Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Jarkel Joiner is an American professional basketball player associated with the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Born in May 1999, he grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, and comes from a family that includes Stacy Joiner, Donna Joiner, and Charletha Pearson. His official college basketball biographies identify all three as parental figures and name one sibling, Jordan. Their presence in his life forms an important part of his journey from Mississippi high school basketball to the professional level.
Beyond basketball, Joiner is also a father. He welcomed a son named Jarkel Jr. in January 2023 while playing for North Carolina State University. His head coach, Kevin Keatts, publicly confirmed the birth after a victory over Miami. Although his son and immediate family members are documented, Joiner has generally maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships, and there is no reliable public confirmation that he is married or has a wife.
Who Is Jarkel Joiner’s Girlfriend?
As of now, Jarkel Joiner has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or romantic partner.
Despite his growing recognition through college basketball and professional opportunities with NBA organizations, there is limited reliable information about his dating history.
Most of Joiner’s interviews and public appearances have focused on his basketball career, experiences at different universities, and professional ambitions.
During his college career, he became a recognizable player at California State University, Bakersfield, the University of Mississippi, and North Carolina State University.
His performances attracted considerable sports media attention, particularly during his final college season in 2022–23.
However, that coverage rarely addressed his romantic relationships.
Although Joiner welcomed a son in January 2023, the announcement did not publicly identify the child’s mother or establish whether the basketball player was in a relationship at the time.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to name a particular woman as his girlfriend without reliable confirmation.
Is Jarkel Joiner Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jarkel Joiner is married or has a wife.
His official college basketball biographies and established reporting about his professional career do not identify a spouse.
Although his fatherhood is publicly documented, having a child does not establish that he is married to the child’s mother.
As of now, Joiner’s marital status remains publicly unconfirmed.
Does Jarkel Joiner Have Children?
Yes. Jarkel Joiner has at least one publicly confirmed child, a son named Jarkel Jr., who was born in January 2023.
The birth was confirmed by North Carolina State University basketball coach Kevin Keatts following the Wolfpack’s victory over Miami on January 14, 2023.
According to reporting published by On3 on January 15, Keatts revealed that Joiner had become a father shortly before the game.
The coach explained that Joiner had temporarily left the team to attend the birth of his son before returning to Raleigh in time to compete.
The announcement provided one of the clearest publicly documented details about Joiner’s personal life outside basketball.
As of now, Jarkel Jr. is his only child confirmed through reliable reporting.
Jarkel Jr. – Jarkel Joiner’s Son
Jarkel Jr. was born in January 2023, during his father’s final season of college basketball at NC State.
According to comments made by coach Kevin Keatts after the January 14 game against Miami, Joiner’s son had been born the previous day.
This places the reported birth on January 13, 2023.
The timing was significant because NC State was preparing for an important Atlantic Coast Conference matchup against a nationally ranked Miami team.
Joiner wanted to be present for the birth of his child, but he also hoped to return in time to help his teammates.
Keatts revealed that the coaching staff had initially been uncertain whether Joiner would be available for the game.
However, the guard returned to Raleigh around midnight before the contest and was able to participate.
Despite the demanding circumstances, Joiner played 43 minutes in NC State’s 83–81 overtime victory over Miami.
He recorded 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Following the game, Keatts congratulated Joiner on becoming a father and described the emotional significance of the occasion.
The moment represented an important personal milestone for Joiner as he balanced the responsibilities of parenthood with the demands of college basketball.
Although the child’s name and birth were publicly confirmed, additional information about his everyday life has not been extensively disclosed.
Who Is the Mother of Jarkel Joiner’s Son?
The identity of Jarkel Joiner’s son’s mother has not been reliably established in the public reporting reviewed.
When Kevin Keatts announced the birth in January 2023, he focused on congratulating Joiner and explaining how the player had managed to attend the birth before returning for the Miami game.
The announcement did not identify the mother or describe her relationship with Joiner.
Therefore, there is insufficient reliable information to establish whether the child’s mother is his current girlfriend, former partner, or wife.
Without a public confirmation, those details should remain private rather than become the subject of speculation.
Who Are Jarkel Joiner’s Parents?
Jarkel Joiner’s official college basketball biographies identify Stacy Joiner, Donna Joiner, and Charletha Pearson as members of his parental family.
These names appear consistently in records published by California State University, Bakersfield, Ole Miss, and North Carolina State University.
The university biographies list him as the son of Stacy and Donna Joiner and Charletha Pearson.
However, those records do not explicitly explain the individual biological or stepparent relationships.
During an Ole Miss senior profile video, Joiner expressed appreciation for his father, mother, stepmother, and grandmothers, acknowledging the extended family support behind his basketball career.
