Behind every NBA star scoring 29 points in his debut stands someone who taught him his first moves. For Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green, that person is a Filipino immigrant nurse who became his first defensive opponent, his cultural anchor, and the architect of his mental toughness. Meet Bree Purganan—the woman who shaped one of basketball’s rising talents while balancing emergency room shifts and raising three children as a single mother.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Bree Purganan |
|---|---|
| Profession | Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Entrepreneur |
| Nationality | Filipino-American |
| Birthplace | Ilocos Sur, Philippines |
| Age | Estimated early 50s (exact birth year undisclosed) |
| Education | Associate Degree in Nursing, Merced Community College (1999) |
| Spouse | Marcus Green (former basketball player) |
| Children | Raquel Purganan, Jalen Green, Jurnee Tyra |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1–2 Million USD |
| Notable For | Mother of NBA star Jalen Green; breast cancer advocate |
Early Life
Bree Purganan was born in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to Julia Durbin, a dedicated teacher, and an undisclosed biological father. Her mother later remarried Bob Durbin in 1995, who became Bree’s stepfather during her formative years.
Growing up in the Philippines, Bree developed a strong work ethic and cultural pride that would later define her parenting approach. She immigrated to California as a teenager, seeking better opportunities in the United States.
Bree has two siblings—a brother named Josh Bass and a sister named Kriste Canon. Her Filipino heritage remains central to her identity, influencing how she raised her children, particularly Jalen Green, who is the third player of Filipino descent in NBA history.
Education
Bree Purganan’s journey into healthcare began at Merced Community College District, where she completed an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1999. While pursuing her education, she also played college basketball at Merced College, showcasing her athletic abilities that would later inspire her son.
In 2002, she obtained her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) certification from Turlock Emanuel, solidifying her professional credentials. Her dedication to education while balancing athletic interests demonstrated the same discipline she would instill in Jalen Green’s basketball career.
Standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing approximately 60 kg, Bree was an athlete herself before transitioning fully into healthcare and motherhood.
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Career
Healthcare Professional
As of 2025, Bree Purganan continues working as a mental health care nurse, a role she has held since 2016. She has been employed in the emergency department at Madera Community Hospital, providing critical care to patients in crisis situations.
Before her nursing career, Bree worked for the California Department of Corrections in Chowchilla, California, from September 2004 to April 2014. She served as both a correctional officer and a medical technical assistant, gaining experience in high-pressure healthcare environments.
Her career path reflects resilience and commitment—working night shifts and long hours while raising three children, often as a single mother, before marrying Marcus Green.
Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy
Beyond nursing, Bree Purganan is an entrepreneur and founder of Bree’s Organisation for Breast Cancer Research. Leveraging her medical background, she created awareness campaigns and fundraising initiatives for breast cancer patients, demonstrating her commitment to community health beyond her day job.
Her entrepreneurial spirit extends to supporting her son’s basketball journey, managing family logistics, and maintaining household stability during Jalen’s rise to NBA stardom.
Achievements
Maternal Influence on Jalen Green’s NBA Career
Bree Purganan’s greatest achievement lies in shaping Jalen Green into an elite NBA athlete. She was Jalen’s first lockdown defender, teaching him to play defense in their driveway—a tough mindset that remains part of his game today.
In a 2022 interview, Jalen Green credited his mother: “I got my work ethic from (my mom), my mindset from her.” This maternal influence became the foundation of his professional success.
As an immigrant from the Philippines, Bree instilled cultural pride and personal resilience in Jalen, making him a proud representative of Filipino heritage in the NBA.
Professional Recognition
With over 20 years in healthcare, Bree has built a respected career as a licensed vocational nurse specializing in mental health care. Her work in emergency departments and correctional facilities showcases her ability to handle high-stress medical situations.
Her breast cancer foundation reflects her dedication to public health advocacy, combining her nursing expertise with community outreach.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Bree Purganan is married to Marcus Green, a former basketball player who was a teammate of NBA player DeShawn Stevenson at Washington Union High School. Marcus became a supportive stepfather to Jalen and played a significant role in his basketball development.
Bree has three children:
- Raquel Purganan (eldest daughter) – Married to Steve Tucker, living in Fresno, California
- Jalen Green (middle child) – Born February 9, 2002, in Merced, California; NBA shooting guard for Phoenix Suns (as of 2025)
- Jurnee Tyra (youngest) – Born in 2011, approximately 14 years old as of 2025; shares Jalen’s passion for basketball
The identity of Jalen Green’s biological father remains undisclosed publicly, with Bree maintaining privacy around her first marriage.
Current Life in 2025
As of 2025, Bree Purganan continues residing in California, with addresses associated with Fresno and Napa. She remains actively involved in Jalen’s career, especially following his blockbuster trade to the Phoenix Suns on July 6, 2025.
The seven-team trade sent Kevin Durant to Houston while bringing Jalen to Phoenix, marking a new chapter in his career. Bree continues supporting her son while maintaining her nursing career and philanthropic work.
She is active on Facebook but notably absent from Instagram, preferring to maintain some privacy despite her son’s celebrity status.
Net Worth
Bree Purganan’s estimated net worth in 2025 is between $1 million and $2 million USD. Her wealth stems from multiple sources:
- Nursing Career: Over 20 years as a licensed vocational nurse with emergency department experience
- Correctional Facility Employment: Decade-long service at the California Department of Corrections
- Entrepreneurship: Breast Cancer Foundation and other business ventures
- Family Support: Benefits from Jalen Green’s NBA contracts and endorsements
While exact salary figures remain private, licensed vocational nurses in California earn competitive wages, especially in specialized departments like mental health and emergency care.
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Interesting Facts
- First Defensive Coach: Bree was Jalen Green’s first basketball opponent, playing defense against him in their driveway
- Multi-Talented Athlete: She played college basketball at Merced College while pursuing her nursing degree
- Cultural Ambassador: Raised Jalen with strong Filipino values, making him one of three Filipino-descent players in NBA history
- No Instagram Presence: Unlike most NBA parents, Bree maintains privacy by staying off Instagram
- Healthcare Hero: Works in mental health care, one of the most demanding nursing specializations
- Correctional Experience: Spent 10 years working in California’s correctional system before full-time nursing
FAQs
Who is Bree Purganan?
Bree Purganan is a Filipino-American licensed vocational nurse and the mother of NBA star Jalen Green, who plays for the Phoenix Suns as of 2025.
What is Bree Purganan’s net worth in 2025?
Bree Purganan’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million USD, earned through her nursing career and entrepreneurial ventures.
Is Bree Purganan married?
Yes, Bree Purganan is married to Marcus Green, a former basketball player who became Jalen Green’s stepfather.
How old is Bree Purganan?
While her exact birth year is not publicly disclosed, Bree Purganan is estimated to be in her early 50s as of 2025.
What does Bree Purganan do for a living?
Bree Purganan works as a mental health care nurse and is also an entrepreneur who founded a breast cancer research organization.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and online sources.
