Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Luke Kornet is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Born on July 15, 1995, in Lexington, Kentucky, Kornet developed his basketball career at Vanderbilt University before entering the NBA in 2017. He became an NBA champion with the Boston Celtics in 2024 and joined the San Antonio Spurs in July 2025. Away from basketball, he is a devoted husband and father who comes from a family with strong connections to professional sports and television journalism.
Luke Kornet’s family includes his wife, Tierney Price Kornet, their two children, his father, Frank Kornet, his mother, Tracy Kornet, his older brother, John Kornet, and his older sister, Nicole Kornet. His father is a former NBA player who represented the Milwaukee Bucks, while his mother is an Emmy Award-winning television news anchor. Both of his siblings played college basketball, continuing the family’s athletic tradition.
Luke Kornet’s Wife: Who Is Tierney Price Kornet?
Luke Kornet is married to Tierney Price Kornet, a former college track-and-field athlete who attended Vanderbilt University. The couple married in 2019 after developing a relationship during their college years.
Tierney Price competed in track and field at Vanderbilt, specializing in the triple jump. Like her future husband, she balanced the demands of collegiate athletics with a challenging academic schedule.
She participated in Southeastern Conference championship competitions during her freshman, sophomore and senior seasons.
Her athletic career included a significant setback when she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during her junior year.
The injury required surgery and rehabilitation, forcing her to miss an entire competitive season.
Despite the challenges, Tierney continued pursuing her academic and athletic goals and later returned to competition.
She also earned Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll recognition during all four years of her college career.
Tierney graduated from Vanderbilt in 2017 with a degree in economics.
After completing her studies, she pursued a professional career in finance, working at Deutsche Bank in New York City.
In an October 2018 interview with Anchor of Gold, she explained that her responsibilities involved foreign exchange sales and advising corporate clients.
Although her more recent employment status has not been extensively documented, her professional background demonstrates that she established an independent career outside her husband’s basketball activities.
How Did Luke Kornet Meet His Wife?
Luke Kornet and Tierney Price met while attending Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Both were student-athletes, with Luke representing the men’s basketball team and Tierney competing in track and field.
Their shared experiences as college athletes helped them develop a strong relationship.
In their October 2018 interview with Anchor of Gold, the couple discussed what it was like to date while participating in different university sports programs.
Tierney explained that having a romantic partner who understood the demands of collegiate athletics was particularly valuable.
Both understood the challenges associated with training, traveling, competing and maintaining academic performance.
The relationship also allowed them to support one another by attending sporting events and celebrating individual achievements.
One memorable experience occurred during their junior year when both suffered injuries around the same time.
Tierney recalled spending considerable time with Luke in the university’s athletic training facilities while they recovered.
During one occasion, Luke accompanied her to the hospital for an MRI appointment even though he was using crutches himself.
The experience became a humorous memory for the couple and illustrated their willingness to support each other during difficult periods.
As their relationship developed, they continued encouraging one another through their respective athletic careers.
When Did Luke Kornet and Tierney Price Get Married?
Luke Kornet and Tierney Price became engaged in 2018 before marrying in August 2019.
According to reporting about their relationship, Kornet proposed during a visit to Central Park in New York City.
At the time, Luke was playing professional basketball for the New York Knicks, while Tierney was working in finance.
The couple discussed their engagement and wedding preparations during their October 2018 interview with Anchor of Gold.
Tierney explained that her mother was helping organize much of the wedding because she was balancing professional responsibilities with the couple’s relocation to New York.
They also hoped to incorporate elements of Vanderbilt University into their wedding celebrations because the institution had played such an important role in their relationship.
The couple reportedly married on August 2, 2019, at The Woodlands Country Club in Texas.
They subsequently began building their family while navigating the demands of Kornet’s professional basketball career.
In the years following their marriage, Luke represented several NBA organizations, including the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.
Tierney remained an important source of personal support as he navigated professional uncertainty, changing teams and increased responsibilities as a father.
