Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Herbert Jones, popularly known as Herb Jones, is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born on October 6, 1998, in Greensboro, Alabama, he developed into one of basketball’s most respected defensive players after an outstanding college career with the Alabama Crimson Tide. His journey to the NBA was strongly influenced by a family deeply connected to basketball and education.
Herbert Jones’s parents are Walter Jones Sr. and Verlander Jones, and he has an older brother named Walter Jones Jr., who also played college basketball. His father coached him during his high school years, while his mother built a career in education and public school leadership. Although the Jones family has openly discussed Herbert’s upbringing and basketball development, the NBA player has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Does Herbert Jones Have a Girlfriend?
As of now, Herbert Jones has not publicly confirmed that he is dating anyone. The New Orleans Pelicans forward has generally kept his romantic life private, and reliable sports publications have not identified a current girlfriend.
Since joining the NBA in 2021, Jones has participated in interviews discussing his basketball career, defensive abilities, childhood experiences and family background.
However, he has rarely discussed romantic relationships in public.
There is also no reliable public announcement establishing that Jones is married or engaged.
His professional social media presence and official basketball biographies primarily focus on his career, community activities and personal interests rather than his dating history.
Although some fans may be curious about his relationship status, the absence of public information does not necessarily mean he is single.
His current romantic relationship status remains undisclosed.
Does Herbert Jones Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports indicating that Herbert Jones has children.
The NBA forward has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify him as a father.
Most of the information available about his personal life concerns his parents, older brother, basketball upbringing and activities in his hometown of Greensboro, Alabama.
Jones has also participated in community initiatives involving children and families, but those activities should not be confused with information about his own potential parenthood.
As of now, it remains unconfirmed whether Herbert Jones has any children.
Who Are Herbert Jones’s Parents?
Herbert Jones was born to Walter Jones Sr. and Verlander Jones, whose identities are confirmed in official biographies published by the University of Alabama and the NBA.
Both parents worked in education, with Walter becoming a high school basketball coach and Verlander pursuing educational administration and school board service.
Their professional backgrounds helped establish a household that emphasized discipline, academic achievement, community involvement and competitive sports.
Herbert’s father played a particularly direct role in developing his basketball skills, while his mother supported the educational and personal values that accompanied his athletic journey.
Herbert Jones’s Father: Walter Jones Sr.
Walter Jones Sr. is the father of NBA player Herbert Jones and former college basketball player Walter Jones Jr.
He is a retired high school basketball coach who played an important role in developing both sons into accomplished basketball players.
Walter coached at Sunshine High School in Newbern, Alabama, where Herbert began participating in varsity basketball while still in seventh grade.
At Sunshine, Walter had the opportunity to coach both of his sons, who eventually became teammates.
Under his guidance, the school reached the Alabama Class 1A state championship game in 2015.
After Sunshine High School closed, Herbert transferred to Hale County High School, where his father served as an assistant coach under head coach Antwan Butler.
Walter’s influence extended beyond organized basketball practices. He introduced his sons to the sport at an early age and frequently encouraged them to challenge themselves through competition.
According to a September 2021 article published by the NBA G League, Walter remembered taking his two sons to a University of Alabama basketball camp when Herbert was approximately five years old.
During the camp, Herbert worked with Alabama player Antoine Pettway, while Walter Jr. was assigned to a group led by Chuck Davis.
The experience left such an impression that the brothers began pretending to be those players during their backyard basketball competitions.
Walter also recalled how fiercely the brothers competed against one another, sometimes requiring him to intervene when their games became particularly intense.
In an interview published shortly after Herbert entered the NBA, Walter explained that he had always preferred calling his younger son Herbert rather than Herb.
He also spoke proudly about his son’s personality, describing similarities between Herbert and his grandfather, who had demonstrated exceptional dedication to his family.
By the time Herbert was selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, Walter had retired from his coaching career.
His years of instruction helped establish the defensive awareness, discipline and competitive mentality that later became defining characteristics of Herbert’s professional basketball career.
Herbert Jones’s Mother: Verlander Jones
Verlander Jones is the mother of Herbert Jones and his older brother, Walter Jones Jr.
She is an experienced educator and former school administrator whose professional career has included teaching, educational technology and public school governance.
According to a May 2021 profile published by the Alabama Association of School Boards, Verlander had served on the Hale County Board of Education since November 2010.
