Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 1:13 am GMT
As the NBA landscape shifts, eyes are on the next generation of basketball talent, particularly on Kiyan Anthony and Bryce James—sons of basketball legends Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. During a recent episode of Overtime’s “The Kiyan Anthony Show,” Kiyan spoke openly about his friendship and budding rivalry with Bryce, spotlighting the intense media scrutiny that surrounds their every move.
A Shared Background and Friendly Rivalry
Kiyan Anthony, 17, described his connection with Bryce James, also 17, revealing how their families have intertwined through years of friendship. “We basically grew up together, even though he lived in LA,” Kiyan explained. “That’s really like family. That’s like my cousin.” This tight-knit relationship may help them navigate the massive expectations and comparisons thrust upon them due to their fathers’ legacies.
- Kiyan’s Insights on Bryce: Kiyan showcased enormous respect for Bryce’s game, attributing significant talent to LeBron’s son. He noted, “He’s a sharpshooter, he can really shoot… When he gets hot, he really don’t miss.” Such compliments reflect a camaraderie that both young athletes have fostered, distancing themselves from the idea of a fierce rivalry that fans might expect.
- The Media’s Role: Kiyan critiqued how media narratives often try to create a rift, saying, “Everybody wants one of us to be like, ‘I’m way better than him’… We just go out there and compete.” This sentiment echoes the experience of their fathers, who have long been portrayed as rivals despite their close friendship.
A Glimpse into Their Talents
Though Kiyan and Bryce are at the same age, their playing styles exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart.
- Kiyan Anthony: Standing 6’5”, Kiyan has an impressive pull-up jumper and is known for his three-point shooting proficiency. He recently averaged 19.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game during the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), showcasing his readiness for the next level.
- Bryce James: At 6’4”, Bryce has adopted a playing style reminiscent of his father, focusing heavily on dominating the paint with skillful layups. His recent performance saw him averaging 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds over five EYBL games—a stark contrast to Kiyan’s stats, but with immense potential still waiting to be unlocked.
Competing Futures
As they continue to develop their skills, both young athletes are drawing attention from college scouts, with numerous high-profile programs eager to recruit them. Their upcoming decisions will not only affect their trajectories but also the narratives surrounding their futures in basketball.
- Rankings: Kiyan maintains a solid position at 30th in On3’s top 150 list for the Class of 2025. Bryce, however, has experienced a more tumultuous rise, moving from rank 135 into the top 100 amidst controversy. Critics have raised eyebrows questioning the fairness of the rankings, suggesting bias due to Bryce’s famous father. NBA insider Kevin Sweeney weighed in, stating that “Bryce James being a top-100 recruit is significantly worse than anything Bronny-related.”
Looking Ahead
Kiyan and Bryce’s paths are set on an intriguing collision course as they strive to carve out their niches in the world of basketball. Their performance in upcoming tournaments and leagues will be critical, not only to their personal aspirations but also to the legacy they wish to build.
The competition may be fierce, but both players appear committed to enjoying the process. “We would never say that about each other,” Kiyan emphasized, drawing a clear line between rivalry and friendship. “We just go out there and compete.”
With their fathers’ mentorship and resources at their disposal, both Kiyan and Bryce have the potential to outshine expectations and establish their own identities within the sport.
Conclusion: The Future of Basketball
As Kiyan Anthony and Bryce James navigate their high school careers, they represent not just the next generation of potential NBA stars, but also the possibilities of friendship in a world often dominated by rivalry. Their shared experiences and mutual respect can serve as a reminder of the importance of camaraderie amidst competition in sports.
Both players are really talented and have a lot of room to grow, so basketball fans are excited to see what they will do next. Whether they end up playing together on the same team or facing off against each other, one thing is certain: their famous dads will inspire them, but they will make their own paths in basketball.
