Jayson Tatum, the talented American professional basketball player known for his skills on the court, has never shied away from acknowledging his parents‘ crucial role in his journey to stardom.
Born on March 3, 1998, to Justin Tatum and Brandy Cole-Barnes, his upbringing has been deeply influenced by the unwavering support and tough love he received from his parents. They realized he possessed immense talent and potential for basketball.
His parents, recognizing their son’s dedication and passion for basketball, became the pillars of support in his life. Through their unique approach of tough love, they instilled in him the discipline, work ethic, and resilience necessary to excel in a highly competitive sports world.
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Jayson Tatum’s parents had him while they were at college
Tatum’s journey is defined by his exceptional basketball skills and the unique circumstances surrounding his upbringing. His parents welcomed him while they were both in college.
Jayson Tatum’s parents birthed him at a young age (Source: PEOPLE)
Although Justin and Brandy never lived together and eventually went their separate ways, their paths significantly shaped their son’s early years. At 19, his mother learned she was pregnant shortly after graduating high school.
Despite the challenges ahead, she pursued a college education in St. Louis, opting to study political science and communications. Working part-time jobs to support herself and her child, she made tremendous sacrifices to ensure their better future.
She displayed remarkable dedication throughout her undergraduate years by bringing Jayson to class. This tradition continued as she pursued higher education, including business and law schools.
During this time, his father attended Saint Louis University, where he played basketball for the university team. Although he spent quality time with his father in the locker room, experiencing the energy of pre-game speeches firsthand, his mother primarily raised him in his early years.
This dynamic allowed him to witness the determination and resilience of both his parents in pursuing their respective dreams while fulfilling their roles as his caregivers.
Jayson Tatum is a self-proclaimed mama’s boy
Jayson’s close bond with his mother is well-known, as he proudly declares himself a “mama’s boy.” In an interview with ESPN in November 2016, he expressed that she is not only his mother but also his best friend.
Jason Tatum maintains a very close relationship with his mother (Source: Duke Basketball Report)
He embraced his strong connection to his mother and openly acknowledged his admiration and love for her. Her educational pursuits played a significant role in Jayson’s upbringing. While in law school, he often accompanied her and explored her textbooks, showing an early interest in the academic world.
However, he would sometimes express a preference for playing basketball rather than reading those books. Recognizing his passion for the sport, Cole-Barnes would remind him of the importance of hard work and dedication to achieve his goals.
Her dedication to her son’s academic success was evident when she held him accountable for his grades. She set high expectations, and when Jayson tested her resolve by earning a lower grade, she kept him home from a tournament.
Her support for his basketball dreams was coupled with her ability to set boundaries and maintain a balanced approach. She pushed him to be his best while allowing him to enjoy his childhood.
Her guidance and unwavering belief in her son’s abilities from an early age contributed to his development as an exceptional athlete and a grounded individual.
Jayson Tatum got his basketball genes from his father
Jayson’s passion for basketball runs deep within his family, particularly from his father, Justin, who played a significant role in shaping his son’s career. His basketball journey inspired Jayson, and he followed in his father’s footsteps to become a star in the NBA.
Jayson Tatum’s father, Justin Tatum, was also his coach (Source: PEOPLE)
His basketball journey began at Christian Brothers College high school, where he played alongside Larry Hughes, who would later become Jayson’s godfather and a former NBA star. He continued his basketball career at Saint Louis University, balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood and his burgeoning athletic aspirations.
After college, he pursued a professional basketball career in the Netherlands, where he played for three years. However, the distance and time spent apart posed challenges for Justin, who expressed that being away from his son for most of the year was tough.
As Jayson grew older and became more focused on his dream of playing basketball professionally, his father assumed the role of his trainer and coach. However, their relationship was marked by intense training and coaching sessions, with both parents holding high expectations for his performance.
Jayson has openly shared that neither his mother nor his father took it easy on him and that his dad, in particular, was extremely tough on him. In an interview, he candidly expressed that their relationship had been strained due to his father’s coaching methods.
In recent years, they have mended their relationship and grown closer. Despite their difficulties during Jayson’s upbringing, the mutual love for basketball has helped them reconcile and appreciate each other’s roles in their respective journeys.
He acknowledges the impact of his father’s tough love and expresses gratitude for the relentless push that shaped him into the individual he is today.