At the time of the interview, she was working as the District Technology Coordinator for Perry County.
She also revealed that she had previously worked as a first-grade teacher and assistant principal.
By 2021, Verlander had accumulated approximately 26 years of experience in education.
Her work in educational leadership demonstrated a longstanding commitment to improving opportunities for students and supporting the development of young people.
During her interview with the Alabama Association of School Boards, she explained that her experience as an educator had inspired her to serve on the school board.
She believed that improving school culture was an important foundation for academic achievement.
Verlander also discussed her personal life, describing herself as the mother of two young men who enjoyed spending time with her family.
Her interests included traveling, reading, exploring new experiences and participating in community projects involving young people.
Alongside her husband, she supported the basketball development of Herbert and Walter Jr.
Both sons eventually received Alabama state basketball honors and went on to play at the collegiate level.
Herbert later credited both parents with introducing him to organized basketball when he was very young.
In an October 2021 interview with the New Orleans Pelicans, he recalled participating in a youth basketball league when he was approximately four years old.
The experience helped establish his enthusiasm for team sports and the relationships formed through basketball.
Although Verlander has largely remained outside the national sports spotlight, her professional achievements and involvement in her children’s upbringing are well documented.
Who Are Herbert Jones’s Siblings?
Herbert Jones has one brother, Walter Jones Jr., according to his official University of Alabama and NBA biographies.
Walter Jr. is Herbert’s older brother and was also an accomplished basketball player during high school and college.
Both brothers were raised in Greensboro, Alabama, and developed their basketball abilities under the guidance of their father, Walter Jones Sr.
Their relationship has been characterized by strong family support and a competitive basketball rivalry that began during childhood.
Walter Jones Jr.: Herbert Jones’s Older Brother
Walter Jones Jr. is the older brother of New Orleans Pelicans basketball player Herbert Jones.
Like Herbert, Walter Jr. developed his basketball skills in Alabama and became a successful high school player.
He attended Sunshine High School in Newbern, where he played under his father, Walter Jones Sr.
According to his official Alabama A&M University athletics biography, Walter Jr. earned Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 1A Player of the Year honors during his senior high school season.
He also received First Team All-State recognition.
During his junior season, he helped Sunshine reach the Class 1A South Regional Championship while averaging approximately 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game.
His high school performances earned him an opportunity to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level.
Walter Jr. initially attended the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he played for the Vaqueros.
During his freshman season, he appeared in 19 games and averaged 1.4 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest.
He later transferred to Alabama A&M University, continuing his basketball career with the Bulldogs.
At Alabama A&M, he developed additional experience as a college guard and pursued studies in management.
His official university biography specifically identifies him as the older brother of Alabama basketball player Herbert Jones.
Although Walter Jr. did not follow Herbert into the NBA, his own basketball career provided an important example for his younger brother.
Herbert Jones’s Relationship With His Brother Walter Jones Jr.
Herbert Jones and Walter Jones Jr. developed a close relationship through basketball, spending much of their childhood competing against one another.
Because Walter was approximately two years older, Herbert frequently challenged a physically more developed opponent during their early games.
The competition helped push Herbert to improve his skills and develop the determination that later distinguished him on the basketball court.
According to a September 2021 NBA G League feature, the brothers sometimes competed so intensely that their father had to separate them.
Despite their rivalry, they also became teammates at Sunshine High School.
Together, they helped the school reach the 2015 Alabama Class 1A state championship game.
Walter Jr.’s influence continued after their high school years.
In December 2021, Herbert revealed in an interview with the New Orleans Pelicans that he had originally chosen his NBA jersey number 5 because his older brother had worn the same number in high school.
The decision reflected the lasting influence Walter Jr. had on his younger brother’s basketball identity.
The family relationship also remained important when Herbert entered the NBA.
According to the NBA G League’s September 2021 family profile, Walter Jones Sr. said that his older son planned to move to New Orleans to support Herbert during his rookie season.
Although the brothers followed different basketball career paths, their shared experiences and longstanding competition contributed to Herbert’s personal and athletic development.
Herbert Jones’s Grandfather and Family Values
Another important influence in Herbert Jones’s family story is his paternal grandfather, Herbert Jones Sr.
According to an interview with Walter Jones Sr. published by the NBA G League in September 2021, Herbert was named after his grandfather.
Walter described his father as a hardworking and reserved man who prioritized his family’s welfare.
