Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Collin Sexton comes from a highly competitive Georgia family that helped shape the relentless playing style behind his “Young Bull” nickname. Born Collin Darnell Sexton on January 4, 1999, in Marietta, Georgia, the Los Angeles Lakers guard is the son of Darnell Sexton and Gia Sexton. He grew up alongside an older brother, Jordan Sexton, and an older sister, Giauna Sexton.
Basketball became part of Sexton’s life when he was only three years old. His father coached AAU basketball, his older brother became his fiercest childhood opponent, and his parents consistently emphasized hard work and discipline. Sexton has repeatedly credited his family with creating the competitive mentality that eventually carried him from Mableton, Georgia, to Alabama and the NBA. Here is everything known about Collin Sexton’s girlfriend, children, parents and siblings.
Does Collin Sexton Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Collin Sexton has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. There is no reliable recent reporting from major sports outlets identifying a current romantic partner.
Sexton has traditionally kept his dating life extremely private. Throughout his NBA career, his interviews and public appearances have focused primarily on basketball, training, family and his competitive approach to the game rather than romantic relationships.
Although various entertainment and celebrity websites have attempted to speculate about Sexton’s dating life over the years, no current girlfriend has been confirmed by Sexton himself or by an authoritative source.
For that reason, claims attaching a specific woman to Sexton should be treated cautiously unless the relationship is confirmed publicly.
Is Collin Sexton Married?
There is no reliable public information indicating that Collin Sexton is married or engaged.
Neither the NBA’s current biography nor established reporting about Sexton’s personal life identifies a wife or fiancée. As of now, he appears to maintain substantial privacy regarding his relationships.
Does Collin Sexton Have Children?
There is no reliable public information indicating that Collin Sexton has any children.
Sexton has not publicly announced becoming a father, and authoritative profiles of the Lakers guard do not identify any sons or daughters.
Therefore, as of now, Sexton should not be described as having children unless he publicly confirms otherwise in the future.
Who Are Collin Sexton’s Parents?
Collin Sexton’s parents are Darnell Sexton and Gia Sexton. Alabama Athletics and the NBA both officially identify Darnell and Gia as his parents.
They raised Collin with his older siblings, Jordan and Giauna, in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Although neither parent became internationally famous through professional sports, their influence on Collin’s career was substantial.
Sexton has said that everything he knows about working hard came from his parents. Long before recruiting services recognized him as an elite prospect, Darnell and Gia supported the intense training habits that would eventually become one of their son’s defining characteristics.
Collin Sexton’s Father: Darnell Sexton
Collin Sexton’s father is Darnell Sexton. Darnell had a particularly direct influence on his son’s development because he coached AAU basketball.
Collin has said that his father had him performing basketball drills from an extremely young age. Before Collin was even strong enough to shoot a regulation basketball properly, Darnell was already putting him through demanding training exercises.
That early introduction helped basketball become normal rather than unusual in Sexton’s childhood.
Darnell also understood how serious his son’s work habits eventually became. One story from Collin’s high school years illustrates that dedication particularly well: on the night of his senior prom, Sexton still stopped at his school gym to work on his jump shot.
Those habits were not created suddenly when Division I schools started recruiting him. Sexton had already spent years training with the same intensity while receiving relatively little national attention.
Darnell later admitted that he had not originally expected his son to become one of the country’s highest-rated basketball prospects. Collin’s rapid development during his high school years surprised even members of his own family.
Despite that surprise, his father’s coaching experience provided Collin with an important foundation. The younger Sexton eventually developed the aggressive mentality and conditioning that made him stand out against older and more highly regarded players.
How Collin Sexton’s Father Helped Develop His Work Ethic
Sexton’s rise from relatively unknown prospect to five-star recruit became one of the most famous stories of his high school class.
Rather than treating his success as sudden, Collin has emphasized that he had been working toward that level since childhood.
His father made training a routine long before recruiting rankings mattered. That meant Sexton was accustomed to practicing when other children were doing something else.
