Jayson Tatum, a prominent figure in the NBA, often credits his achievements to the unwavering support and “tough love” he received from his parents, Justin Tatum and Brandy Cole-Barnes. Born on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Jayson entered the world while both his parents were navigating their college years. Although Justin and Brandy’s romantic relationship didn’t last, their commitment to co-parenting and raising Jayson remained steadfast. Growing up, Jayson experienced life at both his parents’ universities. He would sit in on classes with his mother at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and spend time in the locker room with his father, who played basketball for Saint Louis University.
Jayson openly describes himself as a “mama’s boy,” expressing deep affection for Brandy, whom he considers his “best friend,” as he shared with ESPN in 2016. His relationship with his father, Justin, was characterized by a different dynamic. Raised primarily by his mother, Jayson’s connection with Justin evolved as his father transitioned from playing professional basketball in Europe back to the United States. Despite the demanding coaching style and rigorous criticism from his father, Jayson acknowledges Justin’s pivotal role in pushing him to excel in his basketball career.
As Jayson himself stated to KSDK, “He saw the potential in me before I saw it in myself, so having him be that tough on me in basketball really you know, made me tougher on and off the court.”
Here’s a closer look into the lives of Jayson Tatum’s parents, Justin Tatum and Brandy Cole-Barnes, and their profound influence on his journey.
College Days and Early Parenthood
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Brandy Cole-Barnes’s dedication to education and career while raising Jayson Tatum is evident in this image.
Brandy’s path took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was pregnant with Jayson shortly after graduating high school. She had been an accomplished student and athlete at University City High, earning a full volleyball scholarship to the University of Tennessee, as reported by WCVB. Despite this opportunity, Brandy chose to stay in St. Louis to raise Jayson while pursuing a degree in political science and communications. Balancing motherhood, studies, and part-time jobs, Brandy demonstrated immense determination.
“It was really tough, but it was what I felt like I had to do for both of us,” she confessed to ESPN, highlighting her commitment to providing for her son.
Throughout her undergraduate and later postgraduate studies, including business and law school, Brandy often brought Jayson to class. Jayson fondly remembers these times in an essay for The Players’ Tribune in 2016, recalling, “I remember sitting in the back of her classes, eating snacks or immersing myself in books or video games.” He observed the professors and the academic environment from a child’s perspective, highlighting the normality of their routine despite the unusual circumstances. “When my mom couldn’t afford a babysitter and Grandma was working, we’d go to class together,” he wrote, illustrating their close bond and shared journey.
During this period, Justin was carving his own path at Saint Louis University, balancing his basketball career with fatherhood. Jayson experienced the world of college basketball firsthand through his father, spending time in the locker room and on the court. While Brandy took on the primary caregiver role in Jayson’s early years, Justin remained an active and influential figure in his life.
Years later, in February 2024, when Jayson announced his partnership with SoFi to donate $1 million towards creating “family-sustaining wealth,” he emphasized the impact homeownership could have had on his and his mother’s early life. Speaking with PEOPLE, he reflected, “I’m blessed to be in a position to help others from St. Louis, especially single-parent households like the one my mom raised me in,” underscoring the lasting influence of his upbringing.
Justin Tatum: From Player to Coach
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Justin Tatum’s influence as a basketball player and coach played a significant role in shaping Jayson Tatum’s career.
Following in his father’s athletic footsteps, Jayson inherited Justin’s passion and talent for basketball. Justin’s own basketball journey began at Christian Brothers College high school, where he played alongside Larry Hughes, who would later become Jayson’s godfather and an NBA star. Justin continued his basketball career at Saint Louis University while navigating the responsibilities of being a young father.
After college, Justin played professionally in the Netherlands for three years. Brandy and Jayson frequently visited, ensuring Jayson maintained a connection with his father. Justin described this period as “tough” to Ladue News, emphasizing the difficulty of being away from his son for extended periods. During his time in the Netherlands, he also coached youth teams, an experience that foreshadowed his future career path.
