The NBA has recently witnessed an intriguing family rivalry unfold between two rising stars, Jalen Suggs and Tyrese Haliburton, whose
“Jalen Suggs Tyrese Haliburton family connection”
adds a fascinating layer to their on-court battles. In the tense setting of the Eastern Conference Finals, Suggs and Haliburton faced off representing the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers respectively, showcasing not only their individual talents but also a shared family legacy that runs deep in professional sports.
Unveiling the Family Ties Between Jalen Suggs and Tyrese Haliburton
Though many basketball fans recognize the skilled plays of Tyrese Haliburton or the staunch defense of Jalen Suggs, few are aware that the two are cousins, connecting two distinct branches of a prominent sports family. Jalen Suggs’ father, Larry Suggs, is a second cousin to NFL legend Terrell Suggs, linking the family not only to basketball but also football excellence. This relationship extends the Suggs-Haliburton legacy beyond coincidence into an athletic lineage deeply rooted in Minnesota’s sports history.
Adding to this connection, Jalen is also related to former NBA All-Star Eddie Jones, further cementing the athletic prominence of this family. Larry Suggs recalls his son’s early signs of talent with a touch of humor, saying,
He can’t skate, but s—, man, he can shoot.
—Larry Suggs, Jalen Suggs’ father
A Profile of Jalen Suggs and His Emergence with the Orlando Magic
Jalen Suggs currently serves as a defensive cornerstone and clutch scorer for the Orlando Magic, averaging 16.2 points per game. Born on June 3, 2001, Suggs first made a national impression with his game-winning shot in the 2021 NCAA Tournament Final Four while playing for Gonzaga. That moment instantly established his reputation as a player able to perform under pressure.
Selected fifth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Magic, Suggs brought a dynamic two-way style to a rebuilding team eager for leadership. Before shining on the professional stage, Suggs was a standout in Minnesota’s high school sports scene, excelling in multiple disciplines. Chet Holmgren, a former high school teammate, described Suggs’ dominance at a young age:
We were third-graders playing sixth-grade basketball. And he’s still putting up 25 points on people that are like three, four years older than him. He’s been good since day one.
—Chet Holmgren, former high school teammate of Jalen Suggs
While his offensive skills continue to improve, Suggs’ leadership and determination distinguish him as a fan favorite in Orlando and a key figure in the Magic’s future ambitions.
College Paths of Two Cousins: Contrasting Beginnings of Suggs and Haliburton
Though bound by family ties, Jalen Suggs and Tyrese Haliburton followed separate college routes that highlighted their distinct styles. Suggs attended Gonzaga University, where his impressive court vision and fearless playmaking left a lasting impression on teammates and opponents alike. For instance, Corey Kispert, a senior at Gonzaga and later a Washington Wizards player, recalls an unforgettable play by Suggs during a 23-point win against the University of San Francisco:
There’s a video of him out there throwing a full-court, one-handed pass to [Dominick Harris], and he puts a spin on it too, so it hits the ground and checks up back to [Harris],
and Kispert added,
Super-tough pass. I was kind of running the wing when it happened. I didn’t realize all the hands it had to go through in order to make it. That’s definitely like a QB1 kind of a pass.
—Corey Kispert, Gonzaga former teammate of Jalen Suggs
Suggs was the first athlete in Minnesota to earn the prestigious Mr. Basketball and Mr. Football awards in the same school year, underscoring his rare multi-sport talent. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton honed his skills at Iowa State University, where his smooth passing and basketball IQ quickly drew the attention of professional scouts. Their collegiate experiences shaped two unique playmakers, yet both exhibit exceptional floor vision and boldness.
Exploring Jalen Suggs’ Wider Athletic Family Network
The Suggs family is more than just a sports lineage; it is a powerful dynasty with widespread accomplishments across multiple disciplines. Jalen’s second cousin, Terrell Suggs, is a celebrated NFL linebacker known for his Super Bowl triumph with the Baltimore Ravens and his intimidating defensive presence. Terrell also played for the Arizona Cardinals before retiring, leaving a lasting mark on professional football.
Another key relative is Eddie Jones, a former NBA All-Star who made his name with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Miami Heat. Renowned for his perimeter shooting and lockdown defense, Jones had a distinguished career highlighted by three All-Star selections.
Beyond basketball and football, Jalen Suggs’ personal life intersects with sports royalty as well. He is romantically linked with Hailey Van Lith, a talented basketball player who joined the Chicago Sky in April 2025. Their relationship adds an extra dimension to the Suggs sports narrative.
The legacy extends even further back to Rickey Suggs, Larry Suggs’ cousin and a foundational figure in the family’s Minnesota sports heritage. Rickey was a 1980 Mr. Basketball finalist and made his name in college basketball at Nebraska-Omaha. His career also included professional football experience with the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos. Rickey’s children — Raena, Rickey Jr., and Renard — have all been recognized as standout athletes, continuing the family tradition of excellence on the court.
The Impact of Family Legacy on the NBA and Beyond
The relationship between Jalen Suggs and Tyrese Haliburton goes beyond being mere rivals; their family ties paint a story of a multi-generational sports dynasty influencing both their personal motivations and professional journeys. While both players continue to develop and impact their respective teams, their connection serves as a prime example of how athletic talent and passion can be fostered within families.
The Suggs-Haliburton lineage represents just one thread in the NBA’s intricate web of familial relationships that often fuel both intense competition and mutual pride. As these cousins continue their careers, fans are left to watch and wonder who will rise as the dominant figure and carry forward their family’s storied legacy in basketball.
With the NBA landscape increasingly marked by such familial ties, the Suggs and Haliburton story underscores how talent, heritage, and rivalry intersect, adding layers of intensity to every game they play and every matchup they face.