Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Jabari Smith Jr. is an American professional basketball player known for his shooting ability, defensive versatility, and athleticism. Born on May 13, 2003, in Fayetteville, Georgia, he plays for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. After an impressive freshman season at Auburn University, Smith was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, following in the footsteps of his father, who also played professional basketball.
Beyond his basketball achievements, Jabari Smith Jr. comes from a family with strong connections to the sport. His father, Jabari Smith Sr., played four seasons in the NBA, while his mother, Taneskia Purnell, provided important emotional support throughout his development. His older brother, A.J. Freeman, also played college basketball and helped inspire his sporting ambitions. Although Smith has spoken openly about his parents and brother, he maintains considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and children.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Jasmine A. is the girlfriend of Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. The couple went public with their relationship on social media in late 2023. Jasmine holds a degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University (LSU) and tends to keep a low profile, appearing online primarily to share romantic moments and support the athlete at NBA games. Recently, the couple expanded their family and did a maternity photoshoot to celebrate the arrival of their first baby.
Does Jabari Smith Jr. Have Children?
Jabari Smith Jr. and Jasmine A. welcomed a daughter in early 2026. The birth of the couple’s first child followed a maternity photoshoot shared on social media.
He stated that becoming a father helped him grow and assume a stronger, more mature leadership role in the team’s locker room.
The athlete feels that the responsibility toward his daughter drives him to maintain a much more focused mindset on the court and to hold both himself and his teammates to higher standards.
Interestingly, with the baby’s arrival, the player’s father (former NBA player Jabari Smith Sr.) also celebrated his new role as a grandfather.
Who Are Jabari Smith Jr.’s Parents?
Jabari Smith Jr. was born to Jabari Smith Sr. and Taneskia Purnell in Fayetteville, Georgia, United States.
Both parents played important roles in his childhood and basketball development.
His father brought experience from college and professional basketball, while his mother encouraged discipline, perseverance, and maintaining a healthy balance between sports and everyday life.
According to a February 2022 Sports Illustrated profile, his parents separated when Jabari was approximately 10 years old but continued cooperating in raising their children.
Despite no longer being together, they remained involved in their son’s development and frequently attended his basketball games.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s Father: Jabari Smith Sr.
Jabari Smith Sr. is the father of Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. and a former professional basketball player.
Born on February 12, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, he developed into a talented basketball player during his youth.
He attended Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta before beginning his college basketball career.
Smith Sr. eventually joined Louisiana State University, commonly known as LSU, where he played for the Tigers between 1998 and 2000.
Standing approximately 6 feet 11 inches tall, he possessed the size of a traditional center but also demonstrated an effective jump shot.
His performances at LSU attracted attention from NBA scouts.
In the 2000 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected Jabari Smith Sr. with the 45th overall pick.
He subsequently played portions of four NBA seasons, representing the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Nets.
According to Basketball Reference, Smith Sr. appeared in 108 regular-season NBA games.
After his time in the NBA, he continued playing professional basketball internationally.
His overseas career included experience in Spain, Turkey, Iran, and Puerto Rico.
Although he did not become an NBA superstar, his experiences provided valuable knowledge that he later passed on to his son.
How Jabari Smith Sr. Trained His Son
Jabari Smith Sr. played a central role in introducing his son to basketball and developing his skills.
According to a February 2022 feature published by The Ringer, Jabari Jr. began training with his father when he was approximately five years old.
His father’s approach focused on discipline, conditioning, and developing basketball fundamentals.
One of his earliest training methods involved making young Jabari run up and down hills in their neighbourhood in Fayetteville, Georgia.
The exercises were designed to improve his physical conditioning and teach him that success required consistent effort.
Smith Sr. also emphasised the importance of shooting.
During his professional playing career, he had noticed that basketball was changing.
International players were increasingly demonstrating that tall athletes could become effective perimeter shooters rather than remaining exclusively near the basket.
He recognised that developing shooting ability would make his son more versatile.
