Basketball in the USA has been at its peak with many talented young stars entering a rich pool of NBA. After the conclusion of the NCAA tournament, many people are familiar with future star players from the college level. Jalen Wilson is one such pedigree who shone brightest in the tournament.
Jalen Wilson represented the Kansas team which already has provided numerous superstars like Joel Embiid, Wilt Chamberlain, Andrew Wiggins, and Marcus Morris Sr. Wilson is also in line for stardom as he is once again declared for the 2023 NBA draft.
Many would wonder the reason for his basketball proficiency, well it’s in the genes. Jalen Wilson’s parents were also athletes and shared the same passion for the “Orange ball”. Let us go through Jalen Wilson’s family to know more about them.
Jalen Wilson’s Parents
Jalen Wilson was born on November 4, 2000, in Denton, Texas. Father Derale Wilson and mother Lisa Wilson also played basketball in their days. Jalen’s Mother was an Oklahoma State signee. Sadly she tore her ACL and played college basketball at Seminole State College. She continued her passion for basketball and represented Oklahoma City University.
Jalen’s father went one step further and played professionally in Europe. In the States, he played collegiate basketball at TCU.
With sports in their veins, there is no question that Jalen’s athletic career decision was well-supported by them. During his induction ceremony as the AP Big 12 Player of the Year, both parents were at games to cheer him on.
Jalen’s mother Lisa Johnson Wilson won a state-level championship with Ada High School. She averaged nearly 22 points per game as a high school senior. His dedicated mother introduced Jalen to the ball game when he was four years old and also said to teach him the way into the sport.
Jalen’s moves are a gift from his basketball mom. In her February 2023 interview with KU Sports, the Kansas momma took credit for her son's up-and-under move. She said to look into Jalen’s ball-handling skills and shooting.
Jaen’s father also kept their love for the sport alive as he pursued a professional basketball career from 2006 to 2012 overseas. He was a part of many South American teams in the Latin Basketball League. All this while working as a car consultant at Vandergriff Honda.
Jalen Wilson's Basketball Journey
Jalen Wilson’s basketball journey is very inspiring, just like his parents. He was a standout player for John H. Guyer High School in Texas. He averaged 21.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game winning the District 5-6A MVP.
After high school, Wilson initially played for the University of Michigan but later took the liberty to move to the University of Kansas instead. In his freshman season, Jalen averaged 11.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
Jalen Wilson was expected to be drafted in 2022, but he withdrew from the NBA draft to pursue his master’s degree at Kansas University.
During his collegiate career, Jalen won many accolades like the 2020 McDonald's All-American selection and the 2021 Big 12 All-Freshman Team. The talented star is now eligible and available for the 2023 NBA draft.
;'/></svg>)
FAQs
A. Born on November 4, 2000, Jalen Wilson is 22 years old.
A. Jalen Wilson was born to Lisa and Derale Wilson.
A. Jalen’s mother was a state-level champion with Ada High School Champion, while his father played professional basketball overseas.
