Jayson Tatum

ABOUT

Jayson Tatum is an American professional basketball player who has rapidly risen to prominence in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri, Tatum currently plays as a forward for the Boston Celtics. Known for his scoring ability, versatility on the court, and clutch performances, Tatum has been instrumental in leading the Celtics through multiple playoff runs since joining the team. Selected by the Celtics as the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Tatum quickly established himself as one of the league's most promising young talents.

BEFORE FAME

Jayson Tatum's basketball journey began long before his professional career. He attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, where he showcased his talent and led his high school team to multiple victories. His exceptional performance at Chaminade earned him spots in prestigious high school basketball events, including the McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.

Tatum continued his basketball career at Duke University, playing under the guidance of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. During his lone season with the Blue Devils, he averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, culminating in multiple impactful performances in the NCAA Tournament. His outstanding college career solidified his status as one of the top prospects in the 2017 NBA Draft.

TRIVIA

• Jayson Tatum was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018.
• He has multiple Eastern Conference Player of the Month awards to his credit.
• Tatum became the youngest player in Boston Celtics history to score 5,000 career points.
• A lover of sneakers, Tatum is often seen sporting custom designs on the court.
• He earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Jayson Tatum has cited Kobe Bryant as his biggest basketball inspiration and has worn Bryant's #24 wristband during games as a tribute.

FAMILY LIFE

Jayson Tatum was born to parents Justin Tatum and Brandy Cole. Basketball runs in his family; his father, Justin, was a collegiate basketball player and later became a basketball coach. Tatum shares a close bond with his mother, Brandy, who played a significant role in his upbringing and athletic career.

Tatum is also a proud father to his son, Jayson "Deuce" Christopher Tatum Jr., who has become somewhat of a celebrity himself, frequently seen cheering for his father from the sidelines. Tatum's family has always been a cornerstone of his life, providing the support that has helped him succeed both on and off the court.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Throughout his career, Jayson Tatum has had the opportunity to play alongside and against some of the NBA's greatest talents. In Boston, he has formed a dynamic duo with teammate Jaylen Brown. The pair is often compared to the legendary Celtics duo of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker for their ability to lead the team both offensively and defensively.

Tatum has also had the privilege of playing under the watchful eyes of coaches like Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka, who have both played a crucial role in his development. Additionally, Tatum's relationship with his role models, like the late Kobe Bryant, has shaped his playing style and work ethic. Off the court, he has collaborated with brands like Nike and Gatorade, further solidifying his status as a global sports icon.

Jayson Tatum's journey from a promising young player in St. Louis to an NBA superstar with the Boston Celtics is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the game. As he continues to grow and evolve, there is no doubt that Tatum's legacy in basketball will be one to watch and celebrate for years to come.