As a result, he encouraged Jabari to practise jump shots, ball-handling, footwork, and defensive positioning.
Rather than relying entirely on his height, Jabari learned to develop skills associated with guards and forwards.
His father also taught him how to maintain proper shooting mechanics, create space, and remain balanced while taking jump shots.
Those lessons eventually became defining characteristics of his basketball career.
What Did Jabari Smith Jr. Learn From His Father?
Beyond basketball fundamentals, Jabari Smith Sr. taught his son important lessons about professional sports.
Having experienced the challenges of maintaining a place in the NBA, he understood how difficult it could be to build a lasting professional career.
He encouraged Jabari to concentrate on improving rather than becoming distracted by rankings, publicity, or individual statistics.
In an interview with The Ringer, Smith Sr. explained that he wanted his son to understand that professional basketball opportunities were never guaranteed.
He reminded Jabari that many talented athletes were competing for a limited number of NBA positions.
The message encouraged his son to remain disciplined and avoid becoming complacent.
Smith Jr. has repeatedly acknowledged that his father’s experiences gave him an advantage during his development.
Unlike many young players who must learn about professional basketball entirely through coaches and mentors, Jabari could receive firsthand advice from someone who had already competed in the NBA.
That guidance helped prepare him for the challenges of college basketball and eventually the NBA.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s Mother: Taneskia Purnell
Taneskia Purnell is Jabari Smith Jr.’s mother and another essential figure in his upbringing.
Although she has maintained a relatively private life compared with her former partner, Jabari Smith Sr., she has participated in interviews discussing her son’s childhood and basketball development.
Taneskia raised Jabari in Fayetteville, Georgia, and supported his ambitions as he developed into an accomplished young athlete.
Her influence was particularly important because Smith demonstrated an unusually strong commitment to training from an early age.
In a February 2022 interview with The Ringer, Purnell recalled discovering that her son had developed a demanding early-morning workout routine.
Before leaving for school, Jabari would wake up early and practise jumping rope outside their home.
On one occasion, Taneskia heard a repetitive noise coming from outdoors and went to investigate.
She discovered her son exercising in the cold weather.
Although she initially wanted him to return inside and get more sleep, Jabari insisted that he was comfortable and wanted to continue training.
His determination impressed her, even though she sometimes worried that he was working too hard.
She also helped him travel to his school gym for additional basketball practice before classes began.
Those early training sessions became part of the routine that helped him develop into one of the country’s leading basketball prospects.
How Taneskia Purnell Supported Jabari’s Career
Taneskia Purnell’s role in Jabari’s basketball development extended beyond transportation and attendance at games.
She consistently encouraged him to maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the sport.
During an interview with Prospective Insight, Smith explained that his mother regularly reminded him to have fun while playing basketball.
She believed that maintaining a genuine love for the game was essential, particularly as expectations and competitive pressure increased.
Her advice encouraged him to focus on effort rather than becoming overly concerned about mistakes.
Taneskia also recognised that her son possessed a strong internal motivation.
In a February 2022 Sports Illustrated profile, she explained that Jabari rarely needed reminders to practise or complete his training.
Instead, he frequently organised his own workouts and willingly accepted suggestions from coaches and family members.
Her observations demonstrated that Jabari’s determination came partly from his natural personality rather than external pressure.
Taneskia continued supporting him through high school, college recruitment, and his time at Auburn University.
She also attended games alongside Jabari Smith Sr., demonstrating that both parents remained committed to supporting their son after their separation.
Are Jabari Smith Jr.’s Parents Still Together?
Jabari Smith Sr. and Taneskia Purnell separated when their son was approximately 10 years old.
According to Sports Illustrated, the parents continued cooperating in raising Jabari and his older brother.
They maintained relatively close living arrangements and worked together to support their children’s needs.
Their separation did not prevent them from attending basketball games together or encouraging their son’s sporting development.
