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“The kid is the next Kobe” – Metta Sandiford-Artest makes bold Alijah Arenas claim
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- “The kid is the next Kobe” – Metta Sandiford-Artest makes bold Alijah Arenas claim
Alijah Arenas' college career not only got off to a late start, but it also didn't live up to the high expectations set by his status as one of the top high school stars in his class. But after a rough beginning, he seems to have found his groove. And after back-to-back 20-point games, including during USC's come-from-behind win over Penn last Sunday, where he hit the game-winner, he is looking like the real deal.
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Metta Sandiford-Artest agrees, and in a video uploaded on "X", the 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year gave Arenas the ultimate compliment by comparing him to the late Kobe Bryant .
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"I remember his dad brought him to one of our games, I think he was 12 or 11 and I'm like, 'Gil, are you gonna let him play are you gonna be all right?' It was at Emet Academy, a private school. And the kid got out there and looked right. Keep in mind, I haven't seen him since then, and now I think he's like 6'7". The kid is the next Kobe," Metta proclaimed.
Back-to-back 20-point games for Gil's son
Alijah is, of course, the son of former Washington Wizards All-Star guard and now top media personality Gilbert Arenas. He was a five-star recruit from Chatsworth High School in California. He reclassified from the Class of 2026 to the Class of 2025 and committed to USC. However, after undergoing knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus last year, his college basketball debut was delayed.
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After scoring in single digits and mightily struggling with his shot in his first four games, Arenas showed out against Indiana on February 3rd, scoring 29 points and pulling down six rebounds in an 81-75 win. Then on Sunday, head coach Eric Musselman trusted the 18-year-old Arenas to take the last shot, and he delivered.
"I don't think he needs to change his number to 24 or anything like that. I think he can be just the next Alijah, but the kid is the next Kobe. MVP by year five or six. Boy, he have a tough time because we still have Wembanyama, you still got some other players in there. But MVP? Roughly five to seven. It could be earlier, honestly, but I don't know if that's gonna happen. I think it might be too early," added Artest.
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Violent reaction from Kobe stans
As expected, Artest's take drew flak from die-hard Kobe fans who commented on his post. One told Meta to "slow down", while several called him "disrespectful." But between stans who adore Kobe and a player who actually went to the trenches with the Mamba, we know who knew Bean better.
There must be something that he sees in Arenas' son that made him say what he said. Artest did not explain in detail, but maybe he is talking about Alijah's ability to create his own shots, as USC head coach Musselman also stated after their win over Indiana.
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"Obviously, he can go get his shot anytime he wants. Some guys struggle to create on their own. He's a great on-your-own shot creator," said Musselman. "
Listed at 6'6" and 199 pounds, 18-year-old Alijah looks like Kobe at the same age in terms of size and body frame. Keep in mind that many criticized Gil for enrolling his son in a public high school without support, wanting him to lead the team and handle everything on his own from a young age. Now, at 18, he's a dominant player who is not afraid to be a bona fide "killer" on the court. Maybe that's what Artest is talking about.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Feb 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
