“Another incredible sacrifice, instead of pouting, because he did struggle some offensively. Thank God he seems to be really catching it now, but instead of complaining about it, he just found a different way to add value and boy, did he have value,” said Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo earlier this month. The veteran star went through a bit of a transition during the recent college season, adopting more of a defensive role after being an offensive player for quite a while. While Akins did receive a fair amount of criticism and doubts from Spartan fans and the media as it took time for him to transition, he took it all in his stride.

As a result, he stands today as one of Michigan’s most valuable players. From using two momentum-swinging second-half 3s to help the team in its fight for ‘Sweet 16’ against the New Mexico Lobos, to scoring 13 points to help secure the close win against the Ole Miss Rebels for the Elite Eight, Akins has been leaving memorable impressions after time and time.

Jaden Akins and his squad are set to fight the Auburn Tigers for a spot in the Final Four soon. Therefore, there is no better time than now to discuss his family background. Let us dive in.

Where is Jaden Akins from? What’s his nationality?

According to reports, Jaden Akins was born on February 25th, 2003, in Farmington Hills, Michigan. As highlighted by Real GM, Akins holds an American nationality.

Akins was born to Jerome Akins and April Simmons. One can say that basketball was in the family blood, as Jerome himself was once a professional athlete. He played point guard at New Mexico State from 1979 to 1981. Jerome and April also have another son named Myles. As highlighted on his official college team’s profile, Jaden’s favorite movie is Grown-Ups, and his favorite TV show is Showpower. Ted & Me is his favorite book, and he considers Michael Jordan his favorite athlete.

Jaden Akins first laid the foundation of his basketball career at Farmington High School. Later on, he would also play for Ypsi Prep Academy, and Sunrise Christian Academy. According to reports, Jaden averaged 23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks as a junior at Farmington.

He made an impression at the Sunrise Christian Academy by helping lead his team to a 21-4 record. He also led them to a spot in the GEICO National championship game. Jaden reportedly scored 14 points in the title game loss to Montverde (Florida) Academy, but his performance earned him an invitation to the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic.

The reputation he created for himself from an early age. As highlighted by the Lansing State Journal and The Athletic, Jaden ended up receiving offers from prestigious colleges like Iowa, Missouri, Xavier, Georgia Tech, Michigan, and Mississippi State when the time came for him to take his basketball career to another level. In the end, he chose Michigan State University. The rest, as they say, is history.

Is Jaden Akins religious?

Jaden Akins has not publicly chosen to speak, yet, about any religious affiliations he holds. However, one can presume that the college basketball player does show some respect on the spiritual front. When checking his official Instagram account, one will find the phrase “Jeremiah 29:11” written in his bio. The verse carries the quote: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Therefore, one can presume that Jaden looks to God to get some clarity and hope for his future.

Given the verse and the fact that Jaden attended Sunrise Christian Academy, he can be presumed to be a follower of Christ.

What is Jaden Akins’ ethnicity?

Unfortunately, Jaden Akins’s ethnicity hasn’t been covered by any renowned media sources. No detailed information is provided on his family background in length.

Having entered the Elite Eight for the first time since 2009, Michigan State is carrying a lot of expectations on its shoulders. So is Jaden Akins, who averaged 12.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists throughout 36 games. Responsible for roles on both the offensive and the defensive front, it remains to be seen how the player will fare against the Auburn Tigers.