During Jabari’s college career at Auburn, they were frequently seen supporting him from the stands.
However, their present individual relationship statuses have not been extensively publicised.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s Siblings: Meet His Older Brother
Jabari Smith Jr. has one publicly documented older brother, A.J. Freeman.
His brother’s identity is confirmed in the official Auburn University men’s basketball biography.
Like their father, A.J. pursued competitive basketball and played an important role in Jabari’s early interest in the sport.
Although Jabari eventually became the family’s internationally recognised NBA player, he has acknowledged the influence of both his father and older brother.
A.J. Freeman – Jabari Smith Jr.’s Older Brother
A.J. Freeman is Jabari Smith Jr.’s older brother and a former college basketball player.
He grew up in Georgia and attended Sandy Creek High School, the same school where Jabari later developed into one of the nation’s most highly rated basketball prospects.
During his high school years, A.J. competed in basketball and became familiar with the demands of organised competition.
He subsequently continued his basketball career at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in Georgia.
According to a February 2022 feature published by The Ringer, Freeman did not pursue basketball professionally after his college career.
However, his experience became an important influence on his younger brother.
Jabari grew up watching A.J. participate in basketball activities, including games and training sessions.
His older brother also competed against him during childhood, helping him become comfortable playing against more experienced athletes.
Those experiences complemented the structured training provided by their father.
How A.J. Freeman Influenced Jabari Smith Jr.
Jabari Smith Jr. has spoken publicly about how his older brother influenced his approach to basketball.
In an interview with Prospective Insight, he identified his mother, father, and brother as the three most influential people in his life.
His brother’s experiences helped him understand the dedication required to compete in organised basketball.
According to The Ringer, Jabari recognised that neither his father’s nor his brother’s basketball career had developed exactly as they might have hoped.
Rather than becoming discouraged by those experiences, he used them as motivation.
He wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities available to him and avoid regretting a lack of effort later in life.
That mentality became an important part of his development at Sandy Creek High School and Auburn University.
A.J.’s journey also demonstrated that successful basketball development requires more than natural talent.
Jabari continued applying those lessons as he progressed toward the NBA.
Does Jabari Smith Jr. Have a Sister?
No sister is identified in Jabari Smith Jr.’s official Auburn University basketball biography.
The university lists A.J. Freeman as his older brother but does not identify additional siblings.
Although some unofficial websites occasionally publish conflicting information about professional athletes’ family members, no reliable public source establishes that Smith has a sister.
Consequently, A.J. Freeman remains his only publicly documented sibling.
Is Jabari Smith Jr. Related to Kwame Brown?
Yes. Jabari Smith Jr. is related to former NBA player Kwame Brown, who is identified as his cousin in official NBA, Auburn University, and USA Basketball biographies.
Brown was born on March 10, 1982, in Charleston, South Carolina.
He became one of the most highly regarded high school basketball prospects in the United States before entering the NBA.
In the 2001 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected Brown with the first overall pick.
The selection made him the first player drafted directly from high school with the number one overall pick in NBA history.
Brown subsequently played 12 NBA seasons, representing teams including the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
His connection to Jabari Smith Jr. adds another professional basketball player to the family’s sporting background.
However, official USA Basketball records describe Brown as a distant cousin, meaning the exact family relationship is not extensively explained in public biographies.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s Childhood and Early Life
Jabari Montsho Smith Jr. was born on May 13, 2003, in Fayetteville, Georgia.
He grew up in the Atlanta metropolitan area, where basketball became an important part of everyday family life.
His father’s professional experience and his older brother’s involvement in the sport introduced him to basketball from an early age.
However, Smith was not exclusively interested in basketball during childhood.
According to a February 2022 Sports Illustrated profile, he also enjoyed football and baking.
His mother recalled that he occasionally prepared elaborate cakes from scratch, sometimes experimenting with different layers and decorations.
As he grew older, however, basketball gradually became his primary passion.
