Whenever we see any success story, we only focus on the person—their struggles, highlights, and big moments. But behind every rising star, someone has been the crucial part of their success, silently supporting them to shape their journey.
For Jalen Green, the young NBA star, his mother has been his back who supports his passion and encourages him to succeed. Well, this is not just a story of a proud mother but of a strong individual. So, through this article explore Bree Purganan’s role in Jalen Green’s career, her background and challenges faced as a single mother.
Also Read, Who Is Damola Adamolekun’s Wife? Inside Their Marriage
Who is Bree Purganan?
Bree Purgana is the mother of popular NBA player Jalen Green. She spent her early years in the Philippines, along with her two siblings, Kriste Cannon and Josh Bass.
Growing up, she had a keen interest in sports. She even played some sports, like basketball, soccer, and cross-country, which planted the seed of love for athletics and an act of discipline. Her exact birth date and qualifications are not available on the internet. However, years later, she moved to California, the US, to build her career.
Early Life and Background
Bree Purganan was born and raised in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Growing up in a close family with two siblings, she was raised by her mother, Julia Durbin. Her mother was a professional teacher who again married Bob Durbin in 1995.
The family kept her father’s identity private, but despite being a single mother, she raised them really well. In Bree Purganan’s formative years, athletics played a significant part in her life. Basketball, soccer, and cross-country were some games she had a deep interest in.
Sports helped her develop a focused mindset and disciplined life which was later passed to her children. Bree Purganan’s family shifted to California, where she carved out her career in nursing.
Personal Life & Challenges as a Single Mother
Personal Life & Family Support
Bree Purganan was moved to California with her mother to build her identity and for a new start. Where she pursued a medical degree from Merced College in nursing and established her career to support family.
As a registered nurse, Bree is also an entrepreneur and is involved in philanthropy work. Bree Purganan’s first marriage was private and out of the spotlight; later, she remarried Marcus Green, a renowned basketball player.
He is the stepfather of Jalen, but supported him in his early life to shape his career. Bree’s parenting style was different from others; she taught him the value of discipline and cultural pride in life. His upbringing is very meaningful in his NBA career.
Balancing Motherhood and Career Challenges
For Bree balancing motherhood and career both in the new city was a big challenge. After the long shifts of nursing she ensures to give time to Jalen and be present at his big-small events in life.
Bree felt the pressure of responsibility right when she landed in California. Still, with her dedication and hardship, she carved out her career. Even after her busy schedule, she raised Jalen really well.
She taught him cultural values, discipline, and self-belief. Even her mom was an actual sport in this journey—she helped Bree settle in the new city and worked hard to find better opportunities for Jalen’s NBA career. Bree and her mother are the perfect example of strength, hardship, and passion.
Bree Purganan’s Influence on Jalen Green’s Career
Bree herself couldn’t become an athlete, but she never compromised on her son’s career — it was like she was living her dream moment through him. Long shifts of working hours as a nurse, taking care of family, yet prioritising Jalen’s NBA career, was a big challenge for her.
Bree was Jalen’s strength, his son very well acknowledges her efforts. Once in a 2018 Bleacher Report interview, Jalen’s stepfather, Marcus, said Jalen earned everything with hard work, without any support from his godfather.
Bree taught passion, drive, and strength, which is evident in his every play. Not only this, but even Jalen, in an interview with a sports journalist, said, “I got my work ethic from (my mom), my mindset from her. She used to tell me to go get it, and that is what I did…Since a young age, I felt like winning was everything.”Bree’s support, practice and belief in him made him stand out on the court.
Conclusion
Bree Purganan’s role in Jalen Green’s NBA rise is an inspiration for all. Her love for him made her succeed in every battle, personal or professional. It shows that your victory belongs to yourself and everyone who made it easy for you. Bree has proved that a parent’s strength can shape their child’s future.
