The Ultimate Guide To Jalen Brunson's Wife: 7 Fresh Facts About Ali Marks Brunson And Their New Family
Jalen Brunson: A Full Biography and Career Profile
Jalen Marquis Brunson is an American professional basketball player and one of the most exciting point guards in the NBA today. His journey from high school standout to NBA All-Star is a testament to his relentless work ethic and skill.
- Full Name: Jalen Marquis Brunson
- Date of Birth: August 31, 1996
- Place of Birth: New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
- Position: Point Guard
- High School: Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, Illinois)
- College: Villanova University (2015–2018)
- College Honors: NCAA Champion (2016, 2018), Consensus National Player of the Year (2018), Bob Cousy Award (2018)
- NBA Draft: Selected 33rd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA Draft
- NBA Career History:
- Dallas Mavericks (2018–2022)
- New York Knicks (2022–present)
- NBA Honors: NBA All-Star (2024), All-NBA Second Team (2024)
- Parents: Rick Brunson (former NBA player) and Sandra Brunson
The Untold Story of Ali Marks Brunson: From High School Sweetheart to NBA Wife
Ali Marks Brunson, often simply referred to as Ali Brunson, is far more than just an NBA wife. She is a successful professional in her own right and the anchor of Jalen’s personal life. Their long-term relationship is a sweet, grounding force for the star athlete.
1. She is a Licensed Physical Therapist
Ali Brunson holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with her DPT after completing her undergraduate studies. Her professional career has included working as a physical therapist at clinics like W.B. Carrell Memorial Clinic and ATI Physical Therapy. This background gives her a unique understanding of the physical demands and recovery process associated with Jalen's career, offering a level of support few others could provide.
2. Their Romance Began in High School
Jalen and Ali's relationship is a true high school sweetheart story. They began dating in 2013 while attending Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois. They even attended prom together. Their decade-plus relationship has navigated the challenges of college basketball at Villanova, the NBA draft, and multiple team changes, proving the strength of their bond.
3. They Welcomed Their First Child in 2024
The biggest and most recent update in the Brunson family is the birth of their first child, a daughter named Jordyn James Brunson. Jordyn was born on July 31, 2024, just two days after the couple's first wedding anniversary. The couple kept the pregnancy private, with Jalen announcing the news on Instagram, making it a wonderful surprise for fans and providing a fresh, heartwarming narrative for the family.
4. The Engagement Was a Sentimental Return to Their Roots
Jalen proposed to Ali in September 2022 at their high school, Adlai E. Stevenson, on the basketball court where their love story began. He set up a beautiful display on the court, asking her to be his wife in a deeply personal and sentimental gesture that highlighted the longevity of their relationship.
5. Their 2023 Wedding Was a Villanova Reunion
Jalen and Ali married on July 29, 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. The wedding was a star-studded event that served as a reunion for many of Jalen's former teammates. Notably, their close friend and former Villanova Wildcats and Knicks teammate, Ryan Arcidiacono, officiated the ceremony. Other notable guests included Villanova stars and current NBA players like Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Mikal Bridges, showcasing the strong bonds Brunson has built throughout his career.
6. Ali is a Constant Fixture at Knicks Games
Since Jalen joined the New York Knicks in 2022, Ali has become a visible and supportive presence at Madison Square Garden and major NBA events. She gained attention for taking fans behind the scenes during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, where Jalen was a starter, sharing intimate moments from the weekend and cheering him on from the sidelines. She is frequently seen rocking Knicks gear, showing her team pride.
7. Her Full Name and Background
Ali was born on September 10, 1995, in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Her full maiden name is Alison Pellettieri Marks. Her parents are James and Kathleen Marks, and she has two sisters. This close-knit family background is a key part of the foundation she shares with Jalen, whose own father, Rick Brunson, was also an NBA player.
The Topical Authority: The Power of a Stable Partnership
The stability of Jalen and Ali’s long-term relationship is a frequent topic of discussion among NBA analysts and fans. In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of professional basketball, having a partner who has been with you since before the fame and fortune is often cited as a crucial factor for success. Ali Marks Brunson, the high school sweetheart turned wife, provides Jalen with a reliable, private life away from the court. This strong personal foundation is seen as a contributing factor to his recent surge in performance, including his All-NBA Second Team selection and his role as the undisputed leader of the New York Knicks. The addition of their daughter, Jordyn James Brunson, only deepens this commitment, ensuring that Jalen’s focus remains grounded and his support system is unwavering.
Their story stands out as a genuine romance, contrasting with the more transient relationships often seen in celebrity circles. From the proposal on their high school court to their wedding attended by former Villanova Wildcats and Dallas Mavericks teammates, their journey is a testament to loyalty and enduring love. Ali's career as a physiotherapist also gives her unique insight into Jalen's professional life, making her support both emotional and practical. This dynamic duo remains one of the most beloved couples in the NBA.
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