NBA sons breaking through in college basketball this season

The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season has arrived and a few last names on the court might sound very familiar. James. Anthony. Wilkins. Boozer. Icons who left and continue to leave an impact on basketball history. From Olympic podiums to NCAA championships to unforgettable NBA moments. 

Now, their sons are ready to begin basketball legacies of their own. Here’s a look at five freshmen that are eager to make a name for themselves. 

Cameron and Cayden Boozer — Duke

Cameron and Cayden Boozer are the twin sons of Carlos Boozer, the two-time NBA All-Star, dual Olympic gold medalist, and 2001 NCAA champion at Duke. Now, the next generation has officially arrived in Durham. 

🤩 Relive the moment: 2001 NCAA men’s basketball championship full replay

Cameron Boozer, Forward

Named the preseason ACC Rookie of the Year, Cameron Boozer has wasted no time showing why he was one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. 

He made an early statement in Duke’s exhibition slate — stuffing the stat sheet with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists against UCF, then leading the Blue Devils in points, rebounds, and assists once again in a win over Tennessee. 

That momentum carried into to the regular season opener, where the true freshman recorded his first career double-double to help lift Duke past Texas.

Cayden Boozer, Guard

Running the backcourt while his twin mans the frontcourt, Cayden is a steady force who should not be overlooked. He is an elite passer and a key defensive player that will help bring Duke more wins this season. 

In high school, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds as a senior at Christopher Columbus HS (Miami) — a preview of what to expect from him at Duke. 

Just like their dad in 2001, these twins are hoping to bring the trophy home for the Blue Devils for the first time since 2015. 

Kiyan Anthony — Syracuse

Kiyan Anthony is continuing a family legacy at Syracuse, following in the footsteps of his father, Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and the 2003 NCAA Tournament MVP who delivered the Orange a national title as a freshman.

A top shooting guard in his class, Anthony turned heads in his college debut. He showed off his three-level scoring ability against Binghamton, posting 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 60% from the field. 

Anthony also shined on the high school all-star stage, taking home the People’s Choice Award at the Allen Iverson Classic after a 25-point performance in 21 minutes.

With his shooting ability, and growing skill, Anthony is a player to watch this season as he looks to carve his own path in Orange history — much like his father. 

👀 WATCH: Carmelo Anthony leads Syracuse to 2003 title

Jake Wilkins — Georgia

At Georgia, Jake Wilkins is stepping into a program where his father, Dominique Wilkins, first made his mark more than four decades ago. 

Dominique played at Georgia from 1979-1982, averaging 21.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, earning SEC Player of the Year honors in 1981 before becoming the No. 3 overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft. He went on to become a nine-time NBA All-Star and the Atlanta Hawks’ all-time leading scorer. 

Jake, a four-star forward, is averaging 14 points per game this season after a standout senior year at Grayson High School (GA), where he averaged 15.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.6 steals for a team that advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals. He now wears his father’s No. 21 jersey, which Georgia retired in 1991. 

With his size and scoring ability, Wilkins is bringing a new energy to a Georgia program still in search of its first national championship.

Bryce James — Arizona

The James basketball legacy continues, now in Tucson.

Bryce James, son of LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader and four-time NBA champion, is beginning his own journey at Arizona after committing to the Wildcats in January.

A three-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon High School (CA), he helped lead his team to the 2025 CIF Division I state title and now begins his collegiate career as a shooting guard in Arizona’s highest rated-recruiting class.

With his dad and brother, Bronny, both making headlines in the NBA, Bryce is ready to step into his own spotlight for the Wildcats.