These accounts establish that multiple parental figures contributed to his upbringing, although detailed information about their individual occupations and personal histories remains limited.
Jarkel Joiner’s Father: Stacy Joiner
Stacy Joiner is one of the parental figures identified in Jarkel Joiner’s official basketball biographies and is understood to be his father.
His name appears alongside Donna Joiner and Charletha Pearson in university athletic records dating back to Jarkel’s freshman season at California State University, Bakersfield.
Although Stacy has not received the same media attention as his professional basketball-playing son, he is part of the family that supported Jarkel during his early development in Oxford, Mississippi.
Jarkel began establishing himself as a promising basketball player while attending Oxford High School.
During those years, his performances earned recognition from local coaches, journalists, and college basketball recruiters.
In a senior tribute published by Ole Miss Basketball, Joiner publicly thanked his father and other relatives for their support.
The acknowledgment reflected the importance he attached to his family’s involvement throughout his sporting journey.
However, detailed public information concerning Stacy Joiner’s occupation, education, and personal background has not been established through major sports reporting.
Jarkel Joiner’s Mother: Charletha Pearson
Charletha Pearson is one of the parental figures named in Jarkel Joiner’s official college basketball records.
Her name appears in the personal information sections of biographies published by California State University, Bakersfield, Ole Miss, and NC State.
She is listed separately from Stacy and Donna Joiner, indicating that the university recognizes her as another member of his parental family.
Although Charletha is associated with Joiner’s family background, the available university records do not clearly distinguish the biological and stepparent relationships among the three named adults.
Joiner has publicly expressed appreciation for his mother and other relatives, particularly when reflecting on his college basketball experience.
However, there is limited verified information concerning Charletha Pearson’s professional occupation, educational background, or individual involvement in his basketball training.
Her inclusion in official university records nevertheless confirms her importance within Joiner’s documented family background.
Donna Joiner – Another Important Parental Figure
Donna Joiner is also named in Jarkel Joiner’s official university basketball biographies.
She appears alongside Stacy Joiner and Charletha Pearson in the family information provided by Ole Miss and NC State.
In his Ole Miss senior tribute, Joiner thanked both his mother and stepmother among the family members who supported him.
However, the publicly available university biographies do not explicitly establish which of the two named women holds each parental role.
For that reason, Donna is most accurately described as a parental figure whose name is confirmed in his official athletic records.
Like the other members of the Joiner family, she has generally remained outside the spotlight associated with his basketball career.
There is limited reliable public information concerning her profession, personal interests, or educational background.
Jarkel Joiner’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jarkel Joiner has one publicly documented sibling named Jordan.
This information is confirmed in his official biographies published by Ole Miss and North Carolina State University.
The university records identify Jordan by name but do not specify whether Jordan is his brother or sister.
Although Joiner has referred to a brother in a senior tribute video, the available reporting does not conclusively establish that this reference identifies Jordan.
Consequently, it is more accurate to describe Jordan as his sibling without assigning an unverified gender or other personal details.
Jordan – Jarkel Joiner’s Sibling
Jordan is the only sibling identified in Jarkel Joiner’s official college basketball biographies.
Both Ole Miss and NC State confirm the name as part of the player’s personal background.
However, detailed information about Jordan’s age, education, occupation, or involvement in competitive sports has not been widely published.
Unlike Jarkel, who gained public recognition through basketball, Jordan has maintained a relatively private public profile.
There is also no reliable confirmation that Jordan pursued a collegiate or professional basketball career.
As of now, Jordan remains Joiner’s only publicly confirmed sibling.
Jarkel Joiner’s Grandparents and Extended Family
Jarkel Joiner has publicly acknowledged the importance of his extended family, including his grandmothers.
During a senior profile video produced by the Ole Miss men’s basketball program, he thanked several relatives for supporting him throughout his athletic career.
The acknowledgment included his father, mother, stepmother, brother, and grandmothers.
Although their individual names and backgrounds have not been extensively documented, the tribute demonstrates that Joiner recognizes a wider family support system.
His connection to relatives became particularly meaningful when he returned to Oxford to play college basketball at Ole Miss.
After spending two seasons in California, he had the opportunity to compete in his hometown while remaining close to family members and childhood friends.
That return represented an important moment in his personal and athletic journey.
Jarkel Joiner’s Early Life and Family Background in Mississippi
Jarkel Joiner grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, a city known for its connection to the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels.
He attended Oxford High School, where he established himself as one of the most productive basketball scorers in the state.
Under head coach Drew Tyler, Joiner developed into a highly regarded guard with exceptional scoring ability.
During his senior season in 2016–17, he averaged 36.5 points, six rebounds, and two assists per game.
His scoring average ranked fourth nationally, according to his official college basketball biographies.
