When fans talk about NBA stars, the focus is often on their performance on the court—their stats, skills, and highlight plays. Yet behind every great athlete, there’s often a figure who has guided, supported, and shaped their journey from a young age. For Phoenix Suns star Jalen Green, that person is Bree Purganan. More than just “Jalen Green’s mom,” Bree is a Filipina-American nurse, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a symbol of resilience who has played a vital role in shaping Jalen’s career and character.
Early Life and Roots in the Philippines
Bree Purganan’s story begins in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Growing up with her siblings, Kriste Canon and Josh Bass, she was raised by her mother, Julia Durbin, a teacher who later remarried Bob Durbin in 1995. While her father’s identity remains private, Bree’s childhood was deeply influenced by the strong women in her family.
Sports were part of her life early on. Bree was an active student who played basketball, soccer, and cross-country, experiences that instilled discipline, teamwork, and a competitive mindset. These same values would later become guiding principles for her children, especially Jalen.
Eventually, Bree and her family moved to California, where she pursued a career in nursing. She attended Merced College, earning a nursing degree—a testament to her determination and drive to build a better life.
A Career Built on Service and Advocacy
Bree Purganan is not just known for being the mother of an NBA player; she is a successful professional in her own right. She has built a career as a registered nurse in California, driven by a desire to help others. Beyond her work in healthcare, Bree is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
She founded Bree’s Organisation for Breast Cancer Research, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funding for breast cancer patients and research initiatives. Through community events and campaigns, Bree’s efforts highlight the importance of early detection and support for women facing this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains one of the most diagnosed cancers among women in the U.S., making her advocacy work both relevant and impactful.
Family and Personal Life
Bree Purganan’s personal life is as inspiring as her professional journey. She is married to Marcus Green, a former high school basketball player who shared courts with notable NBA talents like DeShawn Stevenson. Though Marcus is Jalen’s stepfather, he has played a vital role in shaping the athlete Jalen has become—encouraging him, taking him to camps, and even gifting him his first pair of Jordans after a backyard dunk.
Jalen’s biological father, Enoch, is African-American, giving Jalen a rich cultural heritage. Bree and Marcus, however, have been the constants, raising Jalen and his siblings with love and discipline.
The Purganan-Green family includes three children:
- Raquel Purganan, the eldest, who is married to Steve Tucker and resides in Fresno, California.
- Jalen Green, born on February 9, 2002, in Merced, California, now one of the NBA’s most exciting young talents.
- Jurnee Tyra, the youngest, born in 2011, who shares her brother’s enthusiasm for basketball.
Bree has always encouraged her children to embrace their heritage. Jalen is only the third NBA player of Filipino descent, joining Raymond Townsend and Jordan Clarkson. His visits to Manila, including his 2022 tour as an Adidas ambassador, were special moments for Bree, reflecting the cultural pride she instilled in him.
Building Jalen Green’s Mindset and Work Ethic
Ask Jalen Green where his relentless drive comes from, and he will immediately credit his mother. Bree was not just a supporter—she was an active coach and motivator during his early years. In a 2022 interview with sports journalist Chino Trinidad, Jalen said, “I got my work ethic from my mom, my mindset from her. She always told me to go get it, and that’s exactly what I did.”
She was his first “lockdown defender” in their driveway games, pushing him to improve his defense and mental toughness. Bree believed in tough love when it came to sports, teaching Jalen that success would never be handed to him and that hard work was the key to standing out.
Overcoming Challenges as a Family
Raising an NBA player is not an easy road. Bree Purganan’s journey involved long hours as a nurse while balancing the responsibilities of raising three children. As an immigrant family, they faced their share of challenges. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 23% of California’s population is foreign-born, and many families like Bree’s work tirelessly to build a better future.
Marcus Green once shared in a 2018 Bleacher Report interview, “Jalen works for everything. Nothing was ever given to him.” Bree’s unwavering determination, sacrifices, and values have been the foundation of Jalen’s path to success.
Bree Purganan’s Lasting Legacy
While Jalen Green continues to make headlines for his on-court achievements, Bree Purganan’s story serves as a reminder of the people who help shape great athletes behind the scenes. Her focus on family, her professional achievements as a nurse and advocate, and her cultural pride make her a role model in her own right.
Conclusion
Bree Purganan is much more than the mother of an NBA star—she is a symbol of strength, perseverance, and love. From her roots in Ilocos Sur to raising one of the brightest young talents in the NBA, Bree’s journey highlights the power of dedication and family support.
Her influence on Jalen Green’s work ethic, values, and cultural pride is undeniable. As Jalen continues to shine in the NBA, Bree’s legacy will remain a cornerstone of his story, proving that behind every great athlete is someone who believed in them long before the world took notice.