Stevenson HS community cheers on Knicks star Jalen Brunson in NBA Finals: 'We're so proud of him'

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. (WLS) -- Many Chicagoans may be rooting for the New York Knicks because of Jalen Brunson.

The star point guard graduated from Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. His dad is a Knicks assistant coach, and they are making NBA history. Rick Brunson is the first to coach his own son in the finals.

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ABC7's John Garcia went to Lincolnshire, where it all started for the Brunson family.

Jalen Brunson wound up here at Stevenson because his father was an assistant coach for the Bulls. But Brunson has kept close ties to his high school. He won a state championship there. He even proposed to his now-wife in the school's gym.

The Stevenson basketball team shot around on Monday afternoon in the same gym where Brunson took shots a little over a decade ago. Some of his accomplishments are noted on the gym walls and his jersey retired outside the gym. He may be a big NBA star now, but those who know him say he never forgets where he came from.

"It means so much to coaches and our school. We're so proud of him, just for the person he is, what he's accomplished on the court, but we're more proud of the person he is," said Stevenson Assistant Coach Paul Swan.

Daily Herald sportswriter Mike McGraw covered Brunson on the court in high school but also has seen him off the court supporting his sister in her games.

"He's just humble, polite, just a really nice kid," McGraw said.

Family is a huge priority for Brunson. His father played in the NBA and is now a Knicks assistant coach. The two were the subject of a Good Morning America story where they had some fun.

Jalen Brunson and his wife, Ali Mark, who also attended Stevenson High School are generous, creating a scholarship for kids back home. He stays in touch with his former coaches, who are now Knicks fans.

"I can't stress enough that he is twice or three times the person that he is the player," said retired Stevenson Coach Pat Ambrose.

And he is an amazing player. WCIU Sports Director Kenny McReynolds covered his games in high school, and the two stay in touch. Brunson even gave McReynolds a replica of his 2015 state championship ring.

"He sees plays three plays before they happen. He's playing chess and everybody else is playing checkers," McReynolds said.

Brunson hosts a basketball camp every summer. This year, it is delayed a bit. He is a little busy with the NBA championship right now.