The NBA has always been home to multi-generational talents, but a lesser-known fact is that some of its most promising players have been raised by moms who shined in the WNBA. As basketball continues to transcend gender boundaries, the sons of these Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) trailblazers are now making their mark on the NBA stage. It’s a testament to how deep basketball roots run in these families, where talent and determination have been passed down from mother to son. Here are five NBA players whose mothers were trailblazers in the WNBA.
Paolo Banchero’s career is just beginning, but it’s already clear that his mother, Rhonda Smith-Banchero, laid the foundation for his basketball success. Rhonda, one of the moms who shined in the WNBA, played for the Sacramento Monarchs in 2000, albeit only for a single season. Paolo, who was drafted as the number one overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2022 Draft, credits much of his athletic discipline and drive to his mother’s influence. Her brief but impactful professional career in the WNBA has inspired Paolo to continue the family’s basketball legacy at the highest level of competition.
Seattle ties 🤝Paolo Banchero and his mom, former Sacramento Monarch Rhonda Smith-Banchero, pulled up to support the Storm as they take on the Mercury!SEA-PHX on @CBSSportsNet as part of WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase pic.twitter.com/YLvaCykkT9— WNBA (@WNBA) June 5, 2024
Gary Harris, now playing for the Orlando Magic, also grew up with basketball in his blood. His mother, Joy Holmes-Harris, made a name for herself in college at Purdue University before playing in the WNBA for the Washington Mystics and Detroit Shock. Though her time in the league was brief, her impact on Gary’s life was anything but. Harris, drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2014, has credited his mom’s experiences as a professional athlete for shaping his work ethic and dedication to the game. She remains a key figure among the moms who shined in the WNBA.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann is another player who owes much of his basketball upbringing to his mother. Daynia La-Force may not have been a WNBA star on the court, but she has carved out a long and successful career in coaching. Currently, she serves as an assistant coach for the Indiana Fever. With 25 years of coaching experience under her belt, Daynia has provided Terance with invaluable insights into the game from a young age. Mann has steadily established himself in the NBA since his rookie season in 2019, and much of his success can be traced back to his mother’s influence, who stands alongside other moms who shined in the WNBA.
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey grew up watching his mother, Niele Ivey, excel both on and off the court. Niele spent four years playing in the WNBA, where she suited up for teams like the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, and Detroit Shock. After retiring from professional basketball, Niele transitioned into coaching and is now the head coach of Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team. Jaden credits his mother’s experiences as a professional athlete for giving him the guidance and support he needed to achieve his dreams in the NBA. Having grown up in a household deeply entrenched in basketball, Jaden Ivey is determined to continue the family’s legacy, inspired by one of the many moms who shined in the WNBA.
Jaden Ivey’s mom, Niele, played for the Detroit Shock.His grandfather, James Hunter, played for the Detroit Lions.Full-circle moment for Ivey to get drafted by the Pistons ❤️ pic.twitter.com/bF6jTsSsd6— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 24, 2022
Perhaps the most well-known on this list is JaVale McGee, a former NBA champion who most recently played for the Sacramento Kings. JaVale’s mother, Pamela McGee, is a true basketball pioneer. Pamela began her career in the WABA (Women’s American Basketball Association) before transitioning to the WNBA, where she played for the Sacramento Monarchs and Los Angeles Sparks. Pamela also made her mark on the international stage, winning an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 1984. In 2012, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. JaVale has spoken often about how his mother’s success motivated him to pursue greatness in his own basketball career, driven by the legacy of one of the many moms who shined in the WNBA.
Javale McGee’s mother, Pamela, was drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs.With Javale headed to the Kings, they will both have played for Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Team USA 🥇 pic.twitter.com/mJpYsjvXh9— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 1, 2023
These stories of NBA players with mothers who starred in the WNBA offer a fresh perspective on basketball’s legacy, showing that talent and ambition transcend gender. It also raises important conversations about the role women have played in shaping today’s NBA stars. For too long, the contributions of women to the basketball world have been overshadowed by the dominance of men’s leagues. However, as these players continue to make their mark, their mothers’ legacies remind us that the path to success in professional basketball often begins at home, with lessons learned from trailblazing women who paved the way.
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