How Jalen Brunson Found His MVP in High School Sweetheart Ali Brunson

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Generally speaking, when New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson shoots his shot, he does not miss. 

Jalen Brunson first met his future wife, Ali Marks Brunson, through a basketball teammate when they were both freshmen in high school. He jokingly recalled on his podcast, Roommates Show (which he co-hosts with Josh Hart and Matt Hillman), that her first impression of him was simply, “Oh, you’re on JV.”

He explained that after he politely corrected her, she simply said, “Oh, OK,” and seemed to brush him off. They didn’t speak again for about two years.

They definitely spent time together. “We were friends for about two years,” the bride explained, adding that they began dating during their senior year of college. She earned her doctorate in physical therapy in 2021.

Ali admitted she hesitated to start dating him because she was going to the University of Illinois while he was set to play basketball at Villanova University in Philadelphia. “Long distance relationships are difficult,” she explained, recalling her feelings before they began dating in 2013.

However, the ball bounced Jalen’s way when they attended Chicago music festival Lollapalooza. 

Recounted Ali, “We were like, ‘Let’s stay together forever.'” 

Jalen, who watched his father, Rick Brunson, play nine seasons in the NBA from courtside seats, doesn’t quite recall the shot being as perfect as people say. “It wasn’t exactly like that,” he admitted with a laugh, “but it’s a fun story anyway.”

And their current chapter has certainly been riveting. 

The couple got engaged in September 2022 on the basketball court of their high school, where he had just been honored with induction into the athletic hall of fame. This followed shortly after he signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the Knicks. They then married the following July at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. The athlete is 6-foot-2 and his wife is the founder of the AMB Method, and both are 30 years old.

He told People magazine that she’s always been there for him, and he feels lucky to have her. He mentioned she even changed into her prom dress at the reception.

The three-time NBA All-Star is now trying to guide his team and their passionate fans to a championship—something they haven’t achieved since 1973. He’s also committed to being there for his 22-month-old daughter, Jordyn James, and tucking her into bed whenever possible.

Jordyn is named after her late father, James Marks, who sadly passed away in 2010 after fighting pancreatic cancer. She’s often seen at Knicks games, cheering them on from courtside.

As a mom, it’s the sweetest thing to watch my little one, Jordyn, react to basketball! She’s already a huge Knicks fan – whenever she sees the team colors, blue and orange, or even just the logo, she excitedly shouts ‘Dada!’ It’s adorable. She genuinely cheers when someone makes a basket and absolutely loves watching highlights of Jalen. It’s so fun introducing her to the game!

Even though she’s too young to fully understand the team’s rankings, Ali noted that she’s already picking up on certain parts of it.

Most importantly, she knows that win or lose, Dad remains her MVP.

Ali told People magazine that when her partner of over ten years comes home, she sees him as either her husband or the father of their child. She explained that he’s good at keeping his work life separate from home, and they rarely discuss basketball.

And regardless of how out-of-bounds his day might have been, he’s always ready to offer an assist.

Ali explained that Jalen always leaves the pressures of the game at the arena and doesn’t bring them home. He became team captain just a few days after Jordyn joined the team, and they make a conscious effort to keep their relationship private and separate from his work.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by successful pairings, and it’s great to see so many NBA stars finding their perfect match both on and off the court. If you’re curious to see more of these winning couples, I’ve got a rundown of some other fantastic partnerships you’ll love!

Jordyn Woods got exactly what she wished for this Christmas: a proposal from Karl-Anthony Towns! The model playfully posted on Instagram with the caption “Marry Christmas,” along with a photo of the basketball player getting down on one knee. The romantic moment happened at Overstory, a stylish bar on the 64th floor of a New York City skyscraper.

Though the impressive engagement ring she’s had since 2024 has certainly gotten attention, what really makes their relationship work is simply enjoying each other’s company. Back in 2021, after a year of dating, she shared on her Instagram series, Regular-ish, that she loves dating her best friend. They have a deep understanding of each other – knowing each other’s personalities and supporting each other through both good times and bad, having already faced many challenges together.

