Latest news with #GilbertArenas'
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Gilbert Arenas' podcast host on the rise of NBA pods
The post EXCLUSIVE: Gilbert Arenas' podcast host on the rise of NBA pods appeared first on ClutchPoints. If it feels like every NBA star has a podcast… you're not wrong. Current and former NBA greats, such as Gilbert Arenas, are dominating the podcast space. Gil's Arena, produced by Underdog, currently boasts 1.1 million YouTube subscribers and counting. A key part of that success stems from Arenas' collaborative chemistry with his creative team, led by Josiah Johnson, the pod's executive producer and host. I spoke with Johnson about the explosion of popularity in the NBA podcast space, and what separates Gil's Arena from the rest of the crowded field. Johnson's name, or at least his moniker, is already familiar to many basketball fans — he's the internet-proclaimed 'King of NBA Twitter'. If you didn't already know Josiah Johnson from his spot-on memes and pop cultural tweets that have lit up #NBATwitter for much of the past decade, with throngs of famous fans including LeBron James and Jordan Peele, his online persona was recently immortalized in a semi-fictional buddy comedy/documentary film 'Memes & Nightmares' (available to stream on Hulu). But Josiah has taken that brush with fame and ventured out into other creative pursuits, including hosting and executive producing Gil's Arena. Johnson attributes the rise in popularity of NBA player-hosted pods to the fact that 'it gives them an opportunity to control their narrative, to tell their story and do things how they want to do it.' According to Johnson, players producing their own shows gives them the chance to 'leverage their own brands, to create and build platforms for themselves,' outside of the traditional media outlets like past generations' of stars. Johnson knows very well the in's and out's of navigating the bridge between old and new sports media — besides playing for UCLA basketball from 2001-2005, Johnson is also the son of Bucks legend and TV analyst Marques Johnson. Josiah points to the casual nature of the podcast setting as another reason for its appeal. Basketball commentators are often clad in suits and ties on traditional TV outlets to appear more professional, but Johnson says podcast viewers today are looking for something different. 'The reality is, nowadays, they want to see people that look like them, dress like them, and talk like them,' Johnson explains. Gil's Arena shoots from Gilbert Arenas' basement, which Johnson, always ready with a pop cultural allusion, jokes gives the show 'a Wayne's World type feel to it.' Johnson elaborated that 'When you're on a couch with a bunch of former players, people who have been through the same experiences that you have, have a lot of the same shared interests and emotions… I think it makes the people that we bring on, and the conversations we have, a lot more comfortable, intimate, informative… and it just provides another angle from walking onto a big sound stage in a three-piece suit.' In terms of how to stand out in a crowded NBA podcast landscape, Johnson is quick to praise the other popular basketball pods out there, and insists there's room for everyone to help each other build an audience and thrive. As for how Gil's Arena accomplishes that, 'that's just indicative of Gil — the grind, the work ethic, bringing it every single day…' Johnson explains. Coupled with Josiah's drive as executive producer and host to match Gil's energy and 'grind to want to be successful,' they've built a thriving collaboration and online community together. But maintaining and growing a popular NBA podcast is every bit as tough — if not tougher — than it is to play in the NBA. Somehow, Josiah Johnson and Gilbert Arenas have defied the odds and cracked the code for success, and for that a new generation of basketball fans is extremely grateful. Related: Kevin Durant names 3 legends joining him on small forward Mount Rushmore Related: Charles Barkley blasts TNT over ESPN NBA trade in NSFW rant
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gilbert Arenas' son Aloni shines at Adidas 3SSB, impresses scouts and family with maturity and skill
NBA legend ' kids have already begun to establish themselves in basketball. His youngest son, Aloni Arenas, recently made waves with a remarkable performance at the Adidas 3SSB "Earn Your Stripes" Invitational. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The rising eighth grader playing in the 15U division, wowed scouts and spectators with his excellent ball handling and versatility as a scorer. Meanwhile, a video of him giving it his best was posted by "Home Team Hoops" on Sunday on Instagram. Following this, Gilbert Arenas' ex and Bronny James' girlfriend's father commented on the post, congratulating him. Aloni Arenas turns heads with breakout performance at Adidas 3SSB Invitational At the Adidas 3SSB 'Earn Your Stripes' Invitational, 13-year-old Aloni Arenas wowed basketball fans and commentators with a performance. The event's video included some of his best moments, including his ability to show off his skills and make some difficult shots. The video was uploaded on Instagram. Later, in the post's comment section, Aloni Arenas' mother, , and the father of Bronny James' girlfriend, Dondré T. Whitfield, shared their opinions about his prowess. Dondré T. Whitfield commented: "I knew it was comin. The 'last' shall be first!!!!!" Meanwhile, Gilbert Arenas' ex wrote: "That's My baby..' Alijah Arenas, Aloni's older brother, attended the game as well. As his brother participated in the tournament, he was spotted cheering him on from the sidelines alongside Gilbert Arenas' current wife, Melli Monaco. Following the impressive accomplishments of 15U basketball player Aloni Arenas, the Arenas family name persisted on the court. Additionally, with a proud two-word caption, his sister, , also responded to his performance on Instagram. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Gilbert Arenas is proud of his son (Image via Getty Images) Aloni Arenas' breakthrough performance turned into a touching family moment as his family members expressed their pride. His performance demonstrates a growing confidence and preparedness to play at the next level, going beyond bursts of undeveloped skill. His capacity to manage physical matchups and carry out intricate moves under duress is already attracting the attention of scouts. He also made a statement rather than only posting numbers. The viral videos and the excitement in the basketball world show that he's more than simply a name-in-progress; he's becoming a major player in his class. Also read:
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Gilbert Arenas' Son Alijah Out Of Hospital After Horrific Cybertruck Accident
Gilbert Arenas' family had more good news to share after experiencing a difficult period lately. On Wednesday, the family announced that the former NBA star's son, Alijah Arenas, was out of the hospital and now on his journey to full recovery. The good news comes almost a week after Alijah was involved in a terrible crash involving his father's Tesla Cybertruck. The family revealed Alijah was out of the hospital via a statement obtained by TMZ. However, despite the good news, the family noted that Alijah must now begin his journey to full recovery. They said, "We are grateful to share that Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital and is now resting comfortably under close watch." The statement continued, "While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support." The family expressed their commitment to ensuring Alijah gets back to his full capabilities. They said, "The Govan and Arenas family are preparing for the road ahead with faith and determination, committed to nurturing Alijah back to 100%. He remains blessed, resilient, and in high spirits." The family concluded by requesting privacy and thanking everyone for their support amid their son's hospitalization. They said, "The family continues to ask for privacy during this time as they focus fully on Alijah's healing and well-being." The statement concluded, "We thank everyone for the continued prayer, encouragement, and outpouring support." Many fans celebrated the news of Alijah's discharge from the hospital, with one of them writing, "All I needed to see was "back to 100%." That's a blessing. They let y'all know there he good." The positive news comes two days after a family representative confirmed to TMZ that Alijah had stepped up his recovery. The rep said, "Although Alijah has shown significant improvement following the traumatic experience, he still has a long road to full recovery due to severe smoke inhalation." They also revealed that the teenager "was able to walk on his own and speak with his mother, Laura Govan, and his father, Gilbert Arenas, by his side." The family representative shared that Alijah was still in the hospital and remained "under close observation, with additional testing still underway." Gilbert Arenas' "Gil's Arena" podcast co-host, Josiah Johnson, confirmed the rep's statement, noting that the former NBA player told him Alijah was "walking, talking, progressing very well." Johnson also disclosed that Alijah didn't sustain any serious injuries following the crash. Although Gilbert Arenas' family announced Alijah's release from the hospital, they didn't address his basketball status. Alijah has been impressive in high school basketball and recently reclassified into the 2025 class. In December 2024, an ESPN report highlighted the University of Southern California commit's undeniable talent. It listed him as the top shooting guard and the fourth overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class. Alijah established himself as one of the top offensive talents in high school basketball. During six games on the Adidas 3SSB circuit in July, he put up impressive numbers, averaging 22 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting over 46% from beyond the arc. However, he will have his work cut out when he eventually turns out for the USC Trojans, who are coming off two straight losing seasons and back-to-back NCAA tournament misses, following three consecutive tournament appearances. Alijah Arenas was hospitalized and placed in a medically induced coma following a serious car crash last Thursday morning. The incident occurred in the Reseda area of the San Fernando Valley shortly before 5 AM, when Alijah's Tesla Cybertruck crashed into a tree and a fire hydrant, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. High school basketball reporter Tarek Fattal revealed that Alijah inhaled a significant amount of smoke after the vehicle caught fire, which led to the medically induced coma as a precaution. Fortunately, he did not sustain any major bodily injuries. News of Alijah coming out of the coma arrived a day after the crash, offering hope to fans and supporters. The cause of the crash was not disclosed, though law enforcement, who spoke to TMZ, said it likely resulted from excessive speed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas' son Alijah, country's No. 10 recruit, commits to USC
The 5-star son of a former NBA player has committed to USC. Gilbert Arenas' son Alijah Arenas announced his decision on his father's podcast on Thursday. ALIJAH ARENAS COMMITS TO USC 🔥🎉👏 — Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) January 30, 2025 Hailing from Chatsworth, California, Arenas chose USC over Kentucky, Arizona, Louisville and Kansas. "For me it felt like the best fit. For everybody that supported me on this journey just helped me see my path," Arenas said on the podcast. "Then going on campus and seeing how USC was like it made me special. I talked to the coach and seeing what I could possibly be, it was amazing for me. I think I could really go and play for USC." To make the announcement, Arenas facetimed USC coach Eric Musselman with the news. Nick Young's reaction to Alijah Arenas' poster dunk 🤣 — (@Ballislife) January 25, 2025 In November, Arenas reclassified to the 2025 class and is currently ranked as the No. 10 prospect by 247 Sports. He is listed as a 6-foot-6, 195-pound wing and was named a McDonald's All-American earlier this week. It is USC's third commitment in the class of 2025. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Gilbert Arenas' son Alijah, country's No. 10 recruit, commits to USC
