The young power forward of the Cleveland Cavaliers Evan Mobley’s parents, Eric and Nicol Mobley, raised him and his brother, Isaiah, in San Diego, California. The two brothers were five-star recruits out of high school and played at USC.
The Cavaliers drafted Evan Mobley third overall in the star-packed 2021 Draft.
This season, Mobley has looked like the best version of himself since becoming an NBA player.
Earlier in the season, the Cavs went on an insane 15-0 run, which the reigning champions, Boston Celtics, snapped.
Mobley has played an integral role for the Cavs this season, who are looking to give the Celtics a run for their money.
The power forward is averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this season and looks more composed on the court compared to last season.
Having a dad who knows all the ins and outs of sports did help Evan.
But if it weren’t for his hard work, the power forward wouldn’t have been in the conversation of one day making it on the All-Star team.
Evan Mobley’s Dad, Eric Mobley Is A Basketball Coach
Evan Mobley’s dad, Eric Mobley, coached him at home and school.
The power forward and his brother played on the same team in elementary school, and one season later, the team hired their dad as the coach.
In 2012, Eric Mobley established his organization, Triple Threat, so his sons could test themselves in various positions and not be pigeonholed.
Before joining USC in 2018, Eric coached various AAU programs, including the Compton Magic U-16 team.
The Mobleys arrived at USC one by one. In 2018, USC hired Eric as their assistant coach, Isaiah enrolled in 2019; followed by Evan in 2020.
In his interview with The Athletic, Evan was asked about the dynamic of having his dad and Isaiah at USC with him. He said,
It was definitely different because I didn’t expect it at first, but after we got there, everything was really smooth and easy. Like, he told me what he saw, anything I needed help with, I could just ask him. He also stayed out of the way sometimes too.
via: The Athletic
Speaking to OC Register, Eric said he tries to gather as many videos and photos as possible for future reminiscing.
Despite his sons not liking being recorded too much, Eric said he does it for his future grandkids.
In April 2024, on his Instagram handle, Eric announced his decision to leave USC.
Only a few days later, SMU announced Eric had joined them as their assistant coach.
Mama Nicol Mobley Gets Candid About Raising Two NBA Athletes
Evan Mobley’s mom, Nicol Mobley, has spoken about what it was like to raise two NBA athletes.
In December 2024, Nicol appeared on the ‘A Moment For Moms Podcast,’ where she talked about Evan and his brother, Isaiah.
An elementary school teacher, Nicol said she has always been a processor and observer.
Nicol said she helped her boys become more open-minded, evaluate all their options, and act on them.
During her high school years, Nicol was also a basketball player.
She played for Mount Carmel High School in San Diego and helped the side to a California Interscholastic Championship.
In her interview with The New York Times, Nicol said she never saw a rebound she didn’t think she could grab.
In the podcast, Nicol mentioned that as a Maths teacher, she felt responsible for letting her sons know their stats.
She would tell them they would have to take these many shots so their stats do not look worse or out of place.
Nicol mentioned that Evan is more reserved of the two and for the most part, they usually have conversations through text.
Even if Evan calls, he keeps it sweet and short, unlike Isaiah, with whom he could go either way.
In 2022, on his mom’s birthday, Evan surprised her with a car.
The video shows Nicol getting emotional as Evan hugs her and slowly guides her to her brand-new whip.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Before becoming a basketball coach, Eric Mobley worked as a corrections officer and investigator at Riverside and San Diego County.
- Evan Mobley and his brother, Isaiah, grew up with two foster siblings and a foreign exchange student.
