Bree Purganan: Inspiring Mom Behind NBA Star Jalen Green!

Bree Purganan is a proud Filipino-American nurse and entrepreneur, best known as the dedicated mother of NBA star Jalen Green. Born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, she has played a vital role in supporting Jalen’s basketball journey while balancing her career and family life. Bree’s strong cultural roots and unwavering support continue to inspire many fans worldwide.

Stay tuned with us as we dive deeper into the inspiring story of Bree Purganan — her life, achievements, and incredible support for NBA star Jalen Green.

Who Is Bree Purganan?

Bree Purganan is best known as the proud mother of NBA star Jalen Green. She was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and later moved to California, United States. Bree Purganan is a strong woman who worked hard as a nurse and entrepreneur. She is also very active in charity, especially in cancer awareness through her foundation. 

Despite challenges, Bree Purganan made sure her children had all the support they needed to follow their dreams. She stands about 5 feet 5 inches tall and has three children, including Jalen Green. Her family means everything to her, and she continues to inspire many with her dedication and love.

What Was Bree Purganan’s Early Life and Education Like?

Bree Purganan was born in Ilocos Sur, a province in the Philippines known for its rich culture and strong family values. She grew up in a humble home, raised by her mother, Julia Durbin, who worked as a teacher. Life wasn’t easy, but Bree Purganan learned early on the importance of hard work and staying focused.

After moving to the United States, she continued her studies and later joined Merced College in California. There, she studied nursing and also played college basketball. These early years shaped who Bree Purganan is today — a caring mother, a dedicated nurse, and someone who never gave up on her goals.

Her journey from a small town in the Philippines to building a life in the U.S. shows the strength and passion that define Bree Purganan.

What Are Bree Purganan’s Career Achievements?

Bree Purganan is a dedicated nurse and entrepreneur. She has worked in healthcare, providing care and support to many. Her commitment to helping others led her to establish Bree’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, focusing on raising awareness and funding for breast cancer research.

Balancing her professional life with family, Bree Purganan has also been a strong supporter of her son, NBA player Jalen Green. Her ability to manage both her career and family responsibilities showcases her resilience and dedication.

Who Is in Bree Purganan’s Family?

Bree Purganan comes from a close-knit family with deep roots in the Philippines. She was born in Ilocos Sur and raised by her mother, Julia Durbin, a dedicated teacher. Bree has two siblings: a sister named Kristie Purganan Canon and a brother named Josh Bass.

In her personal life, Bree Purganan is married to Marcus Green, a former basketball player who played alongside DeShawn Stevenson in high school. Marcus has been a significant figure in Bree’s life and has supported her family wholeheartedly.

Together, Bree and Marcus have three children:

• Raquel Purganan: The eldest daughter, Raquel, is married to Steve Tucker and resides in Fresno, California.
  
• Jalen Green: Born on February 9, 2002, Jalen is the middle child and has risen to prominence as a professional basketball player in the NBA.
  
• Jurnee Tyra: The youngest daughter, born in February 2011, Jurnee shares her brother’s passion for basketball and is actively involved in the sport .

Bree Purganan‘s family reflects a blend of Filipino heritage and American culture, creating a supportive environment that has nurtured the talents and ambitions of her children.

How Has Bree Supported Jalen Green Throughout His Basketball Journey?

Bree Purganan has played a major role in her son’s rise to NBA stardom. From an early age, she supported Jalen Green’s dreams, making sure he had the tools, guidance, and emotional support to excel in basketball. As a former athlete herself, Bree Purganan understood the demands of competitive sports and used her own experiences to guide Jalen.

She made sacrifices, balanced her nursing career, and drove him to practices, training camps, and tryouts. Bree also made sure Jalen stayed focused on his goals, reminding him to “go get it,” a mindset that helped shape his strong work ethic. According to Jalen, his mother gave him the mental strength and discipline needed to succeed.