Coco Jones, the singer, wasn’t trying to keep her relationship with basketball player Donovan Mitchell a secret, she just wasn’t ready to talk about it publicly. Appearing on Club Shay Shay in March 2025, Jones explained she prefers not to feel like she has to hide a relationship or make her partner feel like she ‘owns’ them. She simply values openness and doesn’t want to feel pressured to keep things private.

The actress from Bel-Air explained that she values her privacy, saying, “I’m focused on protecting myself, my family, and the people I care about, so I tend to keep things private.”

It seems she’s truly happy with her fiancé, the seven-time NBA All-Star who proposed by the ocean in July 2025, sharing the moment with drone footage. She described the feeling of entering her “bridal era” as something beyond words. Speaking to TopMob News at the 2026 Grammys, she said, “I’ve experienced so much – events, planning, fittings, incredible outfits – but this feeling is just unexplainable.”

At Jayson Tatum‘s lowest point, it was his family that convinced him to keep shooting his shot. When the Boston Celtics’ star forward ruptured his Achilles during the 2025 playoffs, “I could have been like, ‘You know what, I’m done. I’ve accomplished enough,” the 2024 champ admitted to TopMob News. “But I thought about the people I would be letting down.”

He brought his sons, Deuce (from a previous relationship) and Dylan, along with his girlfriend, singer Ella Mai. The six-time All-Star said he wanted to use the moment to teach his kids a lesson. He explained that everyone faces choices in life, and he wanted them to see what he was going through and how he made his decision. He hoped it would encourage them to think about the choices they face and make good ones.

They made a deliberate choice not to publicly discuss the details of their relationship, which has lasted over five years. As she explained in a December 2025 interview, she never officially announced it, leaving some unsure of how to address it. However, she emphasized that she isn’t hiding the fact that she has a child.

She’s quite gifted, and she’s mindful of how she introduces her passion to her son. “I don’t want to force my music on him,” she explained to TopMob about becoming a mom in 2024, “but I definitely want him to be surrounded by it.”

I remember reading about how Joel Embiid and Anne de Palma first met – it’s so sweet! Apparently, they were introduced at a dinner back in 2018 through a friend they both knew. But Joel didn’t immediately try to win her over, as Anne explained to ESPN a few years ago. She said it actually began as a really wonderful friendship, which eventually blossomed into something more. It’s just a lovely story!

Both of them moved to the U.S. – he came from Cameroon as a teenager to pursue basketball, and she, a Brazilian model, started working at just 14 years old. They quickly discovered they both spoke French and enjoyed playing soccer. According to de Palma, they talked on FaceTime every day at first, but she soon realized he was a particularly supportive person in her life. “He’s just naturally motivating,” she explained.

In September 2020, three years after first appearing in the SI Swimsuit issue, the model and the seven-time All-Star welcomed their son, Arthur—named in honor of the couple’s younger brother who tragically died in a car accident in 2014. They later married in the Hamptons. De Palma told ESPN that the 76ers center inspires everyone around him to be their best, describing him as a wonderful person to have in your life.

A’ja Wilson, a star player for the Las Vegas Aces and a four-time WNBA MVP (as of 2025), is a key source of support for her boyfriend, Bam Adebayo. Adebayo, a star center for the Miami Heat, broke Kobe Bryant’s record by scoring 83 points against the Washington Wizards on March 10, 2026, and acknowledged Wilson’s consistent encouragement as a contributing factor to his success.

It’s really special to see her play her first game here,” said the three-time All-Star in a video posted on social media by the NBA. “Everything she does off the court – the training, the talks we have – is incredibly motivating. And seeing what she accomplishes on the court is inspiring. I’m just grateful to have her in my life.

She also expressed her gratitude, saying that she wouldn’t have achieved her success without the support of many people. During her jersey retirement ceremony at the University of South Carolina in 2025, she was happy to have her loved ones, including a special Olympian guest, in attendance.

WNBA star Angel Reese recently said on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, that she’s decided to keep her romantic life private. She explained that she won’t be publicly announcing any relationships until she’s married. While she might go on dates, she won’t be sharing pictures of any partners on social media – fans will have to ‘catch’ her if they want a glimpse!