He began dedicating increasingly long hours to shooting practice, conditioning exercises, and developing his defensive abilities.
His father’s emphasis on preparation helped him understand that talent needed to be accompanied by discipline.
Even when he was already considered one of the most promising athletes in his age group, Smith continued practising before and after school.
His commitment eventually attracted attention from youth basketball coaches throughout Georgia.
How Jabari Smith Jr.’s Family Helped Him Become a Basketball Star
Jabari Smith Jr.’s journey to the NBA began with the strong sporting environment established by his father and older brother.
He attended Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, where he developed into one of the leading basketball players in the country.
During his sophomore season, Smith averaged approximately 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.
His performances improved considerably as he became taller, stronger, and more confident.
As a junior, he averaged 24.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game while helping Sandy Creek achieve a 25–5 record.
He subsequently became a nationally recognised prospect and attracted recruiting attention from major college basketball programmes.
During his senior season in 2020–21, Smith averaged 23.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game.
He helped Sandy Creek reach the Georgia state championship game and earned several prestigious individual honours.
Those included the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year award, Georgia Mr. Basketball recognition, and selection as a McDonald’s All-American.
Smith also represented the United States at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship, helping the team win a gold medal.
Throughout his high school development, his family continued providing encouragement and practical support.
His father helped refine his basketball fundamentals, while his mother encouraged him to remain focused and enjoy the game.
His older brother’s experiences also provided motivation during demanding periods.
Why Did Jabari Smith Jr. Choose Auburn University?
Jabari Smith Jr. received recruiting interest from several major college basketball programmes, including Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, LSU, and North Carolina.
However, he eventually chose Auburn University in Alabama.
One important factor was his relationship with head coach Bruce Pearl and the university’s established record of developing NBA prospects.
According to an Auburn University feature published in March 2022, Smith appreciated the opportunity to experience college life while competing in a major basketball conference.
He also admired how former Auburn players, including Chuma Okeke and Isaac Okoro, had developed into NBA prospects.
The university’s family-oriented basketball environment appealed to him.
His decision became an important step toward fulfilling the professional basketball ambitions that his father and brother had helped nurture.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s College Basketball Career
Jabari Smith Jr. played one season at Auburn University during the 2021–22 campaign.
He quickly established himself as one of the leading freshmen in college basketball.
During the season, Smith averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
He also made approximately 42 percent of his three-point attempts, demonstrating the shooting ability his father had emphasised throughout childhood.
Smith helped Auburn win the Southeastern Conference regular-season championship.
His performances earned him SEC Freshman of the Year honours and a place on the All-SEC First Team.
He also received the National Freshman of the Year award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the United States Basketball Writers Association.
In addition, he earned consensus second-team All-American recognition.
His successful freshman season convinced him that he was ready to pursue professional basketball.
Following Auburn’s elimination from the NCAA Tournament, Smith declared for the 2022 NBA Draft.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s NBA Career With the Houston Rockets
On June 23, 2022, Jabari Smith Jr. was selected by the Houston Rockets with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The moment was particularly meaningful because his father had also been selected in the NBA Draft more than two decades earlier.
Smith’s selection represented the continuation of a family basketball tradition.
He made his NBA regular-season debut on October 19, 2022, against the Atlanta Hawks.
During his rookie season, Smith averaged 12.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and approximately one block per game.
His performances earned him NBA All-Rookie Second Team honours.
He continued improving during the 2023–24 season, averaging 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
His ability to defend multiple positions, rebound, and shoot from beyond the three-point line helped make him an important part of Houston’s developing roster.
During the 2024–25 season, Smith experienced challenges associated with injuries but remained a valuable member of the Rockets.
His role continued developing as the franchise built a competitive team around its young players and experienced veterans.
In July 2025, Houston officially signed Smith to a five-year contract extension reportedly worth approximately $122 million.
The agreement secured his long-term future with the organisation through the 2030–31 season.
