At the 2025 McDonald's All-American game, Washington Wizards fans noticed the eerily similar free-throw routine of high school star Alijah Arenas with his father, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas.
After a couple of dribbles, Alijah spins the ball around his waist a couple of times, takes one more dribble, and then tosses up a shot. This resembles Gilbert's free throw routine, where he spins the ball around his waist thrice, takes one dribble, and then shoots.
Fans were reminded of Gilbert's time in the NBA, particularly with the Wizards, where he abused defenses with his all-around scoring game.
Apart from being a solid 80.3% free-throw shooter, Gil was known for his epic game-winners from downtown. Way before the rise of Stephen Curry, the "Agent Zero" was making it rain from the logo.
Alijah is considered one of the top players of his class. The 18-year-old committed to the University of Southern California, over offers from Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisville.
Alijah Arenas with the same free throw routine as his dad Gilbert in the McDonald's All-American game. pic.twitter.com/72J1fuRVTh
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) April 2, 2025
"For me, (USC) felt like the best fit," Alijah said. "For everybody that supported me on this journey, just helped me see my path. And then going on campus and seeing how being at USC was, like, it just made me feel special. And then I talked to the coach, and seeing what I could possibly be in, it was just amazing for me. So I think that I could really go and play for USC."
ALIJAH ARENAS COMMITS TO USC pic.twitter.com/oJ1dPvr32O
— Gil's Arena (@GilsArenaShow) January 30, 2025
The 6'7" five-star recruit is averaging 31.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game over 16 games during his senior season at Chatsworth.
Related: Jordan Poole Snatches Wizards Franchise Record From Bradley Beal
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 6:08 PM.