Malevy Leons’ Parents Iwan and Monique: Athletic Roots Fueling Warriors Star’s Rise
Feb. 26, 2026 — IJmuiden, Netherlands — Malevy Leons’ parents, Iwan and Monique Leons, shaped the basketball journey of their son, a Dutch professional now on a two-way NBA contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Leons, born in IJmuiden on September 23, 1999, credits Malevy Leons’ parents for his height, athleticism and early sports exposure, as detailed in player profiles from his college days. Iwan, born in Suriname and who moved to the Netherlands at 18, played soccer, while Monique, born and raised locally, played basketball and taught her son the fundamentals.
Family Influence and Quotes
In his Mineral Area College alumni spotlight, Leons highlighted Malevy Leons’ parents’ impact:
“Definitely, my parents. They’re both tall, athletic, and played sports. My dad, Iwan, played soccer and my mom, Monique, played basketball. Actually, my mom taught me how to play basketball.”
He added that the family remains close despite distance:
“We’re all really super close, so it’s extra hard not to be with them. But, we use FaceTime and WhatsApp so we can actually ‘see’ each other when we talk.”
A Peoria Journal Star feature echoed this, quoting Leons on Malevy Leons’ parents:
“My mom, Monique, was a basketball player. My dad was a soccer guy.”
“My parents wanted us to try everything. I was 8 when I started playing basketball.”
Malevy Leons’ parents encouraged diverse sports, leading him from soccer to basketball after a growth spurt.
Siblings and Family Background
Leons has two siblings: brother Benicio, a 6’7″ basketball player aspiring to go pro, and sister Jazzlin, skilled in badminton and an artist. His Bradley Braves bio lists parents Iwan and Monique, with siblings Benicio and Jarrlin. Benicio’s 3x3Unites profile confirms Iwan’s Surinamese roots and the family’s IJmuiden home.
Wikipedia notes Leons was raised in IJmuiden by Malevy Leons’ parents Iwan and Monique.
Professional Path
After stints at Mineral Area College and Bradley University, Leons played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and G League before signing with the Warriors in December 2025. He recently spoke postgame on February 25, 2026.
Malevy Leons’ parents’ athletic legacy continues to underpin his NBA pursuit from their IJmuiden base.
