Colin Castleton comes from a family with strong sporting, military and Panamanian connections. The Orlando Magic center was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, to Karen Bapp and Eddie Castleton, while his stepfather, Steven Bapp, also played an important role in raising him. Castleton spent part of his childhood in a military environment before eventually settling […]
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Jevon Carter comes from a supportive Illinois family that played a major role in developing the discipline and relentless work ethic that eventually carried him to the NBA. The Orlando Magic guard was born to Leroy Carter and Cynthia “CJ” Johnson and grew up in Maywood, Illinois, where both parents influenced different parts of his […]
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Jamal Cain’s journey from Pontiac, Michigan, to the NBA is closely connected to a family that helped him remain focused through both success and personal tragedy. The Orlando Magic forward was born Hasen Jamal Cain Jr. to Amanda Branner and Hasen Jamal Cain Sr. His mother, father and maternal grandfather all played important roles in […]
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Malaki Branham’s rise from Columbus, Ohio, to professional basketball was built around a small but extremely supportive family circle. Long before he became a first-round NBA Draft pick, Branham was primarily raised by his mother, Matia Branham, and his grandmother, Luzon Branham. His uncle Lawrence also became an important figure when Malaki moved from Columbus […]
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Anthony Black comes from a highly athletic family that played an important role in shaping him into an NBA player. The Orlando Magic guard was born in Irving, Texas, to Terry Black and Jennifer “Jen” Black, both of whom competed in NCAA Division I sports. His father played basketball at Baylor, while his mother played […]
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Goga Bitadze comes from a close-knit Georgian family whose sacrifices played an important role in his journey from Sagarejo, Georgia, to the NBA. The Orlando Magic center has spoken warmly about his mother, father, sister and aunt, describing his family as some of the most important people behind his basketball career. Unlike many NBA players, […]
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Desmond Bane’s journey to the NBA is closely connected to an unusual and inspiring family story. The Orlando Magic guard was born in Richmond, Indiana, to Marissa Bane and Etieno Ekiko, but he was primarily raised by his great-grandparents, Bob and Fabbie Bane. Their influence became so important that Desmond has repeatedly credited them with […]
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Paolo Banchero comes from one of the most athletic families connected to the NBA. The Orlando Magic star was born in Seattle, Washington, to Mario Banchero and Rhonda Smith-Banchero, two former University of Washington athletes. Basketball, football and soccer have all played important roles in the Banchero household, with Paolo and his younger siblings following […]
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Jordan Ott has built his reputation in the NBA through years of behind-the-scenes work, player development and coaching, eventually becoming head coach of the Phoenix Suns. Away from basketball, however, Ott has kept his family life remarkably private. The Pennsylvania native is married to a woman who, unusually, is also named Jordan, while very little […]
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Mark Williams comes from a close-knit Nigerian-American family with strong connections to education, medicine and basketball. The Phoenix Suns center was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Nigerian parents Dr. Alex Williams and Margaret Williams and grew up in the Virginia Beach area alongside his two older sisters, Victoria Oloyede and WNBA star Elizabeth Williams. Basketball […]
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