Mama bears: meet the Memphis Grizzlies’ moms
The road to the NBA is not for the faint of heart, and nobody knows that better than these moms.
The Daily Memphian’s “Mama Bear” series explores the special relationships between Memphis Grizzlies players and their mothers, and how these women influenced their son’s lives and careers. Guest columnist Candace Echols got to know these remarkable women for stories in honor of Mother’s Day in 2022 and 2023.
Jaren Jackson Jr.’s mom used her own upbringing to inspire his
“Jaren’s childhood was filled with hiking and exploring ... we wanted to make sure he was not hooked on electronics from an early age,” said Terri Carmichael Jackson. (Courtesy Terri Carmichael Jackson)
“My goal was to create different learning experiences for him as he grew up. One thing I prided myself on was that I tried to always be available and around,” Terri Carmichael Jackson said. “I wasn’t just a helicopter mom; I was a drone mom — in a good way. I knew what it was to be an only child, so I wanted to keep him busy and active.”
How Ziaire Williams’ mom shifts between probation officer and pro parent
“Basketball is not all that he is. It’s just what he does,” Marquita Williams said. “As his mom, I get him away from all of that. It’s about finding a balance, just like it is in anything.” (Courtesy Marquita Williams)
Marquita Williams, mother to Memphis Grizzlies’ rookie small forward Ziaire Williams, is in her 13th year as a probation officer. She has a combined 15 years in the U.S. Army and Air Force Reserve on her resumé, as well. So, she is a force to be reckoned with — a force with surprising gentleness laced through her voice.
Brandon Clarke’s mom knew he was destined for the NBA, even as a toddler
Whitney Triplett moved her son from Canada to the U.S. before he even turned three to pursue a dream. (Courtesy Whitney Triplett)
When Brandon Clarke was two-and-a-half years old, his family moved from Canada to Arizona for the sake of the dream.“People don’t believe me, but I knew from that age that he would be a basketball player,” Whitney Triplett said. “Canada didn’t have the opportunities for him that the U.S. offered. I knew what I had to do and I followed my heart.”
From forgotten shoes to dogsitting, Luke Kennard’s mom is there
Jennifer Kennard poses with her son Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard Luke Kennard. (Courtesy Jennifer Kennard)
“It’s unbelievable to watch your son play in the NBA, and of course, Duke (University) was amazing,” Jennifer Kennard, Luke Kennard’s mom, told me. “But those high school years in Franklin, Ohio, were unreal. The excitement of our little town and the way they embraced Luke made for a crazy time. We almost made it to state! That had to be my favorite time to watch him play.”
Xavier Tillman’s mom dreamed of NBA Draft Day
Xavier Tillman Sr.‘s daughter Ayanna (left, back) and son Xavier Jr. (left, front) pose with their grandmother Tanya Powell-May (middle) and their cousins. (Courtesy Tanya Powell-May)
Memphis Grizzlies big man Xavier Tillman Sr.’s mom, Tanya Powell-May, is a CPA and the CEO of her own real estate team. She is a former second-team All-Big Ten women’s basketball player at the University of Michigan. She’s got a thing or two to brag about. But when asked what makes her son Xavier the stellar young man he is, it’s clear Tanya sees his success as a blessing and an honor.
Mom’s at the heart of Jones family business
Debbie Jones said she tried to create a home life that equipped sons Tyus Jones (left) and Tre Jones, to reach their potential. (Courtesy Debbie Jones)
As the mom of three sons — two of whom are in the NBA and one who is a basketball trainer — Debbie Jones has spent her fair share of hours in the gym. “I always wanted them to try several sports and decide which they liked best,” she said. “When I saw they had talent and were willing to work — when I saw that they showed promise, dedication, and a willingness to sacrifice — I was ready to do whatever I needed to do in order to help them.”