Luke Kornet’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Luke Kornet and his wife, Tierney, have two publicly documented children: a son born in 2021 and a daughter born in November 2022.
The couple has generally maintained privacy regarding their children’s personal information, and their names have not been consistently disclosed in reliable public reporting.
Nevertheless, Luke has spoken about the importance of fatherhood and balancing professional basketball with his responsibilities at home.
Luke Kornet’s Son – His First Child
Luke Kornet and Tierney welcomed their first child, a son, in 2021.
His arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in their marriage and introduced the NBA player to fatherhood.
In August 2022, Vanderbilt University published an interview describing Kornet’s return to campus with his wife and their 16-month-old child.
During the interview, Luke discussed how becoming a father had changed his perspective on professional basketball and life outside sports.
He explained that having a family created additional responsibilities and encouraged him to think more carefully about how he could make a positive difference away from the basketball court.
Fatherhood also gave Kornet a different perspective on career challenges, helping him recognize that basketball was only one part of his life.
Although his son has occasionally been mentioned in media coverage, Luke and Tierney have generally avoided publicizing detailed information about his upbringing.
Luke Kornet’s Daughter – His Second Child
Luke Kornet and his wife welcomed their second child, a daughter, in November 2022.
Her arrival became a memorable event during Kornet’s time with the Boston Celtics.
On November 5, 2022, Boston played against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
During the game, Kornet received news that his wife was going into labor.
He left the team’s activities to be with Tierney during the birth of their second child.
The circumstances initially attracted attention because Kornet was unexpectedly unavailable during the game.
However, subsequent reporting confirmed that he had left for an important family reason.
On November 10, 2022, MassLive reported that Kornet had welcomed his second child, confirming that the couple had expanded their family.
Speaking about the experience, Kornet emphasized that certain responsibilities in life were more important than basketball.
His decision to prioritize the birth of his daughter illustrated the importance he places on being present for significant family moments.
The couple subsequently continued raising their two children while Luke pursued his NBA career.
In January 2026, the San Antonio Express-News also described Kornet and Tierney as parents of a son and daughter while discussing their family’s connection to a Catholic parish in Massachusetts.
As of now, Luke Kornet has two publicly documented children, although their names and further personal details have largely remained private.
Luke Kornet’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Luke Kornet was born to Frank Kornet and Tracy Kornet, both of whom attended Vanderbilt University.
His parents have established successful careers in different fields, with Frank becoming a professional basketball player and Tracy pursuing television journalism.
They raised three children: John, Nicole and Luke. All three eventually played college basketball.
The Kornet family spent time living in different parts of the United States because of Tracy’s broadcasting career, including Kentucky and Texas.
Luke attended Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, before eventually following his parents to Vanderbilt University.
Luke Kornet’s Father: Frank Kornet
Frank Kornet, whose full name is Francis Milton Kornet, is Luke Kornet’s father and a former American professional basketball player.
Born on January 27, 1967, in Lexington, Kentucky, Frank developed into an accomplished basketball player during his school years.
He attended Lexington Catholic High School before committing to Vanderbilt University.
Frank played for the Vanderbilt Commodores from 1985 to 1989, becoming one of the team’s leading players during his college career.
As a senior, he averaged approximately 16.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
His performances earned him First Team All-Southeastern Conference recognition.
Following his collegiate career, Frank was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 30th overall pick in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft.
He represented Milwaukee during the 1989-90 and 1990-91 NBA seasons, appearing in 89 regular-season games.
Although he did not establish a lengthy NBA career, Frank also pursued professional basketball opportunities outside the United States.
After retiring from professional competition, he remained connected to basketball through coaching and youth player development.
How Frank Kornet Helped Luke Reach the NBA
Frank Kornet played a particularly important role in Luke’s development as a basketball player.
During childhood, Luke initially participated in different sports, including baseball.
His father encouraged him to explore multiple activities before eventually concentrating on basketball.
Frank also served as Luke’s basketball coach during part of his time at Liberty Christian School in Texas.
However, Luke’s journey toward college basketball was far from straightforward.
