Who Are Jayson Tatum’s Parents? Meet Justin Tatum And Brandy Cole-Barnes

Jayson Tatum is a six-time All-Star and an NBA champion, and the story of how he got there starts with two parents who were barely out of high school. His mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, was a college student when he was born in St. Louis in 1998, and his father, Justin Tatum, was playing basketball at Saint Louis University. Brandy raised him largely on her own, while Justin became his first coach. Both were tough on him, and he credits that for his success today.

Brandy Cole-Barnes, the mother who took him to class

Brandy was a top student and a varsity volleyball player at University City High, and she was headed to Tennessee on a full scholarship. Then she found out she was pregnant, just weeks after graduating. She chose to stay in St. Louis, studying political science and communications while working part-time jobs to pay for school and daycare. “It was really tough, but it was what I felt like I had to do for both of us,” she said.

Jayson often went to class with her. He remembers sitting in the back, eating snacks and playing video games, and that routine continued through business school and law school. Brandy earned her law degree in 2010 and is now an attorney. Money was tight when he was young, and he has said the family once came close to being evicted. He calls himself “the biggest mama's boy ever.” She married Marcus “Jake” Barnes in 2016, and Jayson shared photos from the wedding.

Brandy also set rules. She told him C's were not allowed, and once kept him home from a tournament over his grades. She says she knew he was special by fourth grade, and still wants him to finish his degree at Duke.

Justin Tatum, the coach who pushed him hard

Justin played at Christian Brothers College High School, with Larry Hughes, who is now Jayson's godfather. He then played at Saint Louis University and spent three years as a pro in the Netherlands, then moved into coaching. He is now head coach at his old high school, where he has been for more than ten seasons.

Jayson never lived with his father, but Justin trained him and coached him. The tough style left a mark. Jayson has said the two mostly went to games, practice and haircuts, and that he missed out on a normal father-son bond. Even so, he says, “He was so tough on me, which I appreciate, because I wouldn't be here if he wasn't.” Justin calls it “tough love,” saying he wanted his son ready for the world.

The two have since grown close. Justin was there when Jayson scored a record 55 points to win 2023 All-Star MVP, and both parents joined him on the court after the 2024 title. Justin also has two other children, Jaycob and Kayden.