Bree Purganan: The Inspiring Journey of NBA Star Jalen Green’s Mother from Philippines to Success
Who is Bree Purganan?
Most basketball fans know Bree Purganan as the proud mother behind NBA rising star Jalen Green. But there’s so much more to this remarkable Filipino-American woman than meets the eye.
Bree has built quite an impressive life for herself. She’s a registered nurse who’s dedicated years to helping patients, a savvy entrepreneur running her own ventures, and a passionate philanthropist making real change in her community. All while raising three kids and supporting one of basketball’s brightest young stars.
What makes her story truly special is how it mirrors the journey of so many immigrant families in America. Bree didn’t just achieve the American dream – she’s living proof that with enough grit and determination, you can honor your roots while building something extraordinary in your new home.
Early Life and Filipino Heritage
Roots in Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Back in 1982, Bree Purganan was born in Ilocos Sur, a beautiful province in the Philippines known for its stunning coastlines and rich history. Growing up there meant being surrounded by traditions that would later become the backbone of how she’d raise her own children.
Her mom, Julia Durbin, was a teacher who never let Bree forget how important education was. You know how some parents are always on you about studying? That was Julia, but in the best possible way. When Julia married Bob Durbin in 1995, Bree gained a stepfather who brought even more stability to their family.
Bree wasn’t an only child either. She grew up with her siblings Kristie Canon and Josh Bass, learning early on that family always comes first. Those childhood lessons about sticking together and supporting each other? They’d prove pretty crucial later when she was juggling her own family’s needs.
Immigration to the United States
Moving from the Philippines to California wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Like most immigrants, Bree had to figure out how to fit into American culture without losing the Filipino values that made her who she was.
But here’s the thing about Bree – she’s always been determined. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the challenges, she set her sights on Merced College and dove headfirst into studying healthcare. Even as a young woman navigating a completely new country, she kept her eyes on the prize.
That whole immigration experience taught her lessons you just can’t learn from books. How to adapt when things get tough. How to stay true to yourself while embracing change. These weren’t just life skills – they were exactly what she’d need later when raising kids who’d have to balance their Filipino heritage with their American dreams.
Professional Career and Achievements
Nursing Career Foundation
Choosing nursing wasn’t random for Bree. She’s always had this natural instinct to help people, and healthcare felt like the perfect way to make a real difference. After earning her nursing degree from Merced College, she jumped into a career that’s lasted decades.
But Bree’s never been the type to just clock in and clock out. She’s constantly pushing for better patient care and educating her community about health issues that really matter. It’s not just a job for her – it’s a calling.
Anyone who’s worked in nursing knows how demanding it can be. You need to stay organized under pressure, handle emotional situations with grace, and somehow find energy left over for your own family. Bree’s mastered all of that, which probably explains how she’s managed to support Jalen’s basketball journey while maintaining her own successful career.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Bree’s business sense is pretty impressive too. She’s explored different entrepreneurial opportunities over the years, always managing to balance multiple projects without dropping the ball on any of them.
What’s interesting is that she doesn’t just chase money. Every business venture she’s gotten involved with aligns with her values and gives her another way to help her community. That’s not something you see every day in the business world.
All that entrepreneurial experience has been incredibly valuable when it comes to managing Jalen’s career. Professional sports can be a complicated world to navigate, but Bree’s business background has helped her make smart decisions about her son’s future.
Family Life and Personal Relationships
Marriage to Marcus Green
When Bree married Marcus Green, a former basketball player, it was like two puzzle pieces clicking together. They both understood the importance of family, and Marcus brought firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in basketball.
Marcus didn’t just marry Bree – he embraced being a stepfather to Jalen with everything he had. From the beginning, he was there for basketball advice, emotional support, and all the day-to-day stuff that comes with raising a future NBA star.
What’s beautiful about their relationship is how they complement each other. Bree handles the emotional guidance and life lessons, while Marcus brings the basketball expertise. Together, they’ve created this incredible support system that’s helped all their kids thrive.
Raising Three Children
Managing three kids is no joke, but Bree makes it look effortless. Her oldest, Raquel Purganan Tucker, has built her own life in Fresno with her husband Steve. She’s proof that Bree’s parenting approach works for all her children, not just the one who made it to the NBA.
