“Follow your heart!” This has been the sole advice of Aziaha James’ mother. And when James was at a crossroads, deciding which college to go to with multiple offers lined up, her heart didn’t hesitate, it chose NC State. Well, what followed was a pretty loyal, all-in four-year journey with the Wolfpack. No hopping, no second thoughts.

After enjoying national attention as a standout Wolfpack guard, she is now taking her talents to the big league. The Wings just got themselves a crafty scorer whose 5-foot-10 frame might not scream dominance, but her grit and spark do. Through all the cheers and career highs, though, Aziaha’s had one constant force in her life: her family. And while they’ve been her biggest cheerleaders, they’ve also lived through a heartbreaking loss that changed everything.

Who are Aziaha James’ parents? What’s their nationality?

Aziaha James, born and raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is American. Her family, especially her mom and two older brothers, played a huge part in how it all began. You know those stories where the driveway turns into a mini basketball court? That’s pretty much how Aziaha got her start, with her mom LaToya Jackson and her brothers right by her side. 

Her mom nurtured that hoop dream from the start, supporting her every step of the way.  

Who is Aziaha James’ mother, LaToya Jackson? What does she do?

Now, there isn’t a ton out there about LaToya Jackson’s professional life, but what we do know is she’s always been front and center in Aziaha’s basketball journey. From the early days of high school games to her remarkable collegiate career to her Draft Day, where she was selected as the No. 12 overall pick, LaToya has been there, cheering loud and proud.

And you know what? Aziaha didn’t just pick NC State out of the blue. Her mom helped her make that call. Aziaha once said, “I did it for my family and my mom helped me make the decision. It’s close to home so my mom will be able to go to my games.” That just tells you how much influence and love LaToya brought to the table. 

Who is Aziaha James’ father?

While we’ve seen LaToya be a big part of Aziaha’s public journey, there hasn’t really been any information out there about her father. His identity hasn’t been shared publicly, and he hasn’t appeared in any of the stories surrounding Aziaha’s upbringing or basketball career. 

Who is Aziaha James’ brother, Ashley James? How many siblings does she have?

Aziaha grew up with two brothers—Ashley James, known as AJ, and Isaiah Macer. But tragically, Aziaha lost her older brother AJ in 2020. And that loss hit her hard because AJ wasn’t just her brother. He was her mentor, her biggest hype man, her basketball partner-in-crime.

On March 2, 2020, just after watching Aziaha play in a regional title game, AJ died in a tragic accident in Chesapeake, Virginia. According to reports, he was handling a gun at an apartment when it accidentally discharged, striking him in the chest. He was only 19. The Chesapeake Police Department later ruled the shooting accidental, and no charges were filed.

Growing up, she learned the game by watching AJ, training with him, and dreaming of being as good as him. The two were even the first siblings in Virginia to be named All-Tidewater. AJ was a basketball standout himself.  After winning the regional player of the year, he had college offers pouring in from places like Missouri State, Fresno State, Murray State, and more. He was right on the edge of something great when tragedy cut it short.

Aziaha’s grief has been something she’s spoken about honestly. In a heartbreaking Instagram post, she wrote about hugging him the night before, celebrating her game, and the disbelief that came just hours later. “I haven’t seen my brother and over two months and last night was the first time just feel so unreal to ever think my brother is gone ..💔 this king the goat taught me everything,” she wrote. “I remember watching him play when we was young and I turned to my mom and said can I play.”

Since that day, every time she steps on the court, it’s for AJ too. Her mom says she can still feel her son when Aziaha plays. Meanwhile, the NC State alumna, in her every game, feels like he’s telling her, “Come on, you got this. You got the next play.”  She even took a photo frame with his picture in it to her Draft Day, making sure he is still a part of her most important day.

It’s the most beautiful and the most gut-wrenching all at once.

But as James put this herself, “I’m playing for something. When you’re playing for something, it makes you even more hungry.” Now, with a WNBA jersey on her back, Aziaha is doing it for both of them—for the kid in Virginia Beach who grew up idolizing her big brother, and for AJ, who’s watching from the stands up above.