All-Star team. Further, he was the ‘leader’ of a feisty New York Knicks team that made it to the second round. Moreover, his leadership skills have landed him the same role as Team USA. From the point of attack, Jalen Brunson has become a remarkable transformation.

From the vaunted Luka Doncic class of 2018, Brunson is quickly becoming a household name. As he continues his brilliance on the international stage, he has to be a happy camper right now. After all, it was less than a month before the World Cup began that the 6’2 PG finally tied the knot. A high school romance to boot, let’s take a deep dive into Jalen Brunson and his relationship with Ali Marks.

Who is Jalen Brunson’s Wife, Ali Marks?

Ali Marks was born on September 10, 1995, in Lincolnshire, Illinois, some 800 miles away from Jalen’s hometown of New Brunswick. Born to James and Kathleen, Marks remained close to home for most of her life, before shifting with Brunson.

However, at 15 years old, tragedy struck the Marks household as James passed away due to pancreatic cancer. But, the young Ali held strong, continuing her education at the Adlai E. Stevenson High School. While far away from his hometown, the former Dallas Mavericks star also attended the same school.

Nowadays, Ali works as a physical therapist. During her beau’s time with the Mavs, she began her career close by at the W. B. Carrel Memorial Clinic, prior to which she was servicing at the Athletico in Chicago. Attending the same schools, the two fell instantly in love.

Here’s the story behind the lovebirds’ relationship.

Relationship Timeline of Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks

Going to the same high school, the two immediately fell for each other and began dating in October 2013. Further, the two attended their senior prom together as well, before moving to separate cities. While Marks chose to remain close to home, her choice was the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Meanwhile, Brunson took his talents on the court to Villanova University for a career in Division 1 basketball. His career with the Wildcats would turn out to be absolutely legendary as he would lead the team to 2 NCAA titles, in 2016 and 2018. Moreover, his jersey has since been retired by the University.

However, Marks needed a change of scenery to further enhance her career. As a result, a shift to Northwestern Therapy turned out to be the ideal choice. As a student there, she completed her doctorate in physical therapy in 2021. For the entire period, the couple maintained a long-distance relationship. Finally, prior to getting her license, Ali moved to Dallas, where Brunson was playing at the time. After the contract dispute and subsequent move to New York, Marks was alongside for the whole ride.

While “jocks” is the common term for athletes, they can turn out to be utter softies at heart. The 2018 National College Player of the Year was no different. In September 2022, the star PG took his girlfriend back for a trip to their alma mater in Illinois.

A place where the two made countless memories, the basketball court, became the spot of choice for a romantic proposal. Arranging an assortment of flowers and candles in the shape of a heart, Jalen popped the question. Ali, on her part, could do little but say Yes!

As previously mentioned, about a month ago, the two officially took their vows. Coincidentally, the event came a mere 20 days after his old running buddy Luka too, put a ring on it.

The Luka Doncic – Jalen Brunson connection

There are some obvious similarities between the two. The Dallas Mavericks drafted both in 2018. Both are born playoff killers with a knack for shiftiness and getting to the bucket. Moreover, both of them can will their team to victory.

However, an uncanny likeness is the two putting on a ring within 20 days of each other to their respective high school sweethearts. While we’ve talked at length about Brunson and Marks, let’s take a quick detour into Doncic and his beau Anamaria Goltes’ relationship.

The 25-year-old Slovenian model met Luka when the two were 12 years old, seaside in Croatia. Since then, the two have been inseparable. Whether it was during his stint with Real Madrid, or since he became the NBA’s next big thing,?Anamaria has constantly been by his side, cheering him on from the sidelines.

Taking a nod from his jersey number, Doncic proposed to the entrepreneur/influencer on the 7th of July. Going to the beautiful Lake Bled in their hometown of Slovenia, Luka got down on one knee with the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake visible in the distance.

It was a beautiful ceremony, with flowers adorning the loving couple all around. Speaking of beautiful ceremonies, the other Dallas star also pulled out all the stops for his reception this past month.

Jalen Brunson – Ali Marks Wedding

The huge party that took place at Chicago’s The Ritz-Carlton was a purposeful choice. As Marks herself claims, the duo wanted a big joyful gathering for their celebration that would include the usual works. Whether it be lights, lasers, a DJ, or good food and drinks, the couple took care of every avenue.

Read More: Days After Steve Kerr?s ?Leader? Praise, Knicks? Jalen Brunson Gets Special Shout Out From NBA Champ Following Team USA Heroics

Starting off with a cocktail hour, the party included a variety of entrees and hors d’oeuvres. Further, a steakhouse station was also present for people craving a prime beef tenderloin. With a lavish menu to boot, the couple made sure to include multiple bars and bartenders.

Moreover, the two even had their own signature drinks. Keeping a Casamigos base, the two swapped pineapple and ginger ale. Hosting a bunch of their names from their friends, a former teammate of Jalen, Ryan Arcidiacono, officiated the ceremony. Among the guest list was a host of stars from the New York franchise, including Derrick Rose, Josh Hart, RJ Barrett, and others.

Ali’s aunt Karen and a family friend of Brunnson, Lawanda, took up reading duties while the couple’s dog Kona became the flower girl. The reasoning was simple – the couple wanted their loved ones with them through their journey.

However, there was one last surprise left for the evening, this time for Brunson himself. For her second look, Marks chose her prom dress from 2015 – a “surprise” for everyone involved. Brunson kept the black dress code for his look, a choice to accentuate the romance of candles with a clash against the white flowers.

As the couple danced their way into marriage, the entire NBA fandom can collectively rejoice. The “leader”?for Team USA as Coach Steve Kerr has likened him, is ready to take over the world.

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