Bree Purganan is more than just the mother of NBA sensation Jalen Green — she’s a living embodiment of resilience, sacrifice, and cultural pride. A Filipino-American nurse and entrepreneur, Bree’s journey from the Philippines to the United States is a testament to hard work and dedication. Over the years, she has been the driving force behind Jalen’s basketball career and has influenced his deep connection to his Filipino heritage.
In this article, we will explore Bree’s life, answer popular questions about her background, her influence on her son’s career, and also provide context about related basketball family figures, including Dylan Harper’s mother and Jordan Clarkson’s mom.
Early Life and Filipino Roots
Bree Purganan was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, a province known for its strong cultural traditions and close-knit communities. She grew up surrounded by Filipino customs, family gatherings, and a shared sense of community responsibility.
Eventually, Bree and her family relocated to the United States, settling in California. While her exact age isn’t publicly confirmed, she is believed to be in her late 40s to early 50s, based on her educational timeline and Jalen Green’s birth year.
Education and Professional Career
Bree’s academic journey led her to Merced College in California, where she pursued a degree in nursing. Her choice of profession reflected her caring nature and desire to help others — qualities that later played a significant role in shaping her children’s values.
She went on to work as a registered nurse, a career that requires long hours, emotional resilience, and attention to detail. Over time, Bree also ventured into entrepreneurship and philanthropy, establishing Bree’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, dedicated to raising awareness and funding for cancer prevention.
Family Life and Marriage
Bree married Marcus Green, a former high school basketball player who also played an important role in Jalen’s life. The couple raised three children:
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Raquel Purganan – Jalen’s older sister
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Jalen Green – NBA player and rising star with the Houston Rockets
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Jurnee Tyra – Jalen’s younger half-sister
Jalen’s biological father is Enoch Green, an African-American with a background in basketball. This mixed heritage — Filipino from his mother’s side and African-American from his father’s — has given Jalen a rich cultural identity.
Is Jalen Green’s Mom Full Filipino?
One of the most common questions about Bree is, “Is Jalen Green’s mom full Filipino?” The answer is yes — Bree Purganan was born in the Philippines to Filipino parents, making her fully Filipino by heritage. This cultural background is something she has proudly passed down to Jalen, encouraging him to embrace his roots and connect with the Filipino community worldwide.
Is Jalen Green from Asia?
Another common curiosity is, “Is Jalen Green from Asia?” The answer is no in terms of birthplace — Jalen was born in Merced, California, USA. However, his Asian heritage comes from Bree’s side, linking him to the Philippines and making him a celebrated figure among Asian and Filipino basketball fans.
How Old Is Jalen Green’s Mama?
Many fans wonder, “How old is Jalen Green’s mama?” While Bree’s exact date of birth is not publicly available, it’s estimated she is in her late 40s or early 50s. She attended college in the 1990s and had Jalen in February 2002, which aligns with this age range.
A Mother’s Sacrifices: Driving Jalen to Success
Bree’s support for Jalen’s career went far beyond emotional encouragement. Before Jalen was a household name, Bree often worked night shifts as a corrections officer while also juggling her nursing responsibilities. She would drive Jalen to training sessions, sometimes as far as two and a half hours away, and even rest in the car between games to ensure he had the best opportunities.
This relentless dedication helped shape Jalen’s work ethic and mental toughness, values that have propelled him to NBA stardom.
Bree’s Role in Jalen’s Filipino Connection
Bree instilled in Jalen a strong sense of Filipino pride. She encouraged him to visit the Philippines, connect with fans, and represent his heritage with honor. This connection was evident when Jalen expressed his excitement about playing for Filipino fans and possibly representing the country in international basketball events.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Beyond her family responsibilities, Bree has contributed to causes she deeply cares about. Her breast cancer research foundation is just one example of her commitment to making a difference. She also engages in community projects that encourage youth sports participation, especially among Filipino-American communities.
Who Is Dylan Harper’s Mother?
While discussing basketball families, another prominent figure is Maria Pizarro Harper, the mother of NBA player Dylan Harper.
Maria, like Bree, has Filipino roots and was born in the Philippines before moving to the U.S. She played Division I basketball at the University of New Orleans and later became a basketball coach for nearly three decades. Her guidance played a huge role in Dylan’s athletic journey, and she recently gained widespread attention at the 2025 NBA Draft for her graceful and supportive presence.
Is Jordan Clarkson’s Mom Filipino?
Yes. Jordan Clarkson’s mother, Annette Tullao Davis, is a Filipino-American, born to a Filipina mother from Pampanga, Philippines. Annette and her then-husband, Mike Clarkson, both served in the U.S. Air Force. Jordan has proudly represented the Philippine men’s national basketball team, further strengthening his bond with the country.
The Common Thread Among These Basketball Moms
Bree Purganan, Maria Pizarro Harper, and Annette Tullao Davis share a remarkable similarity — they are strong, dedicated mothers of NBA stars with Filipino heritage. Each has played a vital role in their son’s journey, balancing cultural identity, hard work, and emotional support.
Bree Purganan’s Legacy
Bree’s story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering love. She’s not only the backbone of Jalen Green’s career but also a role model for mothers striving to help their children achieve their dreams. Her Filipino roots, professional dedication, and tireless commitment to her family make her a truly inspiring figure in the world of sports parenting.
As Jalen’s career continues to rise, Bree remains a steady presence, celebrating his victories and guiding him through challenges — proving that behind every great athlete is often an even greater mother.
In conclusion, Bree Purganan’s life journey from Ilocos Sur to raising one of the NBA’s brightest young stars is nothing short of inspiring. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of determination, cultural pride, and unconditional love in shaping the future of the next generation.
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