Jayson Tatum’s mother, Brandy, knew he was going to be an NBA star since he was in 4th grade. “I always knew he was gifted. He would do things and make moves that you just couldn’t teach, right? It was just like innate to him,” she once said while in a conversation with Sheinelle Jones on an episode of the TODAY show. And the 6x All-Star hasn’t disappointed.
Despite a 123-116 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers today, Tatum delivered a season-high 46 points, along with 16 rebounds and 9 assists. Every great athlete has a story beyond the court, one that defines their journey long before the bright lights and roaring crowds. For the Boston Celtics star, that story begins with his parents, who shaped his life in vastly different but equally powerful ways.
Jayson Tatum was born to Brandy Cole and Justin Tatum on March 3, 1998. And since becoming a star, Jayson has not shied away from admitting to being the apple of his mom’s eye. In a 2016 interview with ESPN, Jayson openly expressed his deep connection to his mother, stating, “I’m the biggest mama’s boy ever.”
Who is Jayson Tatum’s mother Brandy? How did dhe help him make it to the NBA?
Brandy Cole-Barnes’ story is one of resilience and sacrifice. A former volleyball player, Brandy became pregnant with Jayson during her freshman year at Saint Louis University. Despite the challenges, she refused to put her education on hold, attending classes with Jayson in tow. In an essay he penned for The Players’ Tribune in April 2016, Jayson wrote, “I remember sitting in the back of her classes, eating snacks or immersing myself in books or video games.” She went ahead to earn 4 degrees, all while working part-time jobs to pay for school and daycare.
Soooo very proud of @Im_that_dude22 – ALL your dreams are coming true #ProudMom #DukeMom. you son- BLESSED pic.twitter.com/MorDUMpY8V
— BCole_Esq (@Brandy_N_Cole) November 11, 2015
A single mother who juggled multiple jobs while attending law school, Brandy’s sacrifices paved the way for her son’s NBA dreams. “My mom was 19 when she had me,” Tatum said in an interview with Forbes. “She was still a kid who just had a kid. She was a freshman in college, trying to make ends meet, living check to check all our life growing up. We were almost evicted from our house and had to borrow food from our neighbors so I could eat. A lot of times, she made sure I had something to eat. Going through tough times made our bond stronger,” he followed.
Brandy’s sacrifices have paid up as she has consistently expressed pride in her role as Jayson’s mother. On her X profile, she boastfully claims, “I LOVE being a MOM, especially HIS mom.”
Who is Jayson Tatum’s Father Justin? Was He a Professional Basketball Player?
While Brandy shaped his childhood, Jayson’s father, Justin Tatum, played a significant role in his basketball development. Justin Tatum is a former college basketball player who played at Saint Louis University. Although his marriage to Brandy failed, Justin took up the role of a coach to young Jayson.
His passion for the game transitioned into a successful coaching career, shaping the lives of young athletes in St. Louis. However, their relationship wasn’t always smooth. Jayson often described his father’s coaching methods as tough and intimidating. “I was scared of him, and he would grab me by my shirt, and pin me up against the wall, and cuss me out in front of everybody,” Jayson revealed in an interview with Basketball Network.
Despite the harsh approach, Justin’s tough love prepared Jayson for the rigorous demands of professional basketball. “In his eyes, he wanted me to be the toughest and the best… I felt like he didn’t like me as a kid because he was so mean to me. Of course, he did, but as a kid, I couldn’t separate coach from dad. He would always tell me I was soft or that I wouldn’t make it. He would take to the extremes… I didn’t have a real father-son relationship. Would I change it? No.” Jayson added.
Jan 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Justin acknowledged his tough coaching style, emphasizing it was driven by love and a desire to prepare Jayson for life’s challenges. “It was all out of love,” Justin Tatum told NBC Sports Boston in an exclusive interview at Christian Brothers College High School, where he coaches. “A lot of people at that time didn’t understand it. They probably thought our relationship was going to break or he wouldn’t like or love me. Now they see why I did it; it’s just tough love. Whether he would go on to become an NBA pro or not, I wanted my son to be prepared for this world.”
What nationality are Jayson Tatum’s parents?
Brandy Cole and Justin Tatum are Americans, with deep roots in St. Louis, Missouri. And Jayson Tatum remains loyal to the city as well. In a 2019 tweet, he reaffirmed his enduring connection to the city stating, “ST LOUIS FOREVER!!!” Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared, “My mom tried to not let me see how much we were struggling, but I noticed it. I think that’s what made me work harder. I saw how hard she was working, and I just wanted a better life for both of us.”
Growing up, Tatum faced adversities and has not forgotten the feeling of buying a new home. Tatum told The Associated Press in an interview how he wants to help others in his hometown of St. Louis get that feeling themselves and buy their own homes. He said financial services company SoFi has given the Jayson Tatum Foundation $1 million to help do that. “I just knew I wanted to give back and help people that looked like me and grew up like me,” he added.
As of now, the Celtics star is not married. However, his relationship with his son, Jayson “Deuce” Tatum Jr., remains one of the most heartwarming aspects of his public persona. Born in December 2017, Deuce has become a beloved figure among Celtics fans, often seen cheering for his father courtside or accompanying him during press conferences.
Jayson Tatum’s meteoric rise is a testament to the unwavering support of his parents, Brandy Cole and Justin Tatum. From Brandy’s sacrifices as a single mother to Justin’s tough-love coaching, their influence remains the unseen force behind every accolade. Now, as Tatum carves out his legacy in the NBA, he carries the lessons of his upbringing with him—both on and off the court.
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