"I didn't want to date," she said, adding, "Long distance is hard."
A turning point occurred when they attended the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago together. Ali recalled, "We were like, 'Let's stay together forever.'"
Jalen jokingly disputed the exact wording but acknowledged it makes a good story.
Marriage, Parenthood, and Keeping Basketball at the Arena
Following Jalen's induction into their high school's athletic hall of fame, he proposed on their former high school gymnasium court in September 2022.
The couple married at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago on July 29, 2023.
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Speaking to People at the time, Jalen expressed gratitude for Ali's long-term support. "She's always been by my side, and I'm lucky to have her," he said.
Ali shared that they wanted their wedding reception to be a big, celebratory party with lights, lasers, a fun DJ, good food, and good drinks.
She later changed into her original high school prom dress for the event.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Jordyn James Brunson, on July 31, 2024.
They named her in honor of Ali's late father, James Marks, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2010.
Jalen was named captain of the New York Knicks just days after his daughter was born.
Ali, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, told People that Jordyn recognizes the Knicks brand.
"Jordyn sees blue/orange or photos of the Knicks logo and automatically says, 'Dada!'" she said.
