“Smooth Hibachi Chef”: Fans Left Fawning Over Gilbert Arenas Similarities After Newly-Released Footage of 16YO Son Alijah

Gilbert Arenas will be a proud dad for years to come. While the former Washington Wizards guard is busy criticizing the modern NBA through his YouTube podcasts, his 16-year-old son is making a mark in high school basketball. In the latest game against Crespi Carmelite High School, coached by a former New York Knicks coach, Alijah Arenas stole the show with a few tough buckets. However, the highlight was the similarities in his gameplay to his dad.

A video of Alijah’s highlights was released that has left the netizens stunned. While the focus is always on the kids of superstars like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, etc. let’s not forget Alijah Arenas, who could turn out to be the best in a few years.

Can Alijah Arenas carry his dad’s legacy?

At just 16 years of age, Alijah Arenas is already two inches taller than his dad, standing at 6’6. Basketball indeed runs in the family blood, yet the similarities in the gameplay were uncanny. Representing Chatsworth High School, Alijah has taken up the role of a point guard, just like his dad. 

The sophomore year for the youngster was off to an amazing start. In his first game of the high school basketball season, Alijah faced Loyola’s brutal double teams and physical plays. However, that could not stop him from securing 38 points. Sadly, Chatsworth couldn’t bag a win as they lost 68-48 to Loyola. 

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But things were a lot different against Crespi Carmelite. Interestingly, the high school is coached by former Lakers veteran and Knicks coach Derek Fisher. Moreover, Matt Barnes’ twin kids, Carter and Isiah, also represent Carmelite High School. Barnes made an appearance at the game as well! 

This was the perfect time for Alijah to prove his game. Moving smoothly just like his dad, the 16-year-old was all over the offense, with layups to midrange pull-ups to three-pointers. The social media fans couldn’t stop but compare him with Gilbert Arenas. 

Is that Alijah or Gilbert Arenas? Fans are stunned by the resemblance

Arenas was all around the offense too during his time with the Wizards. The 3x All-Star was the leading scorer of the team for three straight years from 2004 to 2007. Now years later, Alijah is doing the same, but for his high school. One fan commented, “Smooth Hibachi Chef,” while another wrote, “He’s probably like Gil too lmfao.”

Although Arenas could get his son to play in a team full of star kids or better-supporting players, he decided to keep Alijah in Chatsworth. This is indeed an appreciable decision.

Loyola’s coach Powell compared Alijah to DeMar DeRozan, the Holiday brothers, and a few other notable NBA players. Moreover, he did not hesitate to call the 16-year-old better than the above players.

If Alijah continues to improve his game, 2027 might be the year he makes it to the NBA. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he is a top 3 pick in the draft.

The spotlight on star kids like Bronny James, Kiyan Anthony, etc. has always been high. Alijah is slowly stealing it with his solo performances. We are not far apart from witnessing another Gilbert Arenas in the NBA soon.

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