Despite being the son of a former NBA player, he initially attracted limited attention from major college programs.
As a high school senior, Luke was approximately 6 feet 7 inches tall and still developing physically.
Although he was a talented shooter, many college recruiters were uncertain about his long-term potential.
According to a January 2016 Vanderbilt University feature, Kornet finished his senior high school season without receiving a Division I scholarship offer.
His father nevertheless remained convinced that he could succeed at the college level.
Frank helped Luke find opportunities to participate in additional basketball tournaments where college coaches could evaluate him.
During one of those tournaments, his performances attracted attention from several universities.
Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings eventually expressed serious interest in recruiting him.
Other schools, including Purdue, Kansas State and TCU, also became interested.
Luke ultimately chose Vanderbilt, the university where his father had established his basketball reputation.
The decision created another chapter in the Kornet family’s basketball legacy.
In subsequent interviews, Luke credited his father with believing in his abilities even when major college programs were overlooking him.
Luke Kornet’s Mother: Tracy Kornet
Tracy Kornet is Luke Kornet’s mother and an award-winning American television journalist and news anchor.
She attended Vanderbilt University before transferring to the University of Kentucky, where she completed her education in communications.
During her time at Vanderbilt, Tracy participated in the university’s dance team, known as the Vandy Pom squad.
She subsequently developed a successful career in broadcast journalism, working for television stations in several American markets.
Her professional experience included news anchoring positions in Kentucky, Arizona, Texas and Tennessee.
Tracy became particularly well known through her work in the Dallas-Fort Worth television market and later at WSMV-TV in Nashville.
She joined WSMV in 2014 and became a familiar face on the station’s afternoon and evening news broadcasts.
Throughout her career, she earned five Emmy Awards for her contributions to television journalism.
Tracy also participated in community service and charitable activities, including organizations supporting victims of sexual violence.
Despite her demanding career, she remained actively involved in raising her three children.
She regularly attended their basketball games and supported their educational and professional ambitions.
How Tracy Kornet Supported Luke’s Basketball Career
Tracy Kornet played an important role in supporting Luke throughout his development as an athlete.
While Frank provided basketball knowledge and coaching experience, Tracy encouraged her children through emotional support and active participation in their activities.
In January 2015, Vanderbilt University’s athletics website published a profile describing Tracy as one of Luke’s most enthusiastic supporters.
She regularly attended Vanderbilt games wearing university clothing and celebrating her son’s achievements.
Her support became particularly meaningful because Luke was representing the same university both parents had attended.
According to Tracy’s personal biography, the family moved from Dallas to Nashville in the autumn of 2014 partly because she wanted to be closer to Luke while he played at Vanderbilt.
The move allowed her to attend more games and remain involved in his development.
She also supported John and Nicole during their college basketball careers.
In her personal writing, Tracy described her three children as her greatest joys and expressed pride in their accomplishments both within and outside sports.
Her continued involvement helped maintain the family’s close relationships as the children pursued different careers.
Luke Kornet’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Luke Kornet has two publicly documented siblings: an older brother named John Kornet and an older sister named Nicole Kornet.
Both siblings played college basketball, continuing the athletic tradition established by their father, Frank.
Their identities are confirmed in Luke’s official Vanderbilt University basketball biography and in interviews published by the university’s athletics department.
John Kornet – Luke Kornet’s Older Brother
John Kornet is Luke Kornet’s oldest brother and a former college basketball player.
He grew up in the same basketball-oriented household as Luke and Nicole, developing his athletic abilities under the guidance of their father.
John attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, where he represented the school’s men’s basketball program.
Standing approximately 6 feet 9 inches tall, he shared the exceptional height and basketball ability characteristic of the Kornet family.
During his college years, John developed experience competing at the NCAA Division II level.
He graduated from Ouachita Baptist in 2014.
After completing his studies, John pursued a professional career outside competitive basketball.
According to Tracy Kornet’s personal biography, he worked as a financial analyst with Stephens Inc. in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Although his more recent professional activities have not been extensively documented, John has maintained a considerably lower public profile than his NBA-playing brother.