Rumors are swirling that WNBA star Angel Reese, nicknamed “Bayou Barbie,” is dating Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. Reese hinted at the relationship on TikTok, posting a video of roses with the caption, “That’s a sign!” Adding fuel to the fire, Carter Jr. was spotted at the 2025 WNBA All-Star game wearing a t-shirt with Reese’s picture on it.

The college champion, who will be on the second season of The Hunting Wives, showed her support by going to a Magic basketball game in December 2025. She wore a jersey with “My Man” written on it.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by how couples approach wedding planning, and Winnie Harlow is no exception! She recently shared with TopMob News that she and her fiancé, NBA star Kyle Kuzma, are still in the early stages of figuring out their big day. It’s been about seven months since his Valentine’s Day proposal in Turks and Caicos, and Winnie says they’re taking the time to really map everything out before diving into the details. They want to have a solid plan in place before things really get moving, which is a smart approach, in my opinion!

The key to my ideal date is a relaxed, tropical atmosphere,” the former America’s Next Top Model contestant shared. “I love warm weather and lots of dancing – that’s just my style.”

Kyle Kuzma is sure to contribute with important plays on the court, much like he succeeded with his recent proposal. He revealed to Vogue that he didn’t ask his fiancée about her ring preferences beforehand. Instead, he designed an 8.5-carat ring based on his impression of her style—something classic, elegant, and understated.

Rapper GloRilla, from Memphis, was at the Grizzlies-Pelicans basketball game on Thanksgiving 2024 and was happy to see a play made by New Orleans forward Brandon Ingram. When asked about it, she told Complex magazine in 2025, “That’s all I’m going to say!”

She excitedly responded to the two-time All-Star—now playing for the Toronto Raptors—with a simple, “Let’s go!” However, after over a year together, she told Complex that she prefers to keep their relationship private. “We don’t often go out in public,” she explained.

Occasionally, she’ll really show off her skills. In an Instagram post from January 2026, she wrote, “Might let him dunk like he dunk the balllll.”

Long before LeBron James was winning championships with teammates like Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis, Savannah Brinson was his biggest supporter. They first met on a date at an Outback Steakhouse in Akron, Ohio, and at the time, Savannah – a cheerleader and softball player – had no idea the basketball star from a rival high school would become an NBA legend. As she told Harper’s Bazaar, she initially thought his success would be limited to his local area and wouldn’t last long.

About ten years later, she married the top pick from the 2003 draft in a glamorous ceremony. The event was so popular that music icons Beyoncé and Jay-Z even performed their song “Crazy in Love.”

Now living in Los Angeles with their three children in a $23 million home – where James plays for the Lakers – he shared in a November 2019 post how much he relies on his wife. He wrote, “I can perform at my best, both in basketball and in life, because my best friend always supports me, no matter what!” He playfully added, “I’m just the car, she’s the one who makes everything go!”

I’ve been a huge Kawhi Leonard fan for years, and it’s amazing how good he is on defense – twice named Defensive Player of the Year! But honestly, he’s just as skilled at keeping his personal life private. I’ve known for over a decade that he’s been with Kishele Shipley, a fellow SDSU alum, and they’ve never publicly confirmed if they’re even married! It was a total surprise when we found out in April 2019 that he missed a game because Kishele had their second child, a son named Mark Leonard. It’s cool how private they are – neither of them even has a public Instagram, which is rare for someone in the spotlight.

I’ve always known Kawhi was different. Coach Popovich once said he genuinely doesn’t care about being a star – it’s just not his thing. And it’s not just what people say, either! I remember the Raptors’ championship parade in 2019 so vividly. It was amazing, but the cutest part? His then-4-year-old daughter, Kaliyah, just fell asleep right there during the celebration! It perfectly sums him up – totally grounded, even in the biggest moments.

It’s surprising to learn that NBA star Steph Curry was initially rejected when he tried to kiss his now-wife, Ayesha. When they were younger and reconnecting as friends, Steph went in for a kiss, but Ayesha playfully turned away.

She happily explained to TopMob News’ Jason Kennedy in October 2017, “We got a second chance!” A few years after their first kiss at his parents’ house in Charlotte, he proposed to her in the same spot. He later told Parents magazine, “It felt just like something out of The Notebook.”

