Julian Strawther, a Puerto Rican and American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets, grew up with his two sisters, Paris and Paige.
The athlete’s sisters stepped in as his mothers after their mom, Lourdes, passed away due to breast cancer in 2011. They helped raise him to become a competitive athlete.
Julian Lee Strawther-Cordero began playing basketball at Liberty High School and earned Southeast League co-MVP honors. He left his high school as the all-time leader in points and rebounds.
Despite offers from Florida, UNLV, and Marquette, he committed to playing college basketball for Gonzaga University. He declared for the 2022 NBA draft but returned to the university.
The Indiana Pacers selected him with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and traded him to the Denver Nuggets. He signed with the Nuggets on July 6, 2023.
Moreover, he represents Puerto Rico internationally due to his mother’s ancestry.
Julian Strawther’s Sisters Stood Up As His Mother
Julian Strawther’s sisters, Paris and Paige, built a foundation for the remarkable athlete that molded him. His siblings were his teammates, rivals, and protectors.
His two sisters were his first coaches, most formidable competitors, and second mothers when life got hard.
Paris Strawther was Julian’s first basketball role model. She was a standout player who starred at UNLV, appearing in over 100 games and starting for three seasons.
However, she was teaching her younger brother in their childhood home long before she was scoring for her college.
Their games were always legendary on the kitchen floor. The microwave serves as the shot clock, and they played with a tennis ball and a Nerf hoop.
Paris set the bar as she’s stronger, smarter, and faster. Julian admitted he had never won and cried, but those battles forged him.
When I was younger, I always wanted to be like her.
Julian Strawther
While Paris was the hooper, Paige was the steady force. The oldest of the three, she doesn’t have the public basketball accolades, but her impact on Julian’s life is just as profound.
Paige and Paris stepped up in ways that went beyond sisterhood when their mother passed away in 2011. Paris once mentioned that they call him their son.
Paige made sure Julian ate, got to school, and stayed focused. She was the glue, the sister who put her heartbreak aside to hold the family together.
The Strawther siblings remain a tight-knit family. If Paris pushed Julian on the court, Paige ensured he was okay off it.
Ahhh Julian Lee! What a day filled with blessings. We are so so proud and happy for you. You have been dreaming of this moment since you were a little boy and it is here. You deserve it all! All of the hard work, sacrifice, and adversity you have endured, you have triumphed through it all and come out on top. GOD IS SO GOOD! Wes is proud of you. Mommy is proud of you, and they are both smiling down on you! To the Mile High City!
Paris Strawther
Julian Strawther’s Parents Were Married For 20 Years
Julian Lee Strawther-Cordero, the son of Lee Strawther and Lourdes “Cookie” Strawther, was born on April 18, 2002.
Lee’s steady hand had shaped his discipline, and Cookie’s fiery spirit presence still fuels him today.
Lee Strawther isn’t the type to seek the spotlight. He is always in the stands watching and analyzing, but never overbearing.
He’s the father who keeps mementos not just as trophies, but as reminders of the journey.
His role goes far beyond proud dad. He was Julian’s first coach in life, who understood that real growth comes from embracing discomfort.
On the other hand, Cookie was the heartbeat of Julian’s passion. She was the kind of mother who didn’t just attend games but owned them.
The main thing about my mom is you knew she was there because she was the loudest person in the gym by far.
Julian Strawther
Sadly, Julian lost his mother to breast cancer when he was just nine years old, and her absence left a void. However, her influence never faded.
Julian honors her with a tattoo on his arm: her name, a cross, and a pink ribbon.
Her Puerto Rican pride flows through him. Julian represents Puerto Rico’s national team because of her.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Julian Strawther stands 1.98m tall and weighs about 93kg.
- As of 2025, he is likely single and committed to his athletic goals.
