If you’ve followed Jalen Green’s impressive journey from high school sensation to NBA star, there’s one name that quietly stands behind much of his success: Bree Purganan, his mom.
While Jalen is grabbing headlines and breaking records as the Houston Rockets’ shooting guard, Bree is the quiet force in the background, always cheering him on, guiding him with her wisdom, and staying deeply proud of her Filipino roots.
So, who is Bree Purganan? What’s her story, and how did she help shape one of the NBA’s brightest young stars? Let’s take a closer look.
Bree Purganan’s Early Life and Background
Bree was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, a province known for its deep culture and heritage. She later moved to the United States and has called California home ever since. Today, she is proudly Filipino-American, blending both cultures into her life and her parenting.
She comes from a close-knit family, raised by her mother Julia Durbin, and later by her stepfather Bob Durbin after her mother remarried in 1995. Bree has two siblings, Kristie Purganan Canon and Josh Bass, and together they grew up with strong family values.
Education, Career, and a Love for Basketball
Though not tall by basketball standards, Bree stands at 5 feet 5 inches. Despite her height, she played college basketball at Merced College while pursuing a degree in nursing. That shows her competitive spirit and dedication, traits she clearly passed on to her son.
Professionally, Bree is a registered nurse and entrepreneur. She has also been active in charity work, especially in cancer awareness and research, through her organization, Bree’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. Her ability to juggle family, career, and advocacy work says a lot about her character.
A Devoted Wife and Mother of Three
Bree is currently married to Marcus Green, a former high school basketball player who played alongside DeShawn Stevenson. While Marcus is not Jalen’s biological father, he has played a major role in raising him. He’s been present since Jalen’s early basketball days, taking him to recruitment camps and offering constant encouragement.
Bree has three children. Jalen Green is the middle child, with an older sister, Raquel Purganan, who is married to Steve Tucker, and a younger daughter, Jurnee Tyra, born in 2011. Like Jalen, Jurnee is already showing an interest in basketball.
Jalen Green’s Deep Bond with His Mom
Jalen has never shied away from crediting his mom for who he is today. In interviews, he’s often said that he got his work ethic and mindset from her. He recalls how she always pushed him to “go get it” and supported his dreams even when the path wasn’t easy.
In a heartfelt 2022 interview with late Filipino sports journalist Chino Trinidad, Jalen said,
“I got my work ethic from my mom. My mindset too. Since a young age, I felt like winning was everything.”
Clearly, Bree’s influence on her son goes far beyond court drills and game day pep talks. She instilled in him the grit, discipline, and self-belief that fuels his career.
Representing the Philippines with Pride
Jalen Green is part of a select group of NBA players with Filipino heritage, alongside Raymond Townsend and Jordan Clarkson. Although he cannot represent the Philippines in international tournaments due to eligibility rules, Jalen proudly represents the country on the NBA stage.
In 2022, Jalen returned to Manila as a global ambassador for Adidas during the JG4 Manila Tour. His visit was a celebration of culture, connection, and pride. For Bree, watching her son embrace his roots was deeply meaningful.
In an interview with Philstar, Bree shared,
“It makes me feel proud for him to carry on and be able to understand and recognize where he comes from. For him to come back and do all this, it just feels great.”
Jalen himself has said how excited he is to “put on for the Philippines” and has called his connection to the country “scripted” considering his ties through both culture and community.
Where Is Bree Purganan Now?
Bree is currently based in California, where she continues to work as a nurse and run her foundation. She is also still very involved in her children’s lives, especially Jalen’s. She often travels with the family to support him at major NBA events.
Despite living in the shadow of her son’s fame, Bree remains grounded. She rarely seeks attention for herself, preferring to let Jalen’s talent and hard work speak for itself. But behind every highlight reel and game-winning play, there’s no doubt Bree is in the stands or at home, beaming with pride.
Final Thoughts
While Jalen Green may be the one making headlines, Bree Purganan is the steady presence behind his rise. Her strength, dedication, and unwavering belief in her son helped shape not just a great basketball player, but a grounded young man who values hard work, culture, and family.
Bree may not be a household name, but to Jalen Green and everyone who knows her story, she’s nothing short of a hero.