By his later teenage years, the work had become self-driven. Sexton developed a reputation for remaining in the gym until he had completed demanding shooting goals, including hundreds of made jump shots.
His father’s early coaching therefore helped establish the foundation, while Collin’s own competitiveness eventually took the routine to another level.
Collin Sexton’s Mother: Gia Sexton
Collin Sexton’s mother is Gia Sexton.
Gia has generally maintained a more private public profile than her NBA-playing son, but she has appeared during important stages of Collin’s career and has been one of his strongest supporters.
She attended games during his standout season at Alabama and publicly celebrated his success alongside Collin’s brother Jordan.
Family support remained important even after Sexton entered the NBA. During a question-and-answer session early in his professional career, Collin identified his mother, grandmother and father among his real-life heroes.
That answer reflected the importance of his family even after basketball had made him wealthy and internationally recognizable.
Sexton has also described his childhood household as extremely competitive. According to Collin, both of his parents wanted to win, and that mentality was inherited by all three children.
The competition was not limited to basketball. Whether the family was playing board games, Connect Four, tic-tac-toe or something else, winning mattered.
That environment helps explain why Sexton’s intensity has remained so visible throughout his basketball career.
Who Are Collin Sexton’s Siblings?
Collin Sexton has two older siblings: Jordan Sexton and Giauna Sexton.
Both Alabama Athletics and the NBA officially identify Jordan as his brother and Giauna as his sister.
Collin is therefore the youngest of Darnell and Gia Sexton’s three publicly documented children.
Jordan had the strongest direct basketball influence on him, while Giauna was also part of the competitive family environment that Collin frequently discusses.
Jordan Sexton
Jordan Sexton is Collin’s older brother and one of the most influential figures in the development of the future NBA guard.
The brothers played basketball together throughout their childhood, but their games were anything but casual.
Collin has openly described Jordan as someone who could really play and said their one-on-one games became so competitive that they frequently ended in arguments or fights.
Eventually, the brothers stopped playing formal one-on-one games against each other because neither liked losing enough to make the contests peaceful.
The physical nature of their childhood games nevertheless helped prepare Collin for the way he would eventually play professionally.
In a 2026 interview, Sexton again credited Jordan with contributing to his toughness. He recalled being pushed down and knocked over while playing against his older brother but continually getting back up.
Sexton connected those experiences directly to his mentality in NBA games. When opponents bump him or knock him down, his instinct is to get back up rather than feel defeated.
Jordan Sexton Helped Create the “Young Bull” Mentality
Playing against an older sibling naturally placed Collin at a physical disadvantage during much of his childhood.
Jordan was older, stronger and more developed. Collin therefore had to become aggressive enough to compete rather than simply accept losing.
Those games helped create the mentality later associated with Sexton’s “Young Bull” nickname.
Collin has always played basketball with unusual intensity. He attacks defenders, competes through contact and treats possessions with an urgency more commonly associated with playoff basketball.
Part of that approach can be traced to years spent attempting to beat an older brother who refused to make things easy for him.
Jordan remained a major supporter once Collin’s career moved beyond the family driveway. He was publicly seen supporting his brother during Alabama’s 2018 postseason run and has continued to be part of Collin’s family circle.
Giauna Sexton
Giauna Sexton is Collin’s older sister.
Official Alabama and NBA biographies list her alongside Jordan as one of Collin’s two siblings.
Unlike Collin, Giauna has maintained a much more private public profile. Reliable sports sources provide relatively little information about her education, professional career or personal life.
Collin has, however, included his sister when describing how competitive the Sexton household was growing up.
He has said his sister and brother shared the same determination to win that characterized their parents. That meant everyday games within the family could become surprisingly serious.
Because Giauna is not a public sports figure, information about her private life from unverified social-media accounts should not be presented as established fact.
The Sexton Family Was Extremely Competitive
One of the clearest themes in Collin Sexton’s descriptions of his childhood is competition.
The Sextons were not a family that treated games casually.
