Myles Turner was 5 years old when he saw something that would change his outlook on life. He was out for a drive with his parents on a cold Texas morning. “I saw this dude with socks on his hands because it was so cold outside,” he said. “That’s rough, trying to stay warm with socks on your hands…That’s one of those lasting impressions I’ve had in my mind. I told myself that if I ever made it, I’d try to make (serving the less fortunate) a big deal.” And Myles followed through on his promise!
He started the WARM (We All Really Matter) program with his mom. And the Indiana Pacers star hasn’t looked back since. But for us, looking back at Myles’ journey and roots may help us get to know the Pacers’ big man a little better. So let’s do that.
Where was Myles Turner born? What’s his ethnicity and nationality?
You see, the WARM program wasn’t always the widespread initiative that it is today. It originally began in the town of Bedford, Texas, where Myles was born and brought up. Even as a child, Myles could see how much some of the members of his community struggled in their daily lives.
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) celebrates the win after game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
His parents, David and Mary Turner, had always taught him to uplift their community. Being of African-American descent and ethnicity, they saw firsthand how the system neglected some of their brethren. So even when Myles was a kid, he would go alongside his mother, handing out items to the homeless.
And this stuck with Myles. Even as he grew older, he carried it with him—all the way to his time as a student-athlete at the University of Texas.
Which college did Myles Turner attend?
To be frank, there isn’t much to be discussed when it comes to Myles’ college ball days. Coming out of high school, he had nearly 60 offers to choose from. But in his heart, he knew that if he was going to play somewhere, it would be at home, in Texas. That way, he could carry on with his efforts to help the less fortunate. So Myles committed to playing for the Texas Longhorns in 2014.
And anyone who’d followed Myles’ games in high school wasn’t surprised when he earned the 2015 Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. He ended his freshman year with 10.1 points and 5.6 boards per game. After this, he forwent the remaining three years of his college eligibility to fulfill another dream of his: playing in the NBA.
BREAKING: Myles Turner, No. 2 in #ESPN100, commits to #Texas pic.twitter.com/BuTCy0HWX0
— ESPNU (@ESPNU) April 30, 2014
Soon that dream became a reality when the Indiana Pacers picked him up in the first round as the 11th overall pick. But Myles always believed he would make it. And, after his draft, the Tuners were back at it again, helping those going through hard times.
“It’s been my plan from the start. Indianapolis is a great community. They’ve welcomed me with open arms, so I want to try to give back,” said a 19-year-old Turner about his motivations.
But what makes Myles and his family this way? Perhaps it’s just who they are. Or maybe it’s shaped by values they’ve embraced over time—including faith.
Is Myles Turner religious?
“There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving”—a lesson emphasized in Jehovah’s Witness teachings from the Book of Acts. While Turner has never explicitly confirmed being a practicing Jehovah’s Witness, past comments suggest he has had some level of connection to the faith.
In 2014, he tweeted: “Dudes just Tryna hoop…. I pray Jehovah God removes all distractions from my life and career.”
Dudes just Tryna hoop…. I pray Jehovah God removes all distractions from my life and career
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) April 8, 2014
Then, in 2019, he revealed that he had attended religious meetings with former teammate Darren Collison, who retired from the NBA to fully commit to his Jehovah’s Witness faith.
While it’s unclear whether Turner actively practices the religion today, his actions reflect strong values of generosity and service. A decade into his career, he remains deeply committed to uplifting those in need—something that seems to have been ingrained in him from a young age.
The post What Is Myles Turner’s Ethnicity? Everything to Know About Pacers Star’s Family Roots, Nationality and Religion appeared first on EssentiallySports.
