Kiyan Anthony vs Bryce James: A Comparison of Stats, Records, Achievements, and More | Sports & Recreation

It’s no shock that Kiyan Anthony and Bryce James are two of probably the most talked-about highschool basketball prospects in the present day. With their well-known final names and equally spectacular potential, these younger gamers are continuously within the highlight. Although their fathers—Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James—are longtime pals, it’s exhausting not to attract comparisons between their sons.

The two crossed paths in May throughout Nike’s EYBL, setting the stage for what many hope might be an NBA rivalry sometime. While they don’t see one another as opponents simply but, basketball followers are actually keeping track of each of their careers.

At simply 17, each gamers are already making waves within the basketball world. Bryce James, the 6’4″ taking pictures guard from Notre Dame, and Kiyan Anthony, who’s barely taller at 6’5″, are two names you’re going to listen to rather a lot about within the coming years as each are displaying promise and have high school applications eagerly ready to make scholarship presents. With their potential, it’s clear they’re on a collision course to make waves in school basketball.

However, once you dive into their enjoying types, there are some noticeable variations. Kiyan Anthony has a lethal pull-up jumper and is understood for his accuracy from past the arc. He’s additionally a flexible participant who can transfer fluidly across the court docket. On the opposite hand, Bryce mirrors his dad’s recreation, dominating within the paint together with his clean layups. While Kiyan may need a slight peak benefit, Bryce’s inside recreation provides him a singular edge.

Both have already constructed stable reputations, particularly after their performances within the EYBL, and it’s clear their futures are vibrant, whether or not they meet on the identical staff or as opponents.

Kiyan and Bryce in Nike’s EYBL

Looking at rankings, Kiyan holds the thirtieth spot in On3’s high 150 record for the Class of 2025. Bryce, nonetheless, has had a extra controversial rise within the rankings. After initially sitting at 135, his place jumped into the highest 100, and it sparked backlash on social media. Many followers accused the rating system of favoring Bryce on account of his well-known father, particularly given his subpar efficiency on the EYBL.

Even NBA insider Kevin Sweeney weighed in, tweeting, “Bryce James being a top-100 recruit is significantly worse than anything Bronny-related over the last two years.” When it comes to statistical data, Kiyan had a standout run throughout the EYBL, averaging 19.6 factors and 4.6 rebounds per recreation over 15 video games. Meanwhile, Bryce struggled to search out his rhythm, managing solely 5.6 factors and 2.4 rebounds per recreation within the 5 video games he performed.

In their May EYBL showdown, the place Kiyan’s Team Melo clashed with Bryce’s Strive for Greatness. Kiyan dazzled with 18 factors and 4 assists, whereas Bryce contributed 8 factors and 2 rebounds. Kiyan had an enormous development spurt in his recreation this 12 months, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see Bryce observe the same path. With father’s steerage and help, Bryce nonetheless has lots of time to succeed in his full potential and silence the critics.

Fathers shaping the long run of each younger prodigies

In his 2023 Overtime documentary Evolution, Kiyan opened up about how Melo educated him exhausting from a younger age. “My dad is a trainer. We used to, you know, be in a lot of controversy because I was like 12 years old, and he was trying to put me in the post at the time,” Kiyan shared.

Meanwhile, Melo, recognized for his candidness, didn’t maintain again when critiquing Kiyan’s recreation throughout a 2023 documentary. He referred to as out Kiyan and his teammates with a no-nonsense comment: “Y’all not playing hard… Y’all playing soft, y’all playing like s**kers.” On the flip facet, LeBron James additionally takes a hands-on method together with his sons.

Just a month in the past, LeBron James shared an Instagram submit that includes footage of him, Bronny, and Bryce getting some observe in on the Lakers’ facility. Just a month in the past, LeBron shared an Instagram submit displaying movies of him enjoying with Bronny and Bryce on the Lakers facility. “Simply no better feeling than doing what I love to do with who I love!” LeBron captioned the submit, including, “Great work today, Young🤴🏾’s.” The clip showcased all three of James’ spectacular abilities, proving that household bonding and exhausting work go hand-in-hand.

Friendship and rivalry

When it involves Kiyan Anthony and Bryce James, the media may wish to fire up a rivalry, however the actuality is much from that. Kiyan lately opened up in regards to the media’s portrayal of his relationship with Bryce James: “There’s a lot of eyes on us. I can’t let Bryce outplay me,” Kiyan admitted in a YouTube video with Overtime. But he shortly clarified that the media typically exaggerated the dynamic between their fathers. “They weren’t rivals. They were really best friends,” Kiyan identified, ensuring that narrative doesn’t spill over to him and Bryce.

What many don’t notice is that regardless of dwelling on reverse coasts, Kiyan and Bryce are fairly shut. “We basically grew up together, even though he [Bryce] lived in LA. I really like his family; I see him like my cousin,” Kiyan shared in one other Overtime clip. This connection provides a deeper layer to their on-court matchups, making them extra than simply opponents.

Moreover, Kiyan isn’t too bothered by the strain followers or the media attempt to place on them. “Everybody just wants one of us to be like, ‘Oh, I’m way better than him,’” he stated. But for these younger stars, it’s all about competing slightly than evaluating. “We just go out there and compete,” he stated, letting the surface opinions roll off.

Stay tuned for extra such updates and be a part of us for the thrilling second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.