His basketball career nevertheless contributed to the family’s strong athletic background.
Nicole Kornet – Luke Kornet’s Older Sister
Nicole Kornet is Luke Kornet’s older sister and a former NCAA Division I women’s basketball player.
Born on December 7, 1993, in Lexington, Kentucky, Nicole grew up in a family with strong basketball connections.
She developed into a talented high school basketball player and attracted attention from major college programs.
Nicole attended Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, where she became recognized for her shooting ability and competitive personality.
Her achievements included All-State recognition and participation in prominent high school basketball events.
She initially committed to the University of Oklahoma, joining the Sooners women’s basketball program.
Nicole later transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles, where she continued her college career with the UCLA Bruins.
Her move to UCLA allowed her to pursue new academic and athletic opportunities.
During her college basketball career, Nicole participated in high-level NCAA competition and developed experience playing against leading university programs.
After completing college, she pursued professional opportunities outside basketball.
Tracy Kornet’s personal biography previously identified Nicole as having begun a career with a record label in Los Angeles.
Although her more recent career activities have not been consistently documented, she remains an important member of the Kornet family’s basketball story.
How Nicole Kornet Influenced Luke’s Basketball Development
Nicole Kornet played an important role in Luke’s development because she was already competing at a high level while he was still progressing through high school.
In a February 2016 Vanderbilt University interview, Luke discussed his relationship with Nicole and the influence of watching her basketball career.
He explained that his older sister had been more accomplished than him during parts of their childhood.
Although this created a competitive relationship, Luke emphasized that the siblings supported one another rather than becoming jealous of each other’s achievements.
As Luke grew taller and improved his basketball abilities, their informal competitions became more evenly matched.
He also remembered watching Nicole navigate college recruitment before experiencing the process himself.
During Nicole’s first season at Oklahoma, Frank Kornet sometimes ended Luke’s high school basketball practices early so they could travel to Norman and watch her play.
Those journeys demonstrated the family’s commitment to supporting each other’s sporting achievements.
Luke later explained that basketball helped maintain strong relationships among the siblings, even when they attended different universities.
They regularly followed one another’s games and celebrated important achievements together.
Luke Kornet’s Family Basketball Legacy at Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University holds a special place in the Kornet family’s history because multiple generations attended the institution.
Frank Kornet became an accomplished college basketball player there during the 1980s.
Tracy Kornet also attended Vanderbilt before transferring to the University of Kentucky.
Years later, Luke followed his parents to the university and developed into one of its most successful basketball players.
From 2013 to 2017, he represented the Vanderbilt Commodores in the Southeastern Conference.
During his college career, Kornet established himself as a versatile center capable of defending the rim and shooting from long range.
He finished his career with 210 blocked shots, becoming Vanderbilt’s all-time leader in the category.
He also set the NCAA record for three-pointers made by a player standing at least seven feet tall, finishing with 150.
In the 2016-17 season, he averaged 13.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.
His achievements earned him First Team All-SEC recognition and conference defensive honors.
Kornet also excelled academically, studying computer science and mathematics.
He was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and received Academic All-America recognition.
The combination of academic success and athletic achievement reflected the values emphasized by his parents throughout childhood.
How Luke Kornet’s Family Influenced His NBA Career
Luke Kornet’s journey to the NBA was shaped by encouragement from his parents, competition with his siblings and support from his wife.
Despite his family background, he initially struggled to attract serious college basketball recruitment.
His father’s determination helped him gain attention from Vanderbilt, where he eventually developed into a leading college player.
After completing his university career in 2017, Kornet entered the NBA Draft but was not selected.
He subsequently signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, beginning his professional career.
He made his NBA debut on February 8, 2018, against the Toronto Raptors.
During the following years, Kornet played for several organizations, including the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks.
His professional journey included periods of uncertainty, short-term contracts and assignments to the NBA G League.
Throughout these experiences, his relationship with Tierney remained an important source of support.
