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Jalen Brunson’s basketball journey began long before he became an NBA champion, and fans now have a chance to own a small piece of that early history.
An autograph signed by Brunson during his middle school days has gone up for auction, with NBA fans and memorabilia collectors showing significant interest in the unique item, which might fetch over $2,000.
The signature comes from Brunson’s 2011 Twin Groves Middle School yearbook, which he signed when he was just 14 years old.
Brunson added a unique inscription alongside his signature, writing “1 of 1” and referencing his No. 13 jersey number at the time.
“It was basically an inside joke about it being one of a kind. I asked him to write that when he signed it because I joked that he was going to be a star someday,” said the yearbook’s owner who also played with Brunson in middle school.
The item has now emerged as his earliest known autograph, making it particularly valuable for collectors looking for pieces from before the Knicks star reached the NBA.
Photo by Joy Malone/Getty Images
Jalen Brunson’s middle school autograph attracts NBA fans
Tommy Beer posted a picture of the signature on his X writing:
“Jalen Brunson’s signature from his middle school yearbook is up for auction. JB inscribed it: “1 of 1.” His earliest known autograph.”
The yearbook offers a glimpse into Brunson’s life before he became one of the NBA’s leading guards.
At Twin Groves Middle School in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Brunson was already making an impression on the basketball court and served as captain of the school’s team.
His career later took him to Adlai E. Stevenson High School and Villanova University, where he won two NCAA national championships before entering the NBA.
Brunson eventually became the face of the New York Knicks and helped the franchise win its first NBA championship in 53 years.
That rise has now added another layer of interest to the yearbook, which was kept by one of Brunson’s former middle school teammates for years.
The memorabilia is being offered through Heritage Auctions as part of its Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction.
With Brunson’s career having taken him from a middle school basketball captain to an NBA champion, his childhood autograph now represents a rare snapshot from the very beginning of that journey.
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