Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum on being a 'momma's boy'

TL;DR

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics describes himself as a 'momma's boy,' highlighting his close relationship with his mother, Brandy Cole. He credits her for his success and shares how they have lived near each other since he was drafted.

Key points

Jayson Tatum calls himself a 'momma's boy'
He credits his mother for his success
Tatum grew up in a single-parent household
He and his mother live on the same street in Boston

Mentioned in this story

Jayson TatumBrandy Cole

Boston Celtics

When it comes to his play on the court, it is quite evident that --even after an Achilles tendon injury -- Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum is unafraid of whoever he faces on the other side of the court. But that does not mean that the St. Louis native carries himself like some sort of tough guy off the court, either. In fact, the Duke alum is known for his thoughtful, even at times gentle persona in interviews and in his interactions with his peers. This could be attributed to the close relationship he has with his mother Brandy Cole, a closeness Tatum himself described as being a "momma's boy" in a recent interview with TODAY's "Glass Half Full" show host Craig Melvin. "Me and my mom are best friends," said Tatum. "She was 19 when she had me, and I grew up in a single-parent household my entire life." "Seeing my mom struggle to raise me and put food on the table while going to school, while working — she is the most important person that I’m thankful for," he added. "I am who I am, and my life turned out the way it did, because of her."

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with his mother, Brandy Cole, after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 109-81 in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) "When I got drafted, my mom moved to Boston," said Tatum. "We lived in the same apartment building, down the hall. We live on the same street now. I am the definition of what it means to be a mama’s boy." "She is someone who literally has been there every step of the way, seeing me in my highest moments and my lowest moments. We’re only 19 years apart, so we are really close. Sharing that moment with her was so special as well." Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire: iTunes: YouTube: *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: *

Q&A

What did Jayson Tatum say about his relationship with his mother?

Jayson Tatum described his mother, Brandy Cole, as his best friend and credited her for his success, stating that he is a 'momma's boy.'

How has Jayson Tatum's upbringing influenced his character?

Tatum grew up in a single-parent household, which he says shaped him into the person he is today, emphasizing the struggles his mother faced to raise him.

Where does Jayson Tatum currently live in relation to his mother?

Jayson Tatum and his mother live on the same street in Boston, and they previously lived in the same apartment building after he was drafted.