Updated: August 29, 2026
When watching Jordan Clarkson light up the scoreboard with his explosive scoring, it’s easy to focus on his flashy handles and fearless playing style. However, behind every elite athlete is a foundational support system. For Jordan Clarkson, that foundation was built by his parents: Mike Clarkson and Annette Tullao Davis.
From military discipline to rich cultural heritage, his parents laid the groundwork for his success in the NBA and on the international stage with Gilas Pilipinas.
Table of Contents
Jordan Clarkson’s Parents: Quick Overview
| Key Detail | Father: Mike Clarkson | Mother: Annette Tullao Davis |
| Ethnicity | African-American | Filipina-American (Kapampangan) |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Military Background | U.S. Air Force Veteran | U.S. Air Force Veteran |
| Athletic Roots | Welterweight Boxer, Youth Coach | Close-Knit Family Network |
| Core Influence | Conditioning, Discipline & Toughness | Cultural Heritage, Underdog Mentality |
Who Are Jordan Clarkson’s Parents?
Jordan Clarkson was born on June 7, 1992, in Tampa, Florida.Both of his parents served in the United States Air Force, which is where they originally met.
While Mike and Annette divorced when Jordan was young, both remained deeply committed to his upbringing.His father later remarried Janie Clarkson, expanding Jordan’s support network.Jordan and his younger brother, Bear Clarkson, were raised in San Antonio, Texas, with a strong emphasis on family values, discipline, and perseverance.
Mike Clarkson: Athletic Conditioning and Air Force Toughness
Mike Clarkson played an indispensable role in developing Jordan’s physical foundation.Beyond his Air Force career, Mike was a serious athlete—competing as a welterweight boxer and trying out for the 1984 U.S. Olympic boxing team.
Mike channeled that same boxing focus into Jordan’s youth basketball development:
- Relentless Conditioning:Mike coached youth basketball for over 30 years and personally oversaw Jordan’s intense training habits.
- Mental Toughness: He taught Jordan to play with physical grit and to thrive under pressure.
- Leading by Example:In 2014, as Jordan prepared for the NBA Draft, Mike endured a tough fight against Stage 4 cancer.His recovery inspired Jordan to adopt a fighting spirit on and off the court.
Annette Tullao Davis: Filipino Roots and Maternal Guidance
Jordan’s mother, Annette Tullao Davis, provided the emotional anchor and cultural identity that define Jordan today.Annette is Filipina-American, with family roots tracing directly back to Bacolor, Pampanga, in the Philippines through her mother, Marcelina Tullao Kingsolver.
Annette and Jordan’s lola (grandmother) raised him with a close connection to his heritage:
- Cultural Identity:Annette ensured Jordan stayed grounded in his roots, enabling him to hold a Philippine passport from age 12 and proudly represent the Philippines in international competition.
- Underdog Mentality:Raised by strong, resilient women, Jordan developed an underdog mindset that propelled him from a second-round draft pick to NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
- Community Focus:Annette instilled humility and hard work, helping Jordan stay connected to his fans worldwide.
The Dual-Heritage Synergy Behind His NBA Success
The combination of African-American athletic discipline from his father and rich Filipino culture from his mother gave Jordan Clarkson a unique edge.This dual heritage made history in 2015 when Clarkson and Jeremy Lin formed the first Asian-American starting backcourt in NBA history.
His parents’ distinct contributions shaped two critical sides of his game:
- The Physical Edge: His father’s athletic background gave him stamina, speed, and scoring aggressiveness.
- The Heart: His mother’s heritage gave him passion, pride, and the drive to inspire millions across the globe.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Family
Jordan Clarkson’s rise to NBA stardom and international acclaim is a direct reflection of his family.Though Mike Clarkson and Annette Tullao Davis pursued different paths after their military service, their shared commitment to their son created a well-rounded athlete with exceptional character.Through military discipline, athletic conditioning, and deep-rooted cultural pride, Jordan Clarkson’s parents built the foundation of an NBA icon.
For a deeper look into Jordan Clarkson’s family background and career journey, check out Meet Jordan Clarkson’s Parents and Family
, which offers great insights into how his parents influenced his path to the NBA.