Gilbert Arenas used to light up the NBA during his playing days. Agent Zero was one of the most lethal scorers in the NBA during the 2000s, in a league that featured the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and other superstars. However, as he approaches ‘NBA Dad’ territory, his son Alijah Arenas believes that he may be better than his father.
In a recent TMZ interview, the Arenas duo discussed their basketball matchups. Alijah Arenas, brimming with confidence, revealed how their competitive dynamic has shifted as he’s grown into his game. When asked if he could beat his father, the 16-year-old didn’t hesitate to call out his dad.
He be ducking, he be ducking. But when I was like, talkin bout, a year ago, when we start, really was, really playing – he win it. But now, no. He ain’t going to beat me now, but he had it back then.
Alijah Arenas said during the interview
However, Gilbert Arenas revealed his strategy to remain undefeated against his son, who is rapidly approaching NBA readiness.
No, I’m smart, right. Once I realize I can lose, I just stop playing. Not going to take an L, Never took an L. I just stopped.
Gilbert Arenas candidly revealed
At his peak, Gilbert Arenas was one of the league’s most feared scorers. During the 2005-06 NBA season, he averaged an impressive 29.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 2 steals per game while shooting 45% from the field. While his age may be catching up to him, a matchup between him and one of the top prospects in the nation, Alijah, will definitely be a must-see TV.
Alijah Arenas’ draft prospects – Where will he go to college?
The basketball world has taken notice of Alijah Arenas, who is emerging as one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 180 pounds, Alijah is currently ranked No. 4 overall in the On3 Industry Ranking for the 2026 class, and second among shooting guards nationwide.
His impressive sophomore stats at Chatsworth High School, 33 points, 8.6 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists per game, have earned him offers from some of the major powerhouse programs in college basketball.
Kentucky, a traditional basketball juggernaut, recently extended an offer to Alijah, making him the 11th player in the 2026 class targeted by the Wildcats. Other schools vying for his talent include Arizona, UCLA, Kansas, Texas, and Alabama. On3’s prediction model places Arizona as the frontrunner with a 48.6% chance of landing him, followed by UCLA and Fresno State.