He explained that his father had been forced to leave school at approximately 12 years old after the death of a parent, taking on responsibilities to help support his family.
Despite those early challenges, he remained committed to family responsibilities and the importance of education.
Walter believed that his son Herbert shared several characteristics with his grandfather, particularly his quiet personality, dedication and work ethic.
Those values became important elements of the family environment in which the basketball player was raised.
Although Herbert’s grandfather was not directly involved in his NBA career, the family’s account of his life provides insight into the values passed down through generations.
How Did Herbert Jones’s Family Influence His Basketball Career?
Herbert Jones’s basketball development began at an exceptionally young age, thanks largely to the involvement of his parents.
His father introduced him to competitive basketball, while his mother encouraged his development within a family that valued education and personal responsibility.
He began playing varsity basketball at Sunshine High School while still in seventh grade and eventually became one of Alabama’s leading high school prospects.
After transferring to Hale County High School, Jones helped the team win the Alabama Class 4A state championship in 2017.
During his senior season, he averaged approximately 16.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and four assists per game.
His outstanding performances earned him recognition as the state’s Class 4A Player of the Year.
He subsequently committed to the University of Alabama, where he played college basketball from 2017 to 2021.
Over four seasons, Jones developed a reputation as a versatile defender, strong rebounder and unselfish teammate.
During the 2020–21 campaign, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
He earned Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors, becoming one of the most influential players on the Alabama roster.
The New Orleans Pelicans selected Jones with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft.
He quickly earned a regular role in the team’s rotation and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2022.
His defensive abilities continued improving, culminating in selection to the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the 2023–24 season.
Jones became particularly known for his ability to guard multiple positions, challenge shots and disrupt opposing offenses.
In July 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans announced that they had signed him to a multiyear contract extension, reflecting his importance to the franchise.
His progression from a small-town Alabama basketball player to an established NBA defender illustrates the importance of the early coaching, family encouragement and competitive experiences that shaped his career.
Herbert Jones’s Family and Community Involvement
Herbert Jones has maintained strong connections to his hometown of Greensboro, Alabama, even after establishing himself in the NBA.
According to his official NBA biography, he organizes an annual community day in Greensboro.
The event reflects his continued involvement with the community where he grew up and first developed his basketball abilities.
His family’s professional background provides additional context for this interest in community activities.
His mother worked for many years in education and school governance, while his father spent his professional career helping develop young athletes.
Both parents were involved in professions centered on supporting young people.
Jones has also participated in community initiatives in New Orleans, using his position as a professional basketball player to connect with local families and children.
His community involvement is consistent with the values of service, education and responsibility emphasized throughout his family’s story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herbert Jones’s Family
Who is Herbert Jones’s father?
Herbert Jones’s father is Walter Jones Sr., a retired high school basketball coach who coached his son at Sunshine High School and served as an assistant coach at Hale County High School.
Who is Herbert Jones’s mother?
His mother is Verlander Jones, an experienced educator who previously worked as a teacher, assistant principal and district technology coordinator. She also served on the Hale County Board of Education.
Does Herbert Jones have a brother?
Yes. Herbert Jones has an older brother named Walter Jones Jr., who played college basketball at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Alabama A&M University.
How many siblings does Herbert Jones have?
Herbert Jones has one brother, Walter Jones Jr., according to his official NBA and University of Alabama biographies.
Is Walter Jones Jr. related to Herbert Jones?
Yes. Walter Jones Jr. is Herbert Jones’s older brother. Both are sons of Walter Jones Sr. and Verlander Jones.
Does Herbert Jones have a sister?
No sister is identified in Herbert Jones’s official basketball biographies. His mother has publicly described herself as the mother of two sons.
Does Herbert Jones have a girlfriend?
As of now, Herbert Jones has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend, and his relationship status remains private.
Is Herbert Jones married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Herbert Jones is married.
Does Herbert Jones have children?
There are no verified public reports establishing that Herbert Jones has sons or daughters.
Who was Herbert Jones named after?
Herbert Jones was named after his paternal grandfather, Herbert Jones Sr., according to comments made by his father in a September 2021 NBA G League interview.
Where is Herbert Jones from?
Herbert Jones was born on October 6, 1998, in Greensboro, Alabama, United States.
Which NBA team does Herbert Jones play for?
Herbert Jones plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, who selected him with the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
