Jalen Green has quickly become one of the brightest stars in the NBA. Playing as a shooting guard for the Houston Rockets, he’s made a huge impact on the court. However, behind Jalen’s rise to stardom is his mother, Bree Purganan. Her unwavering support and sacrifices helped shape his journey. But who is Bree Purganan, and how did she play such a key role in Jalen’s success?
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The Woman Behind the Star: Who is Jalen Green’s Mom?
Bree Purganan is a Filipino-American woman who has lived a life full of determination. Born in the Philippines, Bree moved to the United States and settled in California. As a professional nurse and entrepreneur, she has achieved a lot in her own right. But perhaps her most important role has been as Jalen Green’s mom.
Bree is also deeply involved in charity work, particularly in cancer awareness. She founded Bree’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, showing her commitment to giving back. This philanthropic spirit is something she instilled in her children, including Jalen, from a young age.
How Old Is Bree Purganan? A Glimpse Into Her Early Life
While Bree has kept her age private, she was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. She grew up there with her mother, Julia Durbin, who was a teacher. Bree has two siblings: Kristie Purganan Canon and Josh Bass. Her family later moved to the United States, where Bree gave birth to Jalen in February 2002. Bree and her family have lived in Merced, Livingston, and Fresno, California.
Bree Purganan’s Height and Her Basketball Connection
Standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall, Bree didn’t let her height limit her love for basketball. While she wasn’t a professional player, she played college basketball at Merced College. Her athletic background gave her a unique perspective on Jalen’s career. Bree always understood the dedication it took to succeed, and that’s something she passed on to Jalen.
Her connection to the game only deepened as Jalen’s talent for basketball grew. She was right there, supporting him every step of the way.
Bree Purganan’s Family Life: A Closer Look at Her Husband and Children
Bree is married to Marcus Green, a former basketball player. Marcus has been a huge part of Jalen’s life, especially as a stepfather. He supported Jalen throughout his basketball career, from taking him to camps to buying him his first pair of Jordans. Marcus has often spoken highly of Jalen, emphasizing the hard work he’s put in rather than any glamorous lifestyle.
Together, Bree and Marcus have three children. Jalen is the middle child, with an older sister, Raquel, and a younger sister, Jurnee. Like Jalen, Jurnee shares a passion for basketball, and the entire family supports each other in every step of their journeys.
Bree’s Influence on Jalen: Motivation Beyond the Court
Jalen Green credits his mother with much of his success. In interviews, he’s said that Bree instilled a strong work ethic and mindset in him. He remembers her telling him to “go get it,” a phrase that became his mantra. This guidance helped Jalen develop a mentality that has carried him throughout his career.
Bree was always there to keep Jalen focused on his goals, ignoring the negativity around him. She helped him build the confidence to believe in his work and trust in his abilities, even when others doubted him.
Jalen Green: Proud to Represent His Filipino Heritage
Jalen has always been proud of his Filipino roots. He often talks about his heritage and the importance of representing the Philippines. In 2022, he traveled to Manila as a global brand ambassador for Adidas. While he cannot play for the Philippines in the NBA, Jalen’s pride in his heritage is clear.
For Bree, seeing her son honor his roots is a deeply emotional experience. She’s proud of how Jalen continues to embrace his culture and heritage. In interviews, Bree has spoken about how meaningful it is for Jalen to recognize where he comes from and to carry that pride with him.
Jalen’s Journey to the NBA and Bree’s Role as a Supportive Mother
Jalen’s success in basketball didn’t happen overnight. He worked hard, and Bree was right there with him. As Jalen made his way to the NBA, Bree was always cheering him on. She was there when he was drafted second overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, proudly watching as her son’s hard work paid off.
Even after Jalen’s success, Bree continues to be an integral part of his journey. Her encouragement and love remain a constant source of strength for him.
Bree Purganan: The Unsung Hero Behind Jalen Green’s Success
While Jalen Green is making waves in the NBA, Bree Purganan’s role in his success cannot be overlooked. She is the unsung hero behind his rise. From supporting him emotionally to teaching him valuable life lessons, Bree’s influence has been pivotal in shaping Jalen’s career.
Jalen Green’s story is far from over, but one thing is clear: Bree Purganan will always be there, cheering him on and supporting him in every way possible.
To learn about another remarkable basketball journey, read our blog on Amina Hachimura: The Basketball Phenom Shattering Barriers.