Collin has recalled that his parents, Jordan, Giauna and himself all wanted to win regardless of the activity. Even simple household games could become competitions.
For Collin, that mentality carried naturally onto the basketball court.
He began playing at approximately three years old and spent much of his childhood competing against older players. His willingness to challenge bigger and stronger opponents eventually contributed to his nickname.
Sexton has said the “Young Bull” label fit because he was usually one of the younger players competing against older athletes but never backed away from physical competition.
Where Did Collin Sexton Grow Up?
Collin Sexton was born in Marietta, Georgia, on January 4, 1999, and grew up in the Atlanta metropolitan area, particularly around Mableton.
He initially attended Hillgrove High School before transferring to Pebblebrook High School.
The transfer became an important turning point in his basketball career.
At Pebblebrook, Sexton’s reputation exploded. He became one of the most productive scorers in high school basketball and transformed from a player receiving limited national attention into one of America’s highest-rated recruits.
During his senior season, he averaged 32.6 points per game and was named Georgia Class 7A Player of the Year.
He also participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game and won the event’s dunk contest.
Collin Sexton Went From Unknown Prospect to Five-Star Recruit
Sexton’s rise was unusually fast.
Recruiting analysts did not initially regard him as one of the country’s elite players. However, his performances on the Nike EYBL circuit forced schools and scouts to reconsider.
He led the EYBL in scoring and became increasingly difficult for national evaluators to ignore.
His biggest international breakthrough came with the United States U17 national team.
Sexton helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2016 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Spain and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
By the end of the recruiting process, he was considered a five-star prospect and one of the best point guards in his class.
Throughout that rapid rise, Sexton continued crediting his parents for the work ethic that allowed him to take advantage once opportunities finally appeared.
Collin Sexton’s Family Supported His Move to Alabama
Sexton committed to the University of Alabama and spent one season with the Crimson Tide in 2017-18.
He immediately became one of the most exciting guards in college basketball.
Sexton averaged 19.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game and produced several memorable performances.
His most famous regular-season game came against Minnesota, when Alabama finished the game with only three players on the court because of ejections, fouls and an injury.
Despite playing three against five for more than 10 minutes, Sexton continued attacking and finished with 40 points.
He later helped Alabama reach the NCAA Tournament and was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Year and SEC Newcomer of the Year.
His parents and brother were visible supporters during that breakthrough college season.
Collin Sexton Became the No. 8 Pick in the NBA Draft
After one season at Alabama, Sexton entered the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Cleveland Cavaliers selected him with the eighth overall pick.
The selection fulfilled the goal Sexton had been pursuing through years of late-night workouts, physical battles with his brother and training under his father.
He immediately became an important part of Cleveland’s rebuilding process following LeBron James’s departure to Los Angeles.
Sexton averaged 16.7 points as a rookie and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors.
His scoring continued improving, eventually reaching a career-high 24.3 points per game during the 2020-21 season.
Collin Sexton Overcame a Major Knee Injury
Sexton’s Cleveland career was interrupted during the 2021-22 season when he suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee.
The injury required surgery and ended his season after only 11 games.
For a player whose identity depended heavily on speed, explosiveness and relentless movement, the rehabilitation process presented one of the most difficult challenges of his career.
His approach to recovery reflected the same mentality his family had helped develop when he was young.
Sexton eventually returned to the court and began another stage of his career in Utah.
Collin Sexton Was Traded to the Utah Jazz
In September 2022, Sexton joined the Utah Jazz as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland.
He spent three seasons in Utah and developed into an efficient scorer and veteran leader for a young roster.
During the 2024-25 season, Sexton averaged 18.4 points, 4.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting a career-best 40.6 percent from three-point range.
Utah traded him to Charlotte in June 2025.
Collin Sexton Played for Charlotte and Chicago
The Charlotte Hornets acquired Sexton and a 2030 second-round draft pick from Utah in exchange for Jusuf Nurkić.
Sexton entered Charlotte with the intention of bringing scoring, leadership and competitiveness to its young backcourt.
