What Is Myles Turner’s Ethnicity? Everything to Know About Pacers Star’s Family Roots, Nationality and Religion

Myles Turner was just five years old, out on a drive with his parents in Texas, when he noticed a man trying to stay warm on a bitter cold morning. No gloves—just socks pulled over his hands. That image stuck with him. It wasn’t dramatic or flashy, but it was enough to spark something deep. Even as a kid, he made a quiet promise to himself: if he ever made it, he’d do something about people like that. Not just talk; do.

Fast forward to today, and Myles has followed through. He started the WARM program; We All Really Matter, alongside his mom. It’s his way of giving back, but it’s also a reminder of where he came from and what he stands for. The initiative reflects the same quiet strength he brings to the court; focused, meaningful, and rooted in purpose.

So yeah, we know Turner as the Pacers’ shot-blocking machine. But peel it back just a bit, and there’s a story way bigger than basketball. Let’s dig into it.

Where was Myles Turner born? What’s his ethnicity and nationality?

You see, the WARM program wasn’t always the widespread initiative that it is today. It originally began in the town of Bedford, Texas, where Myles was born and brought up; on 24th March 1996. Even as a child, Myles could see how much some of the members of his community struggled in their daily lives.

His parents, David and Mary Turner, had always taught him to uplift their community. Being of African-American descent and ethnicity, they saw firsthand how the system neglected some of their brethren. So even when Myles was a kid, he would go alongside his mother, handing out items to the homeless.

And this stuck with Myles. Even as he grew older, he carried it with him—all the way to his time as a student-athlete at the University of Texas.

Is Myles Turner religious? 

“There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving”—a lesson emphasized in Jehovah’s Witness teachings from the Book of Acts. While Turner has never explicitly confirmed being a practicing Jehovah’s Witness, past comments suggest he has had some level of connection to the faith.

In 2014, he tweeted: “Dudes just Tryna hoop…. I pray Jehovah God removes all distractions from my life and career.”

Then, in 2019, he revealed that he had attended religious meetings with former teammate Darren Collison, who retired from the NBA to fully commit to his Jehovah’s Witness faith.

While it’s unclear whether Turner actively practices the religion today, his actions reflect strong values of generosity and service. A decade into his career, he remains deeply committed to uplifting those in need—something that seems to have been ingrained in him from a young age.

Which college did Myles Turner attend?

To be frank, there isn’t much to be discussed when it comes to Myles’ college ball days. Coming out of high school, he had nearly 60 offers to choose from. But in his heart, he knew that if he was going to play somewhere, it would be at home, in Texas. That way, he could carry on with his efforts to help the less fortunate. So Myles committed to playing for the Texas Longhorns in 2014.

And anyone who’d followed Myles’ games in high school wasn’t surprised when he earned the 2015 Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. He ended his freshman year with 10.1 points and 5.6 boards per game. After this, he forwent the remaining three years of his college eligibility to fulfill another dream of his: playing in the NBA.

Soon that dream became a reality when the Indiana Pacers picked him up in the first round as the 11th overall pick. But Myles always believed he would make it. And, after his draft, the Tuners were back at it again, helping those going through hard times.

“It’s been my plan from the start. Indianapolis is a great community. They’ve welcomed me with open arms, so I want to try to give back,” said a 19-year-old Turner about his motivations.

But what makes Myles and his family this way? Perhaps it’s just who they are. Or maybe it’s shaped by values they’ve embraced over time; including faith.

Conclusion

Myles Turner’s story isn’t just about blocks and buckets. It’s about heart. He’s built a career on defense; but his legacy might be what he’s done off the court. From that childhood moment in Texas to giving back in Indy, he’s stayed true to who he is: quiet, grounded, and all in for his community.

So yeah, Turner’s a force in the paint. But it’s that purpose behind the game that really sets him apart.