He also helped Oxford High School reach the semifinals of the Mississippi state basketball playoffs.
His individual achievements earned him recognition as the 2017 Mississippi Boys Basketball Player of the Year by the Daily Journal.
Despite those accomplishments, Joiner did not receive the same level of recruiting attention as some of the country’s highest-ranked prospects.
He eventually committed to California State University, Bakersfield, where he began his college basketball career in 2017.
The decision required him to move approximately 1,900 miles away from his hometown.
Although the move represented a significant personal adjustment, it provided an opportunity to compete in NCAA Division I basketball.
Drew Tyler: The High School Coach Jarkel Joiner Considered a Father Figure
One of the most influential people in Jarkel Joiner’s early basketball development was Drew Tyler, his coach at Oxford High School.
Tyler helped Joiner develop into one of Mississippi’s leading high school basketball players.
His influence extended beyond basketball techniques and competitive preparation.
In an Associated Press feature published in August 2020 and preserved by the Mississippi Free Press, Joiner described Tyler as another father figure in his life.
He explained that they maintained regular communication even after he left Oxford to pursue college basketball in California.
When Joiner transferred to Ole Miss in 2019, he was excited about the possibility of playing college basketball in front of the coach who had helped guide his early development.
The relationship illustrates the role that trusted mentors can play alongside biological relatives in an athlete’s upbringing.
Tyler’s encouragement helped Joiner develop confidence and maintain his commitment to basketball during important stages of his career.
Jarkel Joiner’s Close Friendship With DK Metcalf
Jarkel Joiner also shares a longstanding friendship with NFL wide receiver DK Metcalf.
The two grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, and attended Oxford High School.
Although Metcalf pursued football and Joiner concentrated on basketball, their athletic journeys created a connection between them.
In an August 2020 Associated Press interview, Joiner described Metcalf as someone he considered an older brother.
He explained that Metcalf provided valuable advice about handling public attention, making responsible decisions, and navigating the pressures associated with competitive sports.
Their relationship became particularly meaningful when Joiner returned to Oxford to play for Ole Miss.
Metcalf had already experienced the challenges of becoming a prominent college athlete in their hometown before beginning his professional football career.
Joiner sought his advice while preparing for similar attention as an Ole Miss basketball player.
Although they are not publicly documented as biological brothers, Joiner has described their friendship in familial terms.
The relationship highlights another important source of guidance within his extended personal support network.
Jarkel Joiner’s College Basketball Career
Jarkel Joiner began his college basketball career at California State University, Bakersfield, during the 2017–18 season.
He immediately became an important member of the Roadrunners’ rotation.
During his freshman campaign, he averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
He also demonstrated exceptional free-throw shooting accuracy, converting 89.6 percent of his attempts.
His performances improved significantly during the following season.
In 2018–19, Joiner averaged 15.6 points per game and earned First-Team All-Western Athletic Conference recognition.
He also established several school records, including the program’s Division I single-season scoring mark.
Following two successful seasons in California, Joiner decided to return to Mississippi.
In April 2019, Ole Miss announced that he would join the university’s men’s basketball program.
The transfer gave him an opportunity to compete at a higher-profile level while playing closer to his family.
Under NCAA transfer rules at the time, Joiner sat out the 2019–20 season before becoming eligible to compete for Ole Miss.
He subsequently became one of the Rebels’ most reliable offensive players.
During the 2020–21 season, he averaged 12.0 points per game and contributed to the team’s postseason campaign.
His performances also earned recognition for community service and academic achievement.
Joiner was named to the SEC Community Service Team and received SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition.
During the 2021–22 season, he led Ole Miss in scoring with an average of 13.2 points per game despite missing several games because of injury.
He subsequently transferred to North Carolina State University for his final college basketball season.
Jarkel Joiner’s Final College Season and Becoming a Father
Joiner joined NC State for the 2022–23 college basketball season under head coach Kevin Keatts.
He quickly established himself as an experienced leader and important scorer.
Playing alongside guard Terquavion Smith, Joiner helped strengthen the Wolfpack’s offense and improve the team’s competitive performances.
During the season, he averaged approximately 17.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
His achievements earned him Second-Team All-ACC recognition.
However, his final college season was memorable for reasons extending beyond basketball.
In January 2023, Joiner became a father following the birth of his son, Jarkel Jr.
The birth occurred immediately before NC State’s important game against Miami.
Joiner returned from attending the birth in time to help his team secure an overtime victory.
The occasion marked a significant change in his personal life as he took on the responsibilities of parenthood.
His season continued with several outstanding performances.
On February 14, 2023, Joiner recorded a triple-double against Syracuse, finishing with 15 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds.