In August 2022, Kornet told Vanderbilt University that marriage and fatherhood had encouraged him to think more broadly about his responsibilities beyond basketball.
His persistence eventually paid off when he established himself as a reliable reserve center for the Boston Celtics.
During the 2023-24 season, he helped Boston win the NBA championship.
The Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games during the 2024 NBA Finals, giving Kornet his first championship ring.
Following another productive season in Boston, he entered free agency in 2025.
On July 7, 2025, the San Antonio Spurs officially announced that they had signed Kornet.
ESPN reported that the agreement was worth approximately $41 million over four years.
The move represented a significant professional opportunity and another transition for his family.
In January 2026, Kornet explained that deciding to leave Boston had been difficult because of the relationships he and his family had developed there.
He said that he and Tierney had discussed the decision extensively before choosing to begin a new chapter in San Antonio.
His comments demonstrated the importance of considering family circumstances when making major professional decisions.
Luke Kornet’s Family Life and Religious Faith
Another important aspect of Luke Kornet’s personal life is his Catholic faith.
Kornet has spoken publicly about his religious beliefs and their influence on his family life and professional career.
During his time with the Boston Celtics, he and his family developed a connection to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted, a Catholic parish in Waltham, Massachusetts.
In a January 2026 interview with the San Antonio Express-News, Kornet recalled the relationships his family had developed at the church.
He described the parish as an important source of community and friendship during their time in Massachusetts.
He has also written about visiting Catholic churches while traveling for NBA games.
In June 2023, he published an article reflecting on churches he visited during the 2022-23 NBA season.
His interest in exploring different parishes demonstrated how he incorporated his faith into the demands of professional basketball travel.
For Kornet, marriage, fatherhood and religious community are important parts of maintaining a balanced personal life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke Kornet’s Family
Who is Luke Kornet’s wife?
Luke Kornet is married to Tierney Price Kornet, a former Vanderbilt University track-and-field athlete who later worked in finance. The couple married in 2019.
Does Luke Kornet have a girlfriend?
Luke Kornet is married to his longtime partner, Tierney Price. They met while attending Vanderbilt University and became engaged in 2018.
When did Luke Kornet get married?
Luke Kornet married Tierney Price in August 2019, after becoming engaged the previous year.
How many children does Luke Kornet have?
Luke Kornet has two publicly documented children with his wife, Tierney: a son born in 2021 and a daughter born in November 2022.
Who is Luke Kornet’s son?
Luke Kornet’s first child is a son born in 2021. His name has not been consistently disclosed in reliable public reporting.
Who is Luke Kornet’s daughter?
Luke Kornet’s daughter was born in November 2022. Her arrival attracted attention because he left a Boston Celtics road game to be with his wife during childbirth.
Who is Luke Kornet’s father?
His father is Frank Kornet, a former Vanderbilt University basketball star who played two NBA seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Who is Luke Kornet’s mother?
His mother is Tracy Kornet, a five-time Emmy Award-winning television journalist and news anchor known for her work at WSMV-TV in Nashville.
How many siblings does Luke Kornet have?
Luke Kornet has two siblings: an older brother named John Kornet and an older sister named Nicole Kornet.
Who is Luke Kornet’s brother?
His older brother is John Kornet, a former college basketball player at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas who later pursued a career in finance.
Who is Luke Kornet’s sister?
His older sister is Nicole Kornet, a former college basketball player who represented the University of Oklahoma and UCLA.
Did Luke Kornet’s father play in the NBA?
Yes. Frank Kornet was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 1989 NBA Draft and appeared in 89 regular-season games during two NBA seasons.
Where is Luke Kornet’s family from?
Luke Kornet was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and spent part of his childhood in Texas. His family has strong connections to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Does Luke Kornet have an NBA championship?
Yes. Luke Kornet won the 2024 NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, who defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.
What NBA team does Luke Kornet play for?
Luke Kornet plays for the San Antonio Spurs, who signed him in July 2025 after his successful stint with the Boston Celtics.
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.