Upon returning to the U.S., Justin transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant basketball coach at Christian Brothers College High School for the 2006-2007 season before moving to Soldan International Studies High School. Eventually, Justin returned to Christian Brothers College as head coach, a position he has held for over a decade, according to his website. He has also run youth basketball camps for many years, sharing his expertise and fostering a love for the sport in young athletes.
Tough Coaching and Evolving Father-Son Relationship
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The demanding coaching approach of Justin Tatum, while initially straining their relationship, ultimately contributed to Jayson Tatum’s resilience and success.
As Jayson grew older and his basketball aspirations became clearer, Justin took on the roles of trainer and coach. Jayson has acknowledged that both his parents were demanding, but particularly his father, who employed a “tough love” approach. In a candid interview with Graham Bensinger in October 2022, Jayson opened up about how his father’s coaching style “put a strain” on their relationship during his formative years.
“I feel like I missed out on a father-son relationship,” Jayson admitted. “Me and my dad only ever went to games or practice and to get haircuts. We didn’t go to amusement parks. We didn’t go to picnics, or fishing, or really have father-son talks because it was just all basketball.” He described instances of harsh criticism, including swearing and being embarrassed in front of teammates, with Justin’s intention being to instill toughness in him. “In his eyes, he wanted me to be the toughest. He wanted me to be the best.”
Despite the challenges, Jayson recognized the effectiveness of his father’s methods. “And that was his way … like if he made me upset, I would play better and in a sense, I did,” he explained. “I would get so upset. I would get so angry that I would play better.”
Ultimately, Jayson appreciates the rigor he experienced. “He was so tough on me, which I appreciate, because I wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t,” he stated, recognizing the pivotal role of his father’s demanding coaching in his success. Over time, Jayson and Justin have strengthened their bond, evolving their relationship beyond basketball.
Brandy Cole-Barnes: Attorney and Role Model
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Brandy Cole-Barnes’s academic achievements, including her law degree, set a strong example for Jayson Tatum regarding the importance of education.
Brandy’s commitment to education culminated in earning a law degree in 2010, adding to her impressive academic achievements. Jayson was a constant presence during her law school years, often observing her studies. Brandy recounted to Bleacher Report a moment when young Jayson, surrounded by law textbooks, declared his preference for basketball over “these kind of books.” Her response, “Well, you better work really hard,” encapsulated her balanced approach to supporting his dreams while instilling a strong work ethic.
Justin Tatum’s Growing Family
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Jayson Tatum with his father Justin Tatum and half-siblings, Jaycob and Kayden, highlighting the expansion of the Jayson Tatum Family.
Justin’s family extends beyond Jayson, with two more children, Jaycob and Kayden. Jaycob followed in his father’s footsteps at Christian Brothers College, excelling in football and winning two state championships. He is currently pursuing football at Western Illinois University, as noted on Justin’s website, showcasing the Tatum family’s continued athletic pursuits.
Brandy’s Marriage and Family Celebrations
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Jayson Tatum celebrating his mother Brandy Cole-Barnes’s wedding to Marcus “Jake” Barnes, showcasing family unity and support.
In 2016, Brandy married Marcus “Jake” Barnes, a counselor she met at the Reebok All-American Camp, according to the Boston Herald. Jayson celebrated his mother’s marriage, sharing joyful photos from their Bahamas wedding on Instagram. In one photo, he posed with the newlyweds, captioning, “She’s married now! Happy for you Momma! Love ya both,” and in another, “Mommas boy till the end! I’m so happy for her❤️,” expressing his happiness and close bond with his mother.
Emphasis on Education and Academic Excellence
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Brandy Cole-Barnes instilled in Jayson Tatum the importance of education, setting high academic standards from a young age.