The performance made him one of the few players in NC State basketball history to record a triple-double.
He also scored 29 points during a memorable victory over North Carolina on February 19, helping the Wolfpack defeat its in-state rival.
NC State finished the season with a 23–11 record and qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
Following the season, Joiner completed his college basketball career and began pursuing professional opportunities.
Jarkel Joiner’s Professional Basketball Career and Charlotte Hornets Opportunity
After completing his college basketball career at NC State, Jarkel Joiner entered the 2023 NBA Draft.
Although he was not selected, he continued pursuing opportunities in professional basketball.
He joined the Atlanta Hawks for the 2023 NBA Summer League before signing with the organization during the preseason.
After being waived, he joined the College Park Skyhawks, Atlanta’s NBA G League affiliate.
Joiner spent two seasons developing his skills with College Park, gaining experience against other professional players.
He later joined Raptors 905, the Toronto Raptors’ NBA G League affiliate, during the 2025–26 season.
His performances helped him establish a reputation as an energetic scoring guard capable of creating opportunities for teammates.
In May 2026, Joiner signed with the Vancouver Bandits in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
During the 2026 CEBL season, he averaged 16.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game across 21 appearances.
His performances attracted attention from the Charlotte Hornets, who signed him to an Exhibit 10 contract in September 2026.
The agreement gave Joiner an opportunity to compete for a place within Charlotte’s basketball organization.
He subsequently joined the Hornets’ training camp and appeared in preseason action, including the team’s October 6 game against the Brooklyn Nets.
His opportunity with Charlotte represented another significant step after years of working toward an NBA career.
Throughout that journey, Joiner maintained connections to his hometown and the family members who were part of his early basketball development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jarkel Joiner’s Family
Who are Jarkel Joiner’s parents?
Jarkel Joiner’s official college basketball biographies identify Stacy Joiner, Donna Joiner, and Charletha Pearson as his parental figures.
Who is Jarkel Joiner’s father?
Stacy Joiner is identified as a parental figure in Jarkel Joiner’s university biographies and is understood to be his father. His professional background has not been extensively documented.
Who is Jarkel Joiner’s mother?
Charletha Pearson and Donna Joiner are both identified in his official university records. Although Joiner has acknowledged his mother and stepmother, the biographies do not explicitly distinguish their individual roles.
Who is Donna Joiner?
Donna Joiner is one of the parental figures named in Jarkel Joiner’s official college basketball biographies alongside Stacy Joiner and Charletha Pearson.
Who is Charletha Pearson?
Charletha Pearson is another parental figure identified in Joiner’s official university basketball records.
Does Jarkel Joiner have siblings?
Yes. Jarkel Joiner has one publicly documented sibling named Jordan.
Who is Jarkel Joiner’s brother or sister?
His official college basketball biographies identify Jordan as his sibling but do not specify whether Jordan is his brother or sister.
Does Jarkel Joiner have a girlfriend?
As of now, Jarkel Joiner has not publicly confirmed the identity of a current girlfriend or romantic partner.
Is Jarkel Joiner married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Jarkel Joiner is married or has a wife.
Does Jarkel Joiner have children?
Yes. Jarkel Joiner has one publicly confirmed son named Jarkel Jr., who was born in January 2023.
What is Jarkel Joiner’s son’s name?
His son’s name is Jarkel Jr., according to comments made by NC State head coach Kevin Keatts in January 2023.
When was Jarkel Joiner’s son born?
Jarkel Jr. was reportedly born on January 13, 2023, the day before NC State defeated Miami in an overtime basketball game.
Who is the mother of Jarkel Joiner’s child?
The child’s mother’s identity has not been reliably established through the public reporting reviewed.
Where is Jarkel Joiner from?
Jarkel Joiner grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, United States, where he attended Oxford High School.
Is Jarkel Joiner related to DK Metcalf?
Jarkel Joiner and NFL player DK Metcalf are close childhood friends from Oxford, Mississippi. Joiner has described Metcalf as an older brother figure, but they are not publicly documented as biological siblings.
Who was Jarkel Joiner’s high school basketball coach?
His high school basketball coach was Drew Tyler at Oxford High School. Joiner has described Tyler as an important mentor and father figure.
Which colleges did Jarkel Joiner attend?
Jarkel Joiner played college basketball at California State University, Bakersfield, Ole Miss, and North Carolina State University.
Was Jarkel Joiner drafted into the NBA?
No. Jarkel Joiner went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft but subsequently pursued professional basketball opportunities through NBA training camps, the NBA G League, and the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
Which NBA team is Jarkel Joiner associated with?
As of October 2026, Jarkel Joiner is associated with the Charlotte Hornets, having signed a training camp contract and participated in preseason action.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