During the 2025–26 NBA regular season, Smith averaged a career-high 15.8 points, along with 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
He also shot approximately 36.3 percent from three-point range.
His improvement demonstrated the continued development of the skills he had learned during childhood.
As he prepared for the 2026–27 season, Smith remained an important part of Houston’s plans alongside players including Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s Relationship With His Family After Reaching the NBA
Despite achieving financial success and international recognition, Jabari Smith Jr. has continued acknowledging the importance of his family.
His father remains a valuable source of basketball advice because he understands the challenges associated with competing professionally.
His mother continues encouraging him to maintain perspective and appreciate his opportunities.
His older brother’s basketball experiences also remain an important source of motivation.
During a 2020 interview with Prospective Insight, Smith identified his mother, father, and brother as the three people who had influenced his life the most.
He explained that his father’s approach to family and basketball made a strong impression on him.
He also praised his mother’s advice about enjoying basketball and continuously striving to improve.
These values remained important as he transitioned from high school to Auburn and eventually the NBA.
His family background also inspired him to participate in activities supporting young basketball players.
In June 2024, Smith returned to Auburn to organise the Jabari Smith Jr. Basketball Camp.
During the event, he recalled attending basketball camps organised by his father when he was younger.
He expressed happiness at seeing children enjoy the same experiences that had helped him develop his passion for basketball.
The event demonstrated how the family’s involvement in basketball continued across generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jabari Smith Jr.’s Family
Who is Jabari Smith Jr.’s girlfriend?
Jasmine A. is the girlfriend of Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr.
Does Jabari Smith Jr. have children?
Jabari Smith Jr. and Jasmine A. welcomed a daughter in early 2026.
Who is Jabari Smith Jr.’s father?
His father is Jabari Smith Sr., a former professional basketball player who played college basketball at LSU and spent four seasons in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Nets.
Who is Jabari Smith Jr.’s mother?
His mother is Taneskia Purnell, who helped support his basketball development and encouraged him to maintain discipline, enjoy the sport, and continue improving.
Are Jabari Smith Jr.’s parents still together?
Jabari Smith Sr. and Taneskia Purnell separated when their son was approximately 10 years old. They subsequently continued cooperating in raising their children.
How many siblings does Jabari Smith Jr. have?
Jabari Smith Jr. has one publicly documented older brother, A.J. Freeman, according to his official Auburn University basketball biography.
Who is Jabari Smith Jr.’s brother?
His older brother is A.J. Freeman, who played basketball at Sandy Creek High School and Atlanta Metropolitan State College in Georgia.
Does Jabari Smith Jr. have a sister?
No sister is identified in his official university or NBA biographies. His only publicly documented sibling is his older brother, A.J. Freeman.
Is Jabari Smith Jr.’s father a former NBA player?
Yes. Jabari Smith Sr. was selected with the 45th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft and appeared in 108 regular-season NBA games.
Is Jabari Smith Jr. related to Kwame Brown?
Yes. Former NBA player Kwame Brown is identified as a cousin of Jabari Smith Jr. in official NBA, Auburn University, and USA Basketball biographies.
What is Jabari Smith Jr.’s full name?
His full name is Jabari Montsho Smith Jr.
When was Jabari Smith Jr. born?
Jabari Smith Jr. was born on May 13, 2003, in Fayetteville, Georgia, United States.
Who introduced Jabari Smith Jr. to basketball?
His father, Jabari Smith Sr., introduced him to basketball and began training him when he was approximately five years old. His older brother A.J. Freeman was also an important influence.
Which college did Jabari Smith Jr. attend?
Jabari Smith Jr. attended Auburn University, where he played college basketball during the 2021–22 season.
What NBA team does Jabari Smith Jr. play for?
Jabari Smith Jr. plays for the Houston Rockets, who selected him with the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
How much is Jabari Smith Jr.’s contract worth?
In July 2025, Smith signed a five-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets reportedly worth approximately $122 million. The agreement runs through the 2030–31 NBA season.
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.
