“Almost evicted out of our house, had to borrow food from our neighbors so I could eat” – Jayson Tatum describes the struggle his mother went through to help him become an NBA star

A defending NBA champion, a five-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA First Team member, and the recipient of a groundbreaking five-year, $315 million contract with the Boston Celtics—Jayson Tatum’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

But none of it would have been possible without the support of his mother. As the dynamic forward prepares to enter the next phase of his career with a deal set to begin in the 2025-26 season, he reflects on the unwavering support of his biggest inspiration: his mother.

A young mother’s determination

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Tatum was raised by his mother, Brandy Cole, who was just 19 years old when she had him. A freshman in college, Cole balanced her studies, part-time jobs, and the responsibilities of raising her son alone. It was not an easy upbringing for the future NBA superstar.

“My mom was 19 when she had me,” Tatum said. “She was still a kid who just had a kid. She was a freshman in college, trying to make ends meet, living check to check all our life growing up. We were almost evicted from our house and had to borrow food from our neighbors so I could eat. A lot of times, she made sure I had something to eat. Going through tough times made our bond stronger.”

Despite these hardships, Cole never allowed her struggles to overshadow her son’s dreams. She instilled in him the values of hard work and resilience, laying the foundation for the man he is today.

 

Being a superhero

From an early age, Jayson stood out on the basketball court. As a standout at Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, he quickly became one of the nation’s most sought-after high school players. With an NBA dream on the horizon, his mother remained his anchor, ensuring he stayed focused on his education and athletic goals.

“My mom played the biggest role in my success. She’s my best friend to this day. I’m a self-proclaimed mama’s boy—my mom is my superhero,” Tatum said. “She sacrificed everything to give her son opportunities to chase this dream. She was the hardest-working person I knew. She never made excuses, she gave me unconditional love, but she was the toughest on me.”

When the 6’6″ prospect committed to Duke University in 2015 before his senior year of high school, it marked a significant step forward. His lone season with the Blue Devils in 2016-17 was filled with highlights, including leading the team to the ACC Tournament championship. Tatum averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential to NBA scouts.

Behind the scenes, his mother remained his biggest cheerleader and toughest critic. On June 22, 2017, the Celtics selected JT third overall in the NBA Draft. For Cole, the moment was nothing short of euphoric. After years of sacrifices and sleepless nights, she watched her son achieve what once seemed like an impossible dream.

 

From his rookie season to becoming an All-NBA First Team selection and a champion, No. 0’s accolades reflect not only his immense talent but also the sacrifices made by the woman who stood by his side every step of the way.