Carmelo Anthony and Kenny “The Jet” Smith’s playing careers didn’t overlap. So this is the closest we get to these legends clashing on the court. Even if it’s through the talented teenagers they coach. Both are two of the many NBA superstars shaping the future basketball talent in the Nike EYBL. Their squads, Team Melo and Jet Academy clashed in E16 Peach Jam 2024 that’s going on in Augusta this month. And The Jet came out on top this time.

The TNT analyst’s team, Jet Academy, won the E16 game 60-59. That gave the 2x NBA champion some bragging rights over Melo. Both were present at the EYBL and were spotted chatting on the sidelines while Melo’s son, Kiyan, watched the game. No animosity there.

This setback wasn’t going to dampen Anthony’s Peach Jam run. Team Melo had other successes in the tