ESPN has recently launched its “Top 25 Regardless of Class” rankings, which include prospects from the classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027. The sons of three former NBA players have made it into this elite list: Cameron Boozer, Alijah Arenas, and Tajh Ariza.
No. 2 – Cameron Boozer
No. 14 – Alijah Arenas
No. 16 – Tajh Ariza
Carlos Boozer’s son, Cameron, finds himself all the way up at second. Only A.J. Dybantsa, who has drawn comparisons to Jayson Tatum, is ahead of him.
Boozer has been termed the “most fundamentally sound and efficient offensive player in prep basketball.” As a junior at Christopher Columbus High School, the 16-year-old averaged 22.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game.
The 6’8″ Boozer also shot 61.9% from the field, 40.9% from beyond the arc, and 82.4% from the line. He has the tools to be an offensive force in the NBA but some work does need to be done when it comes to his perimeter defense.
Next, we get to Alijah Arenas and much like his father Gilbert, he is a prolific scorer. He can score from anywhere on the court and also excels at transition offense. As a sophomore at Chatsworth High School, the teenager averaged 33.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game.
Earlier this year, Arenas scored 44 points in the CIF state basketball final against Monterey. It wasn’t enough to get the win, but he set the new record for most points in a Division IV final in the process. As for where Arenas needs to improve, he needs to get better off the ball.
Lastly, we get to Tajh Ariza, son of Trevor Ariza. Unlike Arenas, Ariza is adept at playing off the ball and has all the offensive tools, to go with elite athleticism. He isn’t quite as consistent when it comes to defense, however. Perhaps he could get some tips from his father on that front.
At this point, it does seem like all three sons have a shot at surpassing their fathers and it would be quite the feat if they do. Gilbert Arenas made three All-Star teams while Carlos Boozer made two. Trevor Ariza, meanwhile, was one of the better wing defenders in the NBA at his peak and won a championship in 2009. It is too early to say with certainty that the three sons will succeed in the NBA, but they appear to be on track to do just that.
Boozer, Arenas, and Ariza were also among the 19 finalists for the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s U17 National Team for the U17 World Cup. Boozer was the only one to make the final roster and has shone at the tournament, averaging 21.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 3.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game.
Team USA won all three group-stage games at the World Cup and beat the Philippines in the Round of 16 to set up a quarter-final clash with Canada on Friday. The U.S. has won every single edition of the tournament thus far and looks set to emerge victorious here as well.
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