Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum, born Jayson Christopher Tatum, is an American professional basketball player known for his exceptional scoring ability, versatility, and leadership on the court. As a forward for the Boston Celtics in the NBA, Tatum has quickly risen to stardom, earning multiple All-Star selections and leading his team to deep playoff runs. Renowned for his polished offensive skills and composure under pressure, he has established himself as one of the premier players in the league. 

Jayson Tatum’s early life in St. Louis, Missouri, and his relentless work ethic laid the foundation for his rise as an NBA superstar.

• Born Jayson Christopher Tatum on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri,  to Justin Tatum and Brandy Cole.
• Raised by his mother, Brandy, who had him at a young age and worked tirelessly to support his basketball dreams while balancing her career and education.
• Grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant, whose work ethic and skill influenced Jayson’s approach to the game and fueled his desire to play in the NBA.
• Attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he became a standout basketball player, earning Gatorade National Player of the Year honors and ranking among the top recruits in the country.
• Played college basketball at Duke University under coach Mike Krzyzewski, where he averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during his one season before declaring for the NBA Draft.
• Drafted by the Boston Celtics as the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, making an immediate impact as a rookie and helping lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals.
• Known for his dedication to improvement and love for the game, Tatum’s early development set the stage for his rapid ascent in professional basketball.

Jayson Tatum’s family has been a cornerstone of his life, inspiring his success and shaping his values both on and off the court.

• Raised by his mother, Brandy Cole, whose sacrifices and support played a pivotal role in helping him achieve his basketball dreams, a relationship he often highlights in interviews.
• Shares a close bond with his father, Justin Tatum, a former basketball player and coach, who helped develop his skills and understanding of the game from a young age.
• Has one son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr. (nicknamed “Deuce”), born in 2017, who frequently attends his games and has become a beloved figure among fans and the Celtics community.
• Credits his son, Deuce, as a source of motivation and inspiration, often speaking about the importance of setting a positive example as both a player and a father.