Trevor Ariza’s Faith in 16YO Son Has Helped Navigate Post-NBA Career

Years of memories, up and downs, wins and losses, failure and success and then one day it all ends. This is the life story of an average professional athlete. But what keeps the spirit alive is a vision for the future. And a hope for the next generation to carry on the legacy. Trevor Ariza has admitted to dealing with post retirement life on similar lines. After almost a two decade long career, Ariza admitted that rather than looking at the past, he is now living in the present.

Appearing on a podcast episode of ‘All The Smoke’, the 38-year-old faced the question if misses the game. “No, not really… Because my son, my son, is really good, and I want to just give everything to basketball,” Ariza stated. However, the former NBA small forward admitted of the possibility of the retirement life not hitting him yet. “I try to go through life or whatever, living in the moment instead of looking back at moments. I ain’t looked back at a moment yet,” Trevor Ariza said.

Notably, the 2009 champion bid farewell to the game in 2022. He played in the NBA for almost 18 years for 10 different franchise so the memories he would be having with the game can only be imagined by us fans.

It is worth mentioning that Trevor Ariza played college basketball for just one season, 2003-04. And he was selected in the second round of the 2004 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. So it is quite possible for the ex-NBA star to be looking for a similar early-entry into the big picture for his son, Tajh Ariza.

What does the present scenario look like for Trevor Ariza’s eldest son?

The 6’8″ player is currently a sophomore at St. Bernard High. He is the No. 11 overall according to the 2026 On3 Industry Ranking. Tajh Ariza also played with the Team Why Not Program on Nike’s EYBL E15 Circuit in the summer of 2023. Notably, the 6’8″ sophomore averaged 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds for the Team WhyNot program on Nike’s EYBL E15 Circuit.

Read More: When LeBron James Beefed With New Lakers Teammate Trevor Ariza During Their High School Days

“Right now, I just try to play on both sides of the ball,” Tajh had told On3 in 2023. “Get rebounds, block shots, shoot open shots, and I can also play off the bounce. I’ve improved a lot over the summer. I’m handing the ball under pressure and learning how to use my body. I’ve been in the weight room, so I’ve been getting stronger. Really, I was training like every day, just working on my craft,” he added.

As per the reports, Tajh has offers from USC, UCLA, Washington, Kansas, and some others. However, as per NCAA rules, college coaches cannot contact him directly until June this year. And he cannot go on official visits until August this year. But with these offers and a towering height of 6’8″, at least a college basketball debut will not be much of a challenge for Trevor Ariza’s eldest son.

Read More: Trevor Ariza Revealed How Russell Westbrook Played a Huge Role in Bringing Him to the Lakers