When NBA fans talk about success stories, the spotlight naturally falls on the athletes — their game stats, highlight reels, and big moments. But behind every rising star, there’s often someone working tirelessly in the background, shaping their mindset and fueling their journey. For Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green, that driving force is his mother, Bree Purganan.
Bree is far more than just “Jalen Green’s mom.” She is a proud Filipina-American, a registered nurse, a passionate entrepreneur, and a philanthropist who has built a life based on resilience, discipline, and compassion. Her influence on Jalen’s career and her dedication to her family have made her story one worth celebrating.
Early Life: From the Philippines to California
Bree Purganan’s journey begins in Ilocos Sur, a province in the northern Philippines known for its rich culture and strong community values. Growing up alongside her siblings, Kriste Canon and Josh Bass, Bree was raised by her mother, Julia Durbin. Her upbringing was marked by a combination of discipline and encouragement, with her mother’s strength playing a major role in shaping her character.
Sports were a part of Bree’s life from an early age. She played basketball, soccer, and even competed in cross-country. This athletic background not only gave her a competitive spirit but also instilled the discipline and perseverance she would later pass on to her children.
In the mid-1990s, Bree and her family moved to California to begin a new chapter. The transition wasn’t easy — like many immigrants, they faced the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and lifestyle. Yet Bree’s determination to build a better future for herself and her family never wavered.
Career as a Nurse and Entrepreneur
Bree pursued her passion for healthcare by earning her nursing degree from Merced College. She built a successful career as a registered nurse, working long hours to provide for her children. Her dedication to helping others became one of the core values in her household, inspiring her kids to work hard and appreciate the value of service.
But Bree didn’t stop with nursing. With her entrepreneurial spirit, she founded Bree’s Organisation for Breast Cancer Research, a nonprofit aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer patients and research programs. Her work in this field has made a significant difference for women and families dealing with this life-changing diagnosis.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 297,000 new cases of breast cancer were reported in the U.S. in 2023. Bree’s advocacy work addresses not only the medical side of the battle but also the emotional and financial challenges that patients face.
Family Life: The Core of Her Strength
At the heart of Bree’s life is her family. She is married to Marcus Green, a former high school basketball standout who once played alongside NBA talent like DeShawn Stevenson. Though Marcus is Jalen’s stepfather, he has been a strong and steady presence in his life. From taking Jalen to his first basketball camps to buying him his first pair of Jordans after a memorable backyard dunk, Marcus has been a key figure in shaping Jalen’s early basketball journey.
Jalen’s biological father, Enoch, is of African-American heritage, which gives Jalen a multicultural identity he deeply embraces. Yet it’s Bree and Marcus who have been the guiding figures through every challenge and milestone.
Bree’s family includes:
- Raquel Purganan: The eldest daughter, who is married to Steve Tucker and lives in Fresno, California.
- Jalen Green: The NBA star, born on February 9, 2002, in Merced, California.
- Jurnee Tyra: The youngest child, born in 2011, who already shares her big brother’s love for basketball.
Pride in Filipino Heritage
One of Bree’s most inspiring qualities is her pride in her Filipino roots. She made sure Jalen grew up connected to his cultural heritage. Jalen is now one of only three players of Filipino descent to play in the NBA, joining Raymond Townsend and Jordan Clarkson.
When Jalen visited Manila as part of an Adidas ambassador tour in 2022, it was a powerful moment for Bree and her family. For her, it was about more than just basketball — it was about honoring where she came from and showing the world the importance of identity and culture.
Bree’s Role in Jalen Green’s Success
Shaping His Mindset and Work Ethic
Jalen often credits his relentless work ethic to his mother. In a 2022 interview, he said, “I got my work ethic from my mom. She used to tell me to go get it, and that’s what I did. Since I was young, winning has meant everything to me.”
Bree wasn’t just a supportive mom cheering from the sidelines — she was also Jalen’s first “lockdown defender,” challenging him to sharpen his defense in their driveway games. She set the tone for what it meant to work hard and never take shortcuts.
Supporting Through Challenges
Raising a future NBA star was never easy. Bree worked long nursing shifts while balancing parenting and ensuring her children stayed focused on their goals. Her story mirrors that of many immigrant parents who sacrifice their own comfort to give their children a better future.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 23% of California’s population is foreign-born, many of whom face uphill battles as they establish new lives. Bree’s journey — from the Philippines to becoming a nurse and raising an NBA star — is a testament to resilience and determination.
Marcus Green once said in an interview with Bleacher Report, “Jalen worked for everything. Nothing was ever just given to him.” That mindset, instilled by Bree, is what sets Jalen apart on the court.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Beyond basketball and nursing, Bree Purganan has become a role model in her community. Through her nonprofit work and advocacy, she shows that success is about lifting others while climbing your own path. Whether it’s healthcare initiatives or cultural representation, Bree’s contributions reach far beyond her family.
Her ability to balance motherhood, a demanding career, and philanthropy speaks to her determination to make a difference.
A Legacy of Strength and Compassion
Bree Purganan’s influence on Jalen Green goes beyond just raising a successful athlete. She has taught him resilience, humility, and the importance of giving back. Jalen’s journey — from a small town in Merced, California, to becoming an NBA standout — wouldn’t be the same without his mother’s constant support and guidance.
Her story is one of determination, cultural pride, and a reminder that behind every headline-making athlete, there’s often a parent who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.
Conclusion
Bree Purganan is not just “Jalen Green’s mom.” She is a woman of strength, passion, and purpose. Her journey from Ilocos Sur to California, her career as a nurse, her advocacy for breast cancer research, and her unwavering support for her children have shaped a legacy that goes far beyond basketball.
For Jalen Green, every step on the NBA court is a tribute to the lessons and values his mother instilled in him. And for Bree, success is not just measured in wins and stats — it’s seen in the way her children stay grounded, humble, and inspired to make a difference.