Then there’s Jalen, born February 9, 2002, in Merced. Sure, he’s the one everyone knows about now, but Bree has always treated all her kids equally. She’s never let Jalen’s success overshadow her other children’s achievements and dreams.
The youngest is Jurnee Tyra, born in 2011, who’s already showing signs of inheriting the family’s basketball genes. Bree’s approach with all of them is the same: encourage their passions, but never forget the values that really matter – hard work, respect, and pride in where you come from.
The Making of an NBA Star – Bree’s Influence on Jalen Green
Early Basketball Development
Long before Jalen was dunking on NBA courts, he was learning defense from his mom in their driveway. Bree famously became his “first lockdown defender,” and those early lessons laid the groundwork for the competitive fire he shows today.
Bree never just dropped Jalen off at practice and called it a day. She was actively involved in building his mental toughness, teaching him that every challenge was just another chance to get better. That mindset shift – seeing obstacles as opportunities – has been huge for Jalen’s development.
You can hear it straight from Jalen himself. In a 2022 interview, he said, “I got my work ethic from my mom, my mindset from her. She used to tell me to go get it, and that is what I did.” When your own kid credits you with shaping their entire approach to life, you know you’re doing something right.
Cultural Pride and Identity
One thing Bree never let Jalen forget was where he came from. While he was chasing his American basketball dreams, she made sure he stayed connected to his Filipino roots and took pride in representing that community.
When Jalen visited Manila in 2022 as an Adidas global brand ambassador, you could see how strong those cultural ties still were. That didn’t happen by accident – that was years of Bree making sure her son understood that his heritage wasn’t something to hide, but something to celebrate.
It’s actually pretty remarkable how Bree managed to raise a kid who’s equally comfortable representing the Philippines and competing in American basketball. She taught Jalen that being bicultural isn’t about choosing sides – it’s about drawing strength from both parts of who you are.
Philanthropic Work and Community Impact
Bree’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Research
Bree’s commitment to helping others goes way beyond her day job. She founded Bree’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Research because she saw a real need and decided to do something about it.
The foundation isn’t just about raising money – though that’s important too. Bree uses her medical background to educate people about early detection and the importance of ongoing research. She’s turning her professional knowledge into real-world impact.
What’s impressive is how she’s leveraged her growing platform to expand the foundation’s reach. As Jalen’s career has taken off, Bree has used that increased visibility to shine a light on causes that matter to her. That’s using fame for good.
Healthcare Advocacy
Throughout her nursing career, Bree has been a voice for patients and communities that don’t always get heard. She knows that good healthcare isn’t just about treating people when they’re sick – it’s about education and prevention too.
Her work has been especially important for Filipino-American families who might struggle to navigate the healthcare system. Being bilingual and understanding both cultures has made her an incredibly effective advocate for people who need someone in their corner.
Bree’s approach to healthcare advocacy shows other nurses and healthcare workers that they can make a difference beyond their individual patients. She’s proof that one person with passion and determination can create change that ripples out to entire communities.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Beyond Basketball Success
Sure, Jalen’s NBA success has put Bree in the spotlight, but her real legacy goes much deeper than basketball stats. The values she’s instilled in all her children – staying humble, working hard, and never forgetting where you came from – those are the things that will last long after the final buzzer.
Bree has always taught her kids that success isn’t just about what you achieve for yourself. It’s about what you do with that success to help others. That philosophy has shaped not just Jalen, but all her children.
In the Filipino-American community, Bree has become something of a role model. She’s living proof that you can honor your heritage while building an incredible life in America. That’s a powerful message for immigrant families everywhere.
Future Aspirations
Even with all she’s accomplished, Bree isn’t slowing down. Her foundation’s work in breast cancer research is just getting started, and she’s got big plans for expanding her impact in healthcare advocacy.
Her unique experience – balancing motherhood, a nursing career, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy – puts her in a perfect position to mentor other women who are trying to juggle multiple roles while making a difference in their communities.
The story Bree Purganan is writing isn’t finished yet. She’s built something that goes far beyond being “Jalen Green’s mom.” Through her professional work, her foundation, and her dedication to family values, she’s created a legacy that will inspire people for years to come.
Bree’s journey from a small province in the Philippines to raising an NBA star in California shows us what’s possible when you combine determination, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Her story reminds us that behind every success story, there’s usually someone like Bree – working tirelessly, staying humble, and never forgetting the values that matter most.