After getting married in 2011, Ayesha and her husband learned they were expecting their first child, who would later become known as Riley and steal the show at press conferences. Ayesha worried this would make it difficult to establish herself in her career.

Over the past decade, she’s expanded her family with three more children—daughter Ryan in 2015, and sons Canon in 2018 and Caius in 2024—and built a successful lifestyle brand. Now, she’s a cookbook author, appears on the Food Network, works as a model, and dedicates time to charitable work.

Please don’t refer to her as a “basketball wife.” As she rightly noted in an interview with ABC News, “My husband wouldn’t call himself a ‘chef’s wife,’ so the label doesn’t really fit.”

It’s sweet when someone stays true to themselves! Back in 2016, basketball player Bradley Beal took his now-wife on a Ferris wheel ride in Las Vegas and asked her to be his girlfriend. Four years and two sons, Bradley Jr. and Braylon, later, he recreated the moment with a Ferris wheel ride in Maryland. There, in January 2020, the three-time All-Star proposed, asking her to be his wife.

She enthusiastically said yes! Kamiah, the founder of XO By Kamiah, shared that there’s no one she’d rather spend her life with. They welcomed their third son, Braxton, in 2022 before getting married. She also expressed her gratitude, saying he helped her grow into the person she is today and consistently inspires her to improve.

Ayahna Cornish-Lowry, a standout basketball player at St. Joe’s in the mid-2000s, is more than just a fan in the stands. She told the Canadian website The Kit in 2019 that she likes to be right near the game, and as a mother to sons Karter and Kameron Lowry, she supports all the players, not just her husband, Kyle Lowry.

Instead of focusing solely on Kyle, she studies all of the Philadelphia 76ers’ plays. She explains, “I try to observe the entire game and team to understand what’s happening. I enjoy analyzing it as a basketball fan.”

She isn’t hesitant to share her opinions on how the six-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist is playing. She explained that he often seeks her input, even during game timeouts – they’ve been close since high school at Cardinal Dougherty in Philadelphia. If she notices something he could improve, she tries to subtly let him know, hoping he’ll understand.

Draymond Green, the Warriors’ energetic and often vocal four-time All-Star, isn’t known for doing things quietly. So, it’s no surprise his January 2019 proposal to Hazel Renee was an elaborate affair. He swept her away on a helicopter ride to a yacht packed with loved ones – including their children, Olive Jay and Draymond Jamal Green Jr. – and presented her with a six-carat diamond ring from Jason of Beverly Hills. The news was even announced publicly by none other than his coach, Steve Kerr!

The couple had originally planned to renew their wedding vows during a trip to the Olympics, but COVID-19 changed those plans. Instead, they welcomed their daughter, Cash, in October 2020, which became a special milestone for them.

He shared in a 2020 birthday message that the past has been incredible. He also said she’s always been the steady and supportive center of their family, through both happy and difficult times.

Oh my gosh, they finally got married in 2022, and it was even in Vogue – I seriously cried when I saw the pictures! Then, in 2023, little Hunni arrived, and I lost it all over again! And now, another precious baby in February 2026?! My heart is absolutely bursting with joy for them; they’re the perfect family!

Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook is known for his scoring ability, but he recently played a supportive role for his wife, Nina. In a March 2020 Instagram video, he enthusiastically cheered her on as she skillfully made shot after shot. Nina, who is now a licensed marriage and couples therapist, was a fast player at UCLA herself. She first noticed a young, talented Westbrook winking at her after he scored a breakaway dunk. After the game, she reportedly complimented his performance, to which he playfully replied that it’s easier to play well when you have someone special to play for.

After more than ten years, they continue to run their Why Not? foundation while also raising their son, Noah, and twin daughters, Skye and Jordyn. They still make time for simple pleasures like a quiet dinner and a movie. She recently shared on Father’s Day that there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to make their children happy, calling him a fun-loving and devoted father.

It’s become a running joke whether Kevin Love, the Utah Jazz player, or Kate Bock, a regular in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue since 2013, gets more attention in the magazine. Luckily, Love isn’t jealous of his girlfriend’s success. He publicly congratulated her on the 2020 cover, writing that it perfectly captured her beauty and expressing how proud he was of her.

