GG Jackson II’s rise to the NBA feels like something out of a sports movie. Growing up in basketball was always in his blood. Imagine the moment he first picked up a basketball, the feeling of possibility in the air. By the time he made it to the University of South Carolina, he was already turning heads with his skill and energy. Fast forward to today, we know how good he is doing in the NBA. It’s even crazy to think how quickly he’s made an impact, but behind his success, some people always supported him every single day. It was his family members, so come let’s explore his family and their roots.
Where is GG Jackson II from?
GG Jackson II was born in Columbia, South Carolina, making his nationality American. But, regardless of knowing his birthplace and nationality, we aren’t aware of his ethnicity and exact family roots. However, growing up in this city, he quickly became known for his basketball talent, gaining national attention as a young prodigy. In all this, he was backed by his family with their unwavering support. Well, how will they not be, as both of them were athletes themselves?
Starting with his dad, Gregory Jackson was a former high school football defensive end, and his mom, LaKeysha Alston, was a track star. Today, they both are his biggest fans. During his games, they’re active, showing up courtside at every game, cheering their son on. You can tell from their presence that they love him beyond measure. We think this is the kind of support every athlete needs. Imagine a player getting this kind of backing even when they are just making big. Well, to add more, Gregory even goes the extra mile, sitting for interviews to talk about his son’s progress. It’s clear he’s proud of his achievements.
This support extends beyond just game days. One particularly funny incident happened during a live interview with Fan Duel TV’s Run It Back. As the interview began, GG appeared on screen, seemingly perched on the toilet. The panel, clearly caught off guard, couldn’t help but laugh. Chandler Parsons jokingly asked, “Are you in the bathroom, man?” He quickly relocated after receiving a text from his parents. Classic move, right? “Had to sprint downstairs real quick,” he said. The panel couldn’t resist teasing him about it.
GG Jackson was going to take his interview from the bathroom until his mom and dad texted him
Watch @_ggjackson‘s full interview here https://t.co/KI0ryVxcex@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/kny84Vk3zO
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 29, 2024
But GG is not the only basketball player in the family. The Memphis hooper also has an older sister, named Nyla, who also plays collegiate basketball at the University of South Carolina. While not much is publicly known about her, it’s obvious that basketball runs in the family. Both siblings chose this sport, and we imagine that Nyla pushes GG to excel in ways only a sibling could. Their bond likely creates a healthy competitive spirit. It’s pretty cool to think that he has this extra layer of motivation, not just from his parents but from his sister too.
Today, GG Jackson is a rising star in his second season with the Grizzlies, following his time with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Watching him grow has been exciting, and we are sure that we’ll continue to see big things from him. However, now that we have seen his family and their roots, let’s get into the second part: his faith.
What is GG Jackson II’s religion?
GG Jackson II’s faith is a core part of his life. Growing up, he was raised in the church, with this father, Gregory Jackson, serving as a pastor. Growing up with a father who balanced both a sports background and spiritual leadership must’ve taught him some solid life lessons. Now, this doesn’t surprise us that his spirituality runs deep. The Jackson family’s connection to faith is evident not just in their words but in their actions, too.
Another unique aspect of GG’s upbringing is his musical talent. At just two years old, he started playing drums, and this became more than just a hobby. It was a way for him to connect with his faith. Even though he is 20 years old now, he still plays in his hometown church band, where his father serves as the pastor. Imagine going from competing against legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry one night to playing drums at church the next. It is beautiful. Isn’t it? The contrast speaks volumes about his grounded nature.
GG Jackson, who has been playing the drums since age 2, still plays in a church band at his hometown church where his father is pastor.
This week, 57 members of the congregation took a bus from South Carolina to Memphis to play with Jackson & attend a Grizzlies game.
Jackson:… pic.twitter.com/i96KOKEuBD
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) April 11, 2024
What’s more impressive is how GG views his talent. He’s not shy about the fact that he believes his skills in basketball and music are gifts from God. In his own words, “God blessed me with not just the ability to play basketball but the drums as well. I could play for the Angels!” It’s a humbling perspective, and it shows just how much gratitude he holds for his talents. His connection to God goes beyond just basketball. For him, everything is part of a bigger purpose.
GG’s faith isn’t just something he keeps private—it’s a part of who he is in the public eye. He even mentions it on his Instagram bio with the words “Blessed is a understatement ”. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder of how faith shapes his journey. Once, GG’s hometown congregation even took a bus to Memphis to see him play and attend a Grizzlies game. That’s the kind of community support that stays with you, no matter where you go.
Now, in his second season with the Memphis Grizzlies, GG Jackson is proving he belongs on basketball’s biggest stage. With a powerful family by his side, a faith that keeps him centered, and a killer instinct on the basketball floor, GG is ready to carve his way out. So buckle up, because this story is just getting started, and GG is set to keep us all on the edge of our seats.
The post What Are GG Jackson II’s Ethnicity & Religion? Grizzlies Star’s Nationality & Early Life Revealed appeared first on EssentiallySports.
