Vanderbilt’s basketball journey has been significantly influenced by his family background and their unwavering support throughout his career.
Jarred Vanderbilt was born on April 3, 1999, in Houston, Texas, and is an American professional basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
Highlights
- Jarred Vanderbilt, the youngest of six, grew up in a basketball-driven household where both parents and siblings excelled in collegiate sports.
- As the first Vanderbilt to play professionally, Jarred attributes his success to the values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork instilled by his family.
- Jarred faced career-threatening injuries but overcame them with his family’s unwavering encouragement and their shared basketball expertise.
Standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 214 pounds, he plays as a power forward.
Vanderbilt’s basketball journey began at Victory Prep Academy in Houston, where he showcased exceptional talent, averaging 28.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game during his senior year.
His impressive high school performance earned him a spot as a McDonald’s All-American in 2017.
He later played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft, where the Denver Nuggets selected him in the second round.
Jarred Is The Youngest Child Of His Parents Robert And Gwen
Jarred is the youngest of six children born to Gwendolyn and Robert Vanderbilt.
His parents and siblings have deep-rooted connections to basketball, which played a pivotal role in shaping his path in the sport.
His father, Robert, played basketball at Wiley College, and his mother, Gwendolyn, was a collegiate player at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Among his siblings, his brother Jamal played at Texas-Tyler, and his sister Jenae competed at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Growing up in such an environment, basketball was more than just a game; it was a way of life.
Moreover, the family’s collective experience in basketball provided Jarred with invaluable insights and guidance from an early age.
His parents’ collegiate basketball backgrounds offered him a unique perspective on the game’s demands and the discipline required to excel.
Additionally, his siblings’ experiences in collegiate basketball further enriched his understanding, offering him firsthand knowledge of the challenges and triumphs associated with the sport.
The Key Role Of Jarred’s Family In Overcoming Career Obstacles
Jarred faced significant challenges throughout his career, particularly with injuries that threatened to derail his professional aspirations.
During his time at the University of Kentucky, he played only 14 games due to injuries, averaging 5.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
Despite these setbacks, his family remained a steadfast source of support and encouragement.
His brother, Jamal, emphasized the family’s unwavering faith in Jarred’s abilities, stating,
There was never any doubt he would make it if he could stay healthy.
This familial support was instrumental in helping Jarred navigate the physical and emotional challenges he encountered.
Furthermore, the influence of his family extended beyond emotional support.
Their collective basketball experience gave Jarred a comprehensive understanding of the game, from technical skills to strategic insights.
This foundation enabled him to develop a versatile playing style characterized by dynamic performances and a strong on-court presence.
Moreover, his family’s emphasis on discipline, resilience, and continuous improvement became core principles that guided his professional journey.
In interviews, Jarred acknowledged his family’s significant role in his development.
He noted that coming from a family of athletes, many of whom played basketball at the collegiate level, instilled a deep appreciation for the sport and a commitment to excellence.
Being the first in his family to play professionally, he carries forward a legacy of athletic achievement, attributing much of his success to the foundation laid by his family.
Additional Infomation
- Jarred won a gold medal with the 2015 USA U16 National Team at the 2015 FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship.
- Vanderbilt was considered one of the best players in the 2017 recruiting class by Scout.com, Rivals.com, and ESPN.
- Jarred Vanderbilt’s 2024/25 NBA season salary is $4,640,000 and his net worth is $16,879,177.
