With NBA celebrities, fans love to know what happens behind the scenes. And while Jabari Smith Jr. is too busy flaunting his crazy skills on the court, let’s take a moment to see the individuals who assisted in molding him into the player he is today. Spoiler alert: It’s not only about the basketball skills; his family had an enormous influence on his life and career. So, who are Jabari Smith Jr.’s parents? What’s their background? Read on to find out.
Who Are Jabari Smith Jr.’s Parents? What’s Their Nationality?
Jabari Smith Jr. could be the face of the Houston Rockets’ future, but behind the success to NBA fame, there’s a family narrative that’s just as interesting. The young star was born to Jabari Smith Sr. and Taneskia Purnell, and basketball has been in his blood from birth. His father, Jabari Smith Sr., is a retired NBA player who had a career cut between the United States and abroad.
In fact, a young Jabari Jr. grew up tottering around the house, draped in his 6’11” father’s oversized jerseys and sneakers. Most mornings before school, Jabari Sr. would make him run drills in the driveway as practice. So, yes, the basketball skills definitely run in the genes.
Jabari Jr. is American by nationality, and his ethnicity is African-American. That’s correct, he’s got a highly rich cultural heritage that reflects through his playing style and personality.
Who Is Jabari Smith Jr.’s Mother, Taneskia Purnell? What Does She Do?
Let’s talk about the queen behind the scenes, Taneskia Purnell, Jabari Smith Jr.’s mother. Although she may not have the same level of public attention as her husband, Taneskia’s impact on Jabari Jr.’s life is just as strong.
For instance, during his middle school years, Jabari Jr. would wake up at 5:30 a.m. to jump rope outside. His mother, upon discovering this routine, supported his dedication rather than discouraging it. She also facilitated his early morning gym sessions, ensuring he had access to practice facilities before school hours.
Moreover, Taneskia played a pivotal role in instilling discipline and healthy habits in her son. During his youth, Jabari Jr. developed a passion for baking, often creating three-layer cakes from scratch. Despite his love for sweets, he adhered to a self-imposed rule of avoiding junk food on Friday nights to meet weight requirements for football games, a discipline likely encouraged by his mother’s guidance. Clearly, her influence was a steady, gentle force that kept things real at home.
At least for now, her professional history isn’t entirely mapped out in public. But don’t be deceived. Parents have an enormous impact on raising their children, and if it’s any indication by how down-to-earth Jabari is, Taneskia’s effect can be seen despite it not being plastered all over the news.
Who Is Jabari Smith Jr.’s Father, Jabari Smith Sr.?
Now, this is where the basketball story really starts to get exciting. Jabari Smith Sr. isn’t your average dad. He’s a retired NBA player who had a brilliant career that lasted four years in the league. Initially drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2000 NBA Draft, he later also played withe the New Jersey Nets.
After he retired from the NBA, he didn’t just get a normal job. Rather, he continued to play, taking his skills abroad to Spain, Turkey, Iran, and Puerto Rico. Essentially, Jabari Smith Sr. lived the international basketball life. Of course, that then easily turned into a banger inspiration for his son as he blistered his way into the NBA.
Who Are Jabari Smith Jr.’s Siblings?
Let’s talk fam-jam! While Jabari Smith Jr. may see a ‘big brother’ in the Rockets veteran Dillon Brooks, he’s hardly a single child. In fact, he’s got an older brother, A.J. Freeman, though his sibling life is a little on the down-low side. Information regarding his siblings is relatively under wraps, but it’s obvious that the family influence is deep-seated. Jr.’s also got a former basketball player as his cousin, Kwame Brown, who was drafted overall No. 1 in the 2001 NBA Draft. The sports really run in the Smiths’ blood, it seems!
Growing up in Fayetteville, Georgia, it’s likely that Jabari’s siblings also shared in the basketball journey, whether as supportive fans or potential future ballers themselves. But the spotlight, for now, is all on Jabari Jr. The first in the Smith family to reach the NBA, and the one we’re all watching take off.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s family may not be on your timeline 24×7, but they’ve been front and center in his narrative from day one. With a father who’s been around the block and a mother who kept it all in check, Jabari didn’t just grow up, he was constructed for this. Now he’s out here making buckets, remaining humble, and showing that sometimes, a little legacy can go a long way.
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