Over a year after proposing to his future wife at a January 2021 birthday party, the five-time All-Star power forward finally married her at the New York Public Library.

Kate, the founder of Love Kate, told Vogue that she and her partner dreamed of a classic, black-and-white New York City wedding with a Great Gatsby feel. She explained that while deciding on the overall theme was simple, the numerous small details – like choosing the right linens, figuring out the seating arrangement, and deciding where to get ready – proved to be the most challenging part of planning.

The couple quickly began preparing for a new chapter in their lives, welcoming their daughter James in June 2023, and later, her younger sister Leighton on Valentine’s Day in 2025.

It’s clear Chris Paul is a big deal in the basketball world – his 2011 wedding in Charlotte was attended by superstars like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, along with Carmelo and LaLa Anthony, Gabrielle Union, Ludacris, and Kevin Hart. Robin Thicke even performed as the wedding musician! The guest list really showed his status in the game.

Although a performance by gospel icon BeBe Winans and a beautiful display of around 10,000 flowers were lovely, the Thunder’s 12-time All-Star values his key teammate above all else.

From the moment they met at Wake Forest University, he’s been deeply in love with Jada, praising her for supporting him through everything. The retired basketball player told Essence magazine that Jada, a mother to Christopher II and Camryn, is incredibly important to him. He recognizes that a basketball career won’t last forever, and he and Jada truly enjoy each other’s company.

When it comes to accolades in the Horford family, it’s actually Al Horford’s wife who’s the real star. Amelia Vega is a model and singer who was crowned both Miss Dominican Republic in 2002 and Miss Universe in 2003.

You know, it’s funny how you meet people. I first met him at the Latin Pride Awards in Boston, and then we really connected four years later while working on a campaign to help children with cancer. Honestly, even after that first meeting, I just knew he was someone special – someone I could see building a life with. I felt confident right away that he’d be my partner for the long haul.

I quickly realized she was the one for me – it just felt natural,” the Warriors player shared with Latina magazine in 2013. “I used to joke about love and not believe in it, but with her, I felt a strong connection and knew I wanted to spend my life with her.

After over ten years of marriage, the University of Florida athlete says life with his wife and their five children – Ean, Alía, Ava, Nova, and Mila – is fantastic. He describes them as building a wonderful life together, and she owns a boutique in Miami.

In 2008, while playing as a freshman for UCLA’s basketball team, Jrue Holiday was mistaken for his teammate Darren Collison by a fan at a women’s basketball game. Lauren Holiday, a soccer player at UCLA who witnessed the mix-up, playfully told the fan, “Don’t worry, you’re cuter than Darren.”

Their first meeting was incredibly sweet, but what happened next was even more remarkable. After retiring from the U.S. women’s national team, the World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist discovered she had a brain tumor while five months pregnant. Without hesitation, her husband, Jrue, took a leave of absence from his NBA career in 2016 to support her through the successful removal of the tumor.

Lauren shared a heartfelt Father’s Day message celebrating her husband as a loving father to their children, Jrue and Hendricks. She wrote that he consistently demonstrates unconditional love, always being there for them, both when he’s feeling great and when he’s struggling, and never letting them feel shortchanged.

Not long after finishing his college basketball career at Butler University, Gordon Hayward, now retired, proposed to Robyn Hayward on Christmas Eve in 2013. They married in May of the following year. Both athletes – Robyn was a talented volleyball player in high school – have been building their family ever since.

In September 2020, Gordon welcomed his son, Theo, joining his daughters Bernie, Charlie, and Nora, while he was competing with the Boston Celtics in the NBA bubble.

Even though they’re currently managing a busy household with four young children, the couple hasn’t completely dismissed the idea of having more. In a recent social media post, she described each of her kids: Bernie is kind and gentle, Charlie is independent and marches to the beat of her own drum, Nora is a confident leader who isn’t afraid of anything, and Theo is calm and easygoing. She shared this glimpse into their life with young children, playfully asking her husband, Gordon Hayward, if he’d be up for expanding their family.

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2026-06-10 22:23