VIDEO: Knicks Teammates & More Celebrate Jalen Brunson, Ali Marks Wedding
Jalen Brunson has brought a ring to New York City basketball.
The New York Knicks point guard celebrated his marriage to girlfriend Ali Marks over the weekend and several collegiate and professional teammates were on hand to help the long-standing couple tie the knot in Chicago.
“We wanted to bring all of our closest friends (and) family together in a city that means so much to both of us,” Brunson told People magazine. “(It's) emotional to see everyone important to us in the same room.”
Madison Square Garden is due for at least 41 Villanova University homecomings next season, as Donte DiVincenzo is set to join Brunson and Josh Hart, the latter arriving at last year's trade deadline. But the Brunson bash truly brought out Philadelphia's finest: in addition to DiVincenzo and Hart, Phil Booth, Mikal Bridges, Eric Paschall, and former Knick Ryan Arcidiacono were among the Wildcats in attendance, as was former head coach Jay Wright, who helped that group win two national championships.
Among the Knicks contingent with DiVincenzo and Hart was RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, with everyone putting metropolitan differences aside to party alongside Bridges, who's set to be one of the main attractions for the Brooklyn Nets over the next few seasons. Other Knicks reps included head coach Tom Thibodeau, president Leon Rose ... and, of course, father of the groom and assistant coach Rick Brunson.
Fresh off a breakout season in blue and orange, Brunson took full advantage of a well-earned celebration, perhaps one of his last of the summer before he and Hart represent Team USA in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup. The newlywed's dance moves, certainly an escalation from his subtle three-point celebration, should certainly serve as reference of jubilation for New Yorkers who venture out to Madison Square Garden to see what he can do for an encore.
Brunson successfully proposed to his high school sweetheart Marks, a physical therapist, last year, popping the question at their alma mater of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, IL. The two were a major part of the Patriots' athletic programs, with Brunson starring on the basketball team with Marks as a cheerleader.
“She’s always been by my side and I’m lucky to have her,” Brunson told People. “I’m excited to celebrate this special milestone with all of our closest friends and family, who have been so supportive over the many years of our relationship. There’s a lot of shared history. I’m looking forward to finally calling Ali my wife!"
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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