THE GAME CHANGER
The Game is changing. Some of the NBA’s most intriguing stars earned big paydays during the bandemic— Chris Paul made $38M, Steph Curry made $40M, and Dame Lillard pocketed $43M in 2021. Kyrie made $33M and Kemba signed for $36M. Then Trae Young maxed with 5years $207M and Donovan Mitchell was dealt 5 years $165M. These stars are small guards. All under 6’2” in real life. Only one of these MAX players were highly touted a few years removed from high school and he is arguably the most skilled player ever — Kyrie Irving. But if thats what it takes to get the resect, it is very much understood.
It is evident that basketball at its highest level values skilled winners.
The NBA also values efficient 3-point shooting and continues to invest top tier assets into players who can shoot the basketball, create that shot, and make shots at a high clip.
“I still don’t think that we’ve reached the tipping point yet,” says David Arseneault Jr., head coach of the men’s basketball team at Grinnell College and former coach of the then–Reno Bighorns, Sacramento’s G League team. “I think that we’re getting closer, of course, but I still just think that there’s going to be a team out there soon … that’s going to be taking well over half of their shots from the 3-point line — 60 percent, 65 percent of their field goal attempts just being 3-point shots.” The front offices also value commitment to improvement, dedication to defending position, instinctual, self- aware, intelligent, good character competitors. via The Ringer
Size and athleticism has its perks; above the rim excitement is instant entertainment. The skill player however, is where the NBA and the rest of basketball world’s compass is aligned, which leads to the World’s Best Unknown High School Phenom, and 6-star prospect Christian Anderson Jr. from Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Christian Anderson Jr. checks all boxes as an elite skill player. Referencing Rashad Phillips Position Dictionary, we place him amongst the CP3, Dame Lillard, Steph Curry, Trae Young mold, a Hybrid Point Guard — a rare, deadly, elite play maker, that shoots from the 4th level, an ultimate game changer. That’s Chris, in addition to his ability to track rebounds and defend guys 50lbs heavier.
Chris is consistent regardless of the competition. Whether its rec league, Middle School, High School, AAU, Elite Camps, Pro Runs etc it is clear that his production consistency overall is the most impressive quality to date.
Kilo for Kilo, Chris is usually the best player on the court, all while elevating the play of his teammates. The value-add Anderson brings to a team is very evident as soon as you zoom in.
His ability to create for others and be a 4-level threat shifts the success needle upward.
During High School summer league at the Georgia State University Showcase, Anderson averaged 25 points per game over 3 games and took out a loaded Historic Power 1A team.
As a Freshman at The Lovett School, Chris was Freshman of the Year, 3rd Team All-State, carried team to Final 4, and was offered by University of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard after evaluating at a summer league event.
Coming of a successful high school season. Chris started the travel basketball season with Nike powered AOT (Shariffe Cooper, Issac Okoro, Brandon Boston Jr. ). 8–2 record with Chris on roster.
This summer he proved countless times versus elite competition, that he can handle all defenses, create under pressure, average 5 +assists per game and average 20+ in 90% of games.
During the live period, Christian ran with Under Armour powered Atlanta Express (Anthony Edwards) 7–5* record with Chris / 1–12 without.
Most recently, Christian was invited to the 9th Annual Chris Paul Rising Stars Camp. The day before the trip, select prospects were invited to attend and unofficially visit Wake Forest, Duke University, North Carolina University, and North Carolina State.
The day following the tour, Chris delivered once more. In a 400 player camp littered with 133 players with Division 1 scholarship offers, Chris finished with a 4–1 overall record with big statistical production, started on the Top 2024 team in Rising Stars All Star game and led in three statistical categories.
“He’s to the point where having him on the floor is enough. His spacing, the reads, you must be aware of him at all times. True PG” — Jaron Pierre-Mathurine (Mathurine Agency)
Christian Anderson Sr. has been the architect behind this finely engineered basketball cyborg while Chris Jr. has been focused on become a professional since he could run.
Over the years the game has become a part of his lifestyle, which adds yet another level of separation between himself and the other 15-year-old prospects globally
(SNEAK PEEK INSIDE THE LAB WITH COCA BASKETBALL)
“You can like the game, you can love the game, or you can live the game, the boys, THEY LIVE THE GAME” says Anderson Sr. when describing the quest of continuous, consistent, improvement as levels are cleared.
Flashback to 2018: BEHIND THE SCENES WORKOUT
Many young players have electrifying talent. At the end of the day, the traits that can’t be coached are what make Christian different.
“IQ on the court and off the court is his number one trait, smart work is how you get things done.” Anderson Sr. told Nate Marcus via Sportstalk2319 earlier this year.
His unmatched focus, intelligent workouts, and dedication to the craft motivates his peers to push the envelope. Anderson had a very productive 2021 summer headed in to his Sophomore campaign at The Lovett School. RR
