Category: BIOGRAPHIES

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

Chris Finch’s rise to become head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves began in a competitive family in Pennsylvania long before his coaching career took him across Europe and eventually to the NBA. Finch is the son of Bill and the late Penni Finch and grew up as the youngest of three children. His older brother […]

Rocco Zikarsky comes from an extraordinary sporting family whose achievements extend far beyond basketball. The Minnesota Timberwolves center is the son of former German Olympic swimmer Björn Zikarsky and Australian champion ironwoman Kylie Zikarsky. Long before Rocco became one of Australia’s tallest and most promising basketball players, swimming was the sport that dominated his childhood. […]

Cody Williams comes from a disciplined, sports-loving military family that has already produced two NBA players. The Minnesota Timberwolves forward is the youngest child of Ron and Nicole Williams and grew up in Arizona with his older sister, Jasmine, and older brother, Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams. Basketball was a regular part of life […]