Behind every star who shines on the court, there’s a guiding force who shapes their discipline, dreams, and drive. For NBA sensation Jalen Green, that person is his mother, Bree Purganan a woman whose life story goes far beyond being a celebrity parent.
Born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and raised in California, Bree’s journey from a small-town Filipina to a professional nurse, entrepreneur, and devoted mother is a powerful tale of strength, love, and identity. She didn’t just raise an athlete she raised a grounded, hardworking young man who proudly represents both his Filipino heritage and American ambition.
Early Life in the Philippines
Bree Purganan was born in the vibrant province of Ilocos Sur, known for its rich culture and close-knit communities. Growing up in a traditional Filipino household, she learned early the values of humility, discipline, and respect — lessons that became the pillars of her life as an adult.
Her mother, Julia Durbin, was a teacher who emphasized education and perseverance. Though details about her biological father are private, Bree’s upbringing was filled with the warmth of extended family and the spirit of bayaniha the Filipino concept of helping one another.
These cultural values became deeply embedded in Bree’s character, forming the strong moral base that she would later pass on to her own children.
Moving to America and Pursuing a Career
In her youth, Bree Purganan moved with her family to California, chasing better opportunities and a brighter future. The transition from provincial life to the fast-paced environment of the United States was not easy, but Bree handled it with the same quiet determination that would define her life.
She attended Merced College, where she studied nursing a field that perfectly matched her compassion and sense of service. During college, she was also known for her athleticism, even playing basketball, which may have subtly foreshadowed her son’s future on the court.
After earning her degree, Bree began her nursing career in California. Working long shifts in hospitals and clinics, she demonstrated remarkable dedication and care for her patients. Her professional path showed that success doesn’t depend on fame but on hard work, integrity, and consistency.
Becoming a Mother: The Start of a Legacy
Bree Purganan’s proudest title has always been “mother.” She has three children Raquel, Jalen, and Jurnee Tyra Green. Her nurturing spirit, combined with discipline, has made her a role model for modern motherhood.
When Jalen Green was born on February 9, 2002, in Merced, California, Bree recognized his natural energy and curiosity. From a young age, he was passionate about basketball, and Bree made sure he had every opportunity to explore that passion.
Unlike many parents who push their children too hard, Bree’s approach was balanced supportive but realistic. She knew that talent needed structure, and dreams required effort. Through patience, discipline, and love, she built the foundation that helped Jalen become one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
A Supportive Partner: Marriage and Family Life
Bree later married Marcus Green, a former basketball player who played alongside DeShawn Stevenson in high school. Marcus became Jalen’s stepfather and an important influence in his basketball journey.
From middle school onward, Marcus guided Jalen through recruitment camps, practices, and life lessons, treating him as his own son. When Jalen made his first dunk in eighth grade, Marcus gifted him his first pair of Jordans a symbolic moment in their father-son bond.
Together, Bree and Marcus created a stable home filled with encouragement and teamwork. Their shared love for basketball became a family glue, and their children grew up understanding the value of dedication, not entitlement.
The Foundation of Jalen Green’s Character
The discipline and humility that fans see in Jalen today can be traced directly back to his upbringing. Bree Purganan taught her son to respect both the game and the people around him.
She emphasized that success should never lead to arrogance and that real greatness comes from gratitude and hard work. Her mantra to her children was simple but powerful: “Work for everything, and stay humble when you get it.”
In an interview, Marcus Green once said that Jalen’s life wasn’t glamorous growing up. “He works for everything. Nothing was handed to him.” That work ethic was nurtured by Bree she made sure her children understood that effort, not privilege, defines success.
A Cultural Connection: Filipino Heritage and Pride
One of Bree Purganan’s most meaningful contributions to Jalen’s identity is his connection to Filipino culture. Though he grew up in the United States, Bree made sure her children never forgot their roots. She celebrated Filipino traditions, cooked native dishes, and spoke proudly about her heritage.
For Bree, being Filipino wasn’t just about where she came from it was about values: respect for elders, love for family, and faith in God.
Jalen often speaks about his pride in representing the Philippines on the global stage. In interviews, he credits his mother for helping him understand his heritage. When he visited Manila in 2022 as part of his Adidas JG4 Tour, it was more than a promotional trip it was a homecoming, a tribute to his mother’s culture and legacy.
Professional Life: Nurse, Entrepreneur, and Advocate
Beyond being a mother, Bree Purganan is a career woman and philanthropist. She has worked as a professional nurse for many years and is respected for her dedication to patients and colleagues alike. Her compassionate nature extends beyond the hospital she’s actively involved in community health campaigns and cancer-awareness programs.
Bree also runs small business ventures and uses her platform to advocate for wellness and family support. She believes that success should be shared, and she continually finds ways to help others whether through charity drives or mentorship initiatives.
Her entrepreneurial spirit shows that women can balance family, career, and purpose not by doing it all at once, but by doing it with intention.
Private but Powerful
Unlike many parents of celebrities, Bree Purganan chooses to maintain her privacy. She isn’t driven by fame or public attention; she prefers to let her actions speak. On social media, she occasionally shares glimpses of her family and work life but keeps her personal matters away from the spotlight.
Her calm and grounded personality contrasts beautifully with the high-energy world of professional basketball. It’s this quiet strength that has become her defining feature and the reason she’s admired by those who know her story.
Her Impact on Jalen Green’s Journey
As Jalen Green continues to rise in the NBA, his success stands as a reflection of his upbringing. Bree’s guidance has shaped not only his athletic abilities but also his character, discipline, and humility.
When he was selected second overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, it was a shared victory — one that belonged as much to Bree as to her son. She was there through every early-morning practice, every tough decision, and every challenge he overcame.
Bree’s influence remains visible in the way Jalen handles fame with gratitude, respect, and focus. She taught him that success isn’t about spotlight moments but about staying true to your values.
The Heart of the Purganan-Green Family
Beyond basketball, Bree Purganan’s legacy lies in her family unity. Her eldest daughter, Raquel Purganan, is married and pursuing her own path, while her youngest, Jurnee Tyra, shares her brother’s enthusiasm for sports. The family’s closeness is evident in how they celebrate each other’s milestones and achievements.
For Bree, success has always been about togetherness. Whether it’s watching Jalen play under the bright lights of the NBA or spending quiet evenings at home, she values moments of love, laughter, and gratitude above all else.
A Legacy of Strength and Grace
Bree Purganan represents more than just the story of a mother who raised an NBA player. She symbolizes the strength of Filipino women resilient, loving, and capable of building greatness from modest beginnings.
Her life teaches that you don’t have to be in the spotlight to make an impact; sometimes, the quiet supporters are the ones who create the brightest stars.
Her legacy will continue through her children, her work, and the countless people she inspires mothers, professionals, and dreamers alike.
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(FAQs)
1. Who is Bree Purganan?
Bree Purganan is a Filipino-American nurse, entrepreneur, and the mother of NBA player Jalen Green. She’s admired for her dedication to family, her cultural pride, and her influence on her son’s success.
2. Where is Bree Purganan from?
She was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and later moved to California, USA, where she built her career and raised her family.
3. What does Bree Purganan do for a living?
She works as a professional nurse and also manages entrepreneurial ventures. Bree is known for her compassion, discipline, and advocacy for health awareness.
4. How did Bree Purganan influence Jalen Green?
She taught him discipline, humility, and hard work — values that shaped his mindset as a professional athlete and public figure.
5. What makes Bree Purganan an inspiration?
Her ability to balance motherhood, career, and cultural identity while raising a successful son is what makes her story truly inspiring.