His stay lasted only part of the 2025-26 season.
In February 2026, Charlotte traded Sexton to the Chicago Bulls as part of a deal involving Coby White and Mike Conley Jr.
Across his time with Charlotte and Chicago during the 2025-26 regular season, Sexton averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game.
His contract expired following the season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Collin Sexton Joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2026
Sexton’s next opportunity came with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles officially completed his signing on July 12, 2026, adding another experienced scorer to its backcourt.
The move placed Sexton on a Lakers roster that also underwent significant changes during the 2026 offseason.
As of now, Sexton wears No. 10 for Los Angeles and is listed as a 6-foot-3 guard.
His arrival gives the Lakers a player capable of attacking the basket, scoring in transition, creating shots and providing energy off the dribble.
It also represents another chapter in a professional career that has already taken Sexton from Cleveland to Utah, Charlotte, Chicago and Los Angeles.
How Collin Sexton’s Family Shaped His NBA Career
The qualities that made Sexton an NBA player can be traced repeatedly to his family.
His father introduced him to structured basketball training when he was extremely young. His mother reinforced the importance of family and hard work. His older brother Jordan forced him to compete physically against someone stronger, while his sister Giauna contributed to a household where everyone hated losing.
Sexton’s competitiveness was therefore developed long before he appeared on national television.
His rise from an overlooked high school guard to five-star recruit, Alabama star and top-10 NBA Draft pick was built around routines established years earlier.
Even after becoming a professional athlete, Sexton has continued speaking about his family as the source of many of his defining characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collin Sexton’s Family
Who are Collin Sexton’s parents?
Collin Sexton’s parents are Darnell Sexton and Gia Sexton. Both Alabama Athletics and the NBA officially identify them as his parents.
Who is Collin Sexton’s father?
Collin Sexton’s father is Darnell Sexton. Darnell coached AAU basketball and introduced Collin to structured basketball training at a very young age.
Who is Collin Sexton’s mother?
Collin Sexton’s mother is Gia Sexton. Collin has identified his mother as one of his real-life heroes and has credited his parents with teaching him the value of hard work.
Does Collin Sexton have a girlfriend?
As of now, Collin Sexton has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend, and there is no reliable recent reporting identifying a current romantic partner.
Is Collin Sexton married?
There is no reliable public information indicating that Collin Sexton is married or engaged.
Does Collin Sexton have children?
There is no reliable public information indicating that Collin Sexton has any children.
How many siblings does Collin Sexton have?
Collin Sexton has two older siblings: a brother named Jordan Sexton and a sister named Giauna Sexton.
Who is Collin Sexton’s brother?
Collin Sexton’s older brother is Jordan Sexton. The brothers played extremely competitive one-on-one basketball throughout their childhood, and Collin has credited Jordan with helping develop his toughness.
Who is Collin Sexton’s sister?
Collin Sexton’s older sister is Giauna Sexton. She maintains a private life but grew up as part of the highly competitive Sexton household.
Did Collin Sexton’s father coach basketball?
Yes. Darnell Sexton coached AAU basketball and began putting Collin through basketball drills when he was very young.
Why is Collin Sexton called the Young Bull?
Sexton’s “Young Bull” nickname reflects his aggressive and competitive style. He grew up playing against older athletes and became known for attacking opponents without backing down from physical contact.
Where was Collin Sexton born?
Collin Sexton was born in Marietta, Georgia, on January 4, 1999, and grew up in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
What is Collin Sexton’s full name?
His full name is Collin Darnell Sexton.
Where did Collin Sexton go to college?
Sexton played one season of college basketball at the University of Alabama during the 2017-18 season.
What pick was Collin Sexton in the NBA Draft?
The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Collin Sexton with the eighth overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.
What teams has Collin Sexton played for?
Collin Sexton has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
What team does Collin Sexton play for now?
As of now, Collin Sexton plays guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles officially signed him on July 12, 2026, and he wears No. 10.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
