• Faith: Christian
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  March 03, 1998

Jayson Tatum is a professional basketball player, selected with the third overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA draft. He won a gold medal on the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo and holds the record for most points scored in an NBA All-Star game. Tatum secured his first NBA Championship title when the Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals.

Tatum was born on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri. Raised primarily by his mother, Brandy Cole, who was a law student at the time of his birth, Tatum's upbringing was marked by determination and a strong support system. His father, Justin Tatum, played basketball at Saint Louis University and later became a coach and gym teacher. This athletic lineage set the stage for Tatum's future in basketball.

Growing up, Tatum faced numerous challenges, but his mother's resilience and dedication played a pivotal role in his development. She often juggled multiple jobs to support her son, instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Tatum's close-knit relationship with his mother has been a cornerstone of his personal and professional life, often crediting her for his success.

Tatum attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, where he quickly made a name for himself on the basketball court. His high school career was nothing short of stellar. By his junior year, Tatum was averaging 25.9 points and 11.7 rebounds per game, demonstrating his potential as a future NBA star.

During his senior year, Tatum elevated his game even further, averaging 29.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. His remarkable performance earned him numerous accolades, including being named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Tatum's high school career culminated in being selected to play in prestigious events like the McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, where he showcased his skills against the nation's top talents.

In 2016, Tatum committed to playing college basketball at Duke University under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Despite battling a foot injury at the beginning of his freshman season, Tatum quickly adapted to the college game upon his return. He averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, helping lead the Blue Devils to the ACC Tournament championship.

Tatum's versatility and scoring ability made him a standout player in college basketball, earning him a spot on the All-ACC Second Team. His impressive performances in the NCAA Tournament, where he averaged over 20 points per game, solidified his status as one of the top prospects for the NBA Draft.

Tatum declared for the 2017 NBA Draft and was selected third overall by the Boston Celtics. From his rookie season, Tatum made an immediate impact, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. He averaged 13.9 points and 5 rebounds per game, and his performance in the playoffs was particularly noteworthy, where he played a key role in leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Over the subsequent seasons, Tatum's game continued to evolve. He became known for his scoring prowess, defensive skills, and clutch performances. In the 2019-2020 season, Tatum was named an NBA All-Star for the first time, averaging 23.4 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. His performance during the season earned him All-NBA Third Team honors.

Tatum's career highlights include scoring a career-high 60 points in a game against the San Antonio Spurs in April 2021, tying Larry Bird's franchise record for most points in a single game. He has also been instrumental in leading the Celtics to multiple deep playoff runs, including another appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals.

In addition to his scoring ability, Tatum is also recognized for his leadership on and off the court. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team, showcasing his all-around game and commitment to excellence.

Off the court, Tatum is a dedicated family man. He is the father of a son, Jayson "Deuce" Christopher Tatum Jr., born in December 2017. Tatum often shares moments with Deuce on social media, and the young boy has become a familiar face to Celtics fans, frequently seen cheering for his father at games.

Tatum's relationship with his son is deeply personal and forms a significant part of his identity. He has spoken about how becoming a father has changed his perspective on life and basketball, motivating him to work even harder to provide a better future for Deuce.

Jayson Tatum's Religious Beliefs

Faith plays a crucial role in Tatum's life. He is a devout Christian and often speaks about the importance of his faith in guiding his personal and professional decisions. Tatum has several tattoos, including religious symbols and references, which reflect his spiritual beliefs.

In interviews, Tatum has credited his faith for keeping him grounded and focused amidst the pressures of being an NBA star. He often shares Bible verses on social media and has mentioned that he prays before every game, seeking strength and guidance.