Jalen Brunson

Co-Founder,
Second Round Foundation

After one of the most decorated careers in college basketball at Villanova, Jalen Brunson entered the 2018 NBA Draft, where he was selected 33rd overall by the Dallas Mavericks. From the start of his professional career, Brunson distinguished himself through consistency, leadership, and a relentless work ethic, steadily elevating his performance each season.

During his tenure in Dallas, Brunson emerged as one of the league’s most reliable guards, finishing top five in Sixth Man of the Year voting and playing a pivotal role in the Mavericks’ deep playoff run. His breakout postseason performance positioned him as one of the NBA’s rising stars and set the stage for the next chapter of his career.

In 2022, Brunson signed with the New York Knicks, where he quickly established himself as the face of the franchise. In August 2024, he was named team captain, further solidifying his role as the leader of the organization. Since joining the Knicks, he has earned multiple All-Star selections, All-NBA honors, and recognition as one of the NBA’s most clutch performers, leading the team to consecutive playoff appearances and helping reestablish New York as a contender in the Eastern Conference.

Known for his poise, toughness, and leadership, Brunson has built a reputation as a player who consistently delivers in high-pressure moments. His approach to the game is grounded in discipline, preparation, and an unwavering commitment to growth. These principles are captured in his personal mantra, “The Magic is in the Work.”

Beyond basketball, Brunson is deeply committed to creating meaningful, long-term impact through the Second Round Foundation, which he co-founded to “plant seeds of equity” for young people through education, sport, and community. Inspired by his own journey and the realities many young people face, the Foundation focuses on expanding access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that empower youth to define their own success.

Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Stevenson Foundation, DREAM Charter School, and community-based programs across New York and beyond, the Foundation delivers initiatives centered on education, wellness, and community engagement. From supporting school-based programming and nutrition initiatives to creating spaces for mentorship and leadership development, Brunson remains intentional about ensuring the Foundation’s work creates lasting, measurable impact.

His journey from second-round draft pick to NBA All-Star continues to shape his commitment to opening doors for the next generation and reinforcing the belief that opportunity, when paired with preparation, can change lives.