Alongside her husband, Marcus Green, Bree ensured Jalen had a supportive home. Marcus also became a mentor, buying Jalen his first pair of Jordans and taking him to recruitment events. But it was Bree’s constant encouragement, firm belief, and protective love that stood out most.

Today, Bree Purganan remains one of Jalen’s biggest inspirations. She attends his games, celebrates his achievements, and continues to motivate him off the court, proving that behind every great player is a family that believes in them.

Why Is Bree Proud of Their Filipino Heritage?

Bree Purganan takes great pride in her Filipino heritage, and she has passed that pride on to her son, Jalen Green. Born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, Bree holds strong cultural ties to her roots. Even after moving to the United States, she kept her background close to her heart.

For Bree, being Filipino means family values, strength, and resilience—qualities she’s proud to carry and share with her children. She has spoken openly about how meaningful it is to see Jalen embrace his heritage and represent the Philippines on a global stage through the NBA.

Jalen has visited the Philippines and often shares how much the culture and people mean to him. Bree is proud of how he recognises where he comes from and connects with his roots. For her, it’s more than tradition—it’s identity.

By honouring her Filipino background and encouraging Jalen to do the same, Bree Purganan shows that success is even greater when you never forget who you are and where you came from.

What Is Bree Purganan’s Lasting Legacy?

Bree Purganan has built a legacy rooted in love, strength, and support. As the mother of NBA star Jalen Green, she has had a lasting impact that goes beyond just raising a talented athlete. She shaped a young man who understands discipline, culture, and hard work.

Her Filipino-American background, dedication as a nurse, and constant presence in her children’s lives highlight how she balances family, career, and identity. Bree’s influence helped mold Jalen’s mental strength and drive, which he often credits in interviews.

She also leaves a legacy of pride in her Filipino heritage, showing her family the value of staying connected to their roots. By embracing both cultures, Bree encourages others to do the same.

In every way, Bree Purganan stands as an example of how a mother’s belief, culture, and support can help shape greatness. Her legacy will continue to live on through Jalen’s success and the values she’s passed on to her family.

FAQ’s

1. How old is Bree Purganan?

The exact age of Bree Purganan is not publicly known. However, she is believed to be in her early to mid-40s based on her life timeline and family background.

2. Is Jalen Green’s mom full Filipino?

Yes, Bree Purganan is of full Filipino descent. She was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and later moved to the United States, where she raised her family.

3. Who is Jalen Green’s sister?

Bree Purganan has two daughters: Raquel Purganan, her eldest, and Jurnee Tyra, the youngest. Both sisters share a close bond with their brother, Jalen Green.

4. Is Jalen Green an NBA All-Star?

As of now, Jalen Green has not yet been selected as an NBA All-Star. However, he is one of the league’s most promising young players, and his performances continue to earn attention.

5. Where is Bree Purganan from?

Bree Purganan is originally from Ilocos Sur, a province in the northern Philippines. She currently lives in California, USA, with her family.

6. Is Bree married?

Yes, Bree Purganan is married to Marcus Green, who is Jalen Green’s stepfather. Marcus has played a strong father figure role in Jalen’s life and basketball journey.

7. Who are Bree Purganan’s children?

Bree Purganan has three children: Raquel Purganan, Jalen Green, and Jurnee Tyra. She is known for being a dedicated and supportive mother to all her kids.

8. What is Bree Purganan known for?

Bree Purganan is best known as the mother of NBA star Jalen Green. She is also recognised for her career as a nurse, her Filipino-American background, and her strong influence on her son’s success.

Conclusion

Bree Purganan is more than just the mother of an NBA rising star—she’s a symbol of strength, dedication, and cultural pride. From her roots in Ilocos Sur to raising a future basketball icon in California, her journey reflects the power of support and belief in family. 

Through her work as a nurse, her commitment to her children, and her pride in her Filipino heritage, Bree Purganan continues to inspire not just her son, Jalen Green, but also the many fans who admire their bond. Her influence on Jalen’s career, mindset, and values makes her a central figure in his story—and one worth celebrating in her own right.