Brandy consistently emphasized the importance of education to Jayson, setting high academic standards. She shared with Sentinel & Enterprise her “no C’s” rule, pushing Jayson to achieve B’s and above, recognizing his capabilities. She even kept him from a tournament in fourth or fifth grade as a consequence for grades below her expectations, a lesson that deeply impacted him and reinforced her commitment to his academic success.
Although Jayson entered the NBA after just one year at Duke University, Brandy hopes he will eventually complete his degree. “That’s a big thing for me. A lot of Duke kids come back and get their degree. I told him, It doesn’t matter how long it takes. He’s seen how hard I’ve worked,” she told ESPN, highlighting the value she places on higher education and her desire for Jayson to follow through.
Recognizing Early Talent and Setting Boundaries
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Brandy Cole-Barnes recognized Jayson Tatum’s exceptional basketball talent from an early age, nurturing his gift while ensuring a balanced childhood.
Brandy recognized Jayson’s extraordinary basketball talent early on. In an interview with Today, she mentioned realizing by fourth grade that Jayson had the innate skills to reach the NBA. “I knew he was gifted — he would do things and make moves and that you just couldn’t teach,” she explained. “It was like it was just innate in him.”
Despite recognizing his potential, Brandy was mindful of not pushing him too hard and allowing him to enjoy his childhood. “We can’t want it more than they do. That’s the biggest thing,” she advised. “And I think sometimes we want to push them more. And so that was the line for me — I would tell him, ‘Listen, I will give you every opportunity, every resource, I’ll do whatever it takes, but you have to do your part.’ ” This balanced approach of support and expectation was crucial in Jayson’s development.
Proud Grandparents
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Brandy Cole-Barnes embraces her role as a grandmother to Deuce Tatum, highlighting the family’s expanding generations.
Jayson became a father to Jayson “Deuce” Christopher Tatum Jr. on December 6, 2017, with his former girlfriend, Toriah Lachell. Deuce’s arrival shortly after Jayson was drafted into the NBA brought a new dimension to the Tatum family dynamic.
Brandy described her grandson as “a blessing all the way around” to Today, noting the profound joy Deuce brought into Jayson’s life, even surpassing his passion for basketball. “To get to see Jayson in a different light, you know, in a different capacity, and see that something that I never thought possible would bring him more joy than basketball — I think Deuce puts everything in perspective for him.”
Jayson himself has drawn inspiration from his upbringing in his approach to fatherhood. He shared with Bensinger in 2022 his desire to create a close, friendship-based relationship with his son, something he felt he had missed out on during his own childhood, aiming to be the father figure he always envisioned.
Family Support at NBA Milestones
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Justin Tatum and Deuce Tatum supporting Jayson Tatum at the 2023 All-Star Game, demonstrating the family’s unwavering presence at significant moments in his career.
Justin was present to witness Jayson’s historic achievement at the 2023 All-Star Game, where Jayson scored a record 55 points and earned the Kobe Bryant Trophy as MVP. Justin celebrated his son’s accomplishment on Instagram, writing, “Being able to see your kid live out their dream… Is priceless,” alongside a photo with Jayson and the MVP award. “My boy @jaytatum0 is All-Star MVP.. 55 points most ever in a All-Star.. your a ⭐️ kid. LOVE Chump aka Big Deuce ❤️,” highlighting his immense pride and affection.
Celebrating the 2024 NBA Finals Victory
In a pinnacle moment for the Jayson Tatum family, both Justin and Brandy were present in the stands as the Boston Celtics clinched the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. The proud parents joined Jayson on the court after the victory, celebrating his team’s monumental win and marking another significant milestone in his career, underpinned by their enduring support.
The story of the Jayson Tatum family is one of resilience, dedication, and profound love. Both Justin and Brandy, in their unique ways, have been the bedrock of Jayson’s journey, shaping him into the NBA star and the person he is today. Their influence extends beyond basketball, rooted in strong values of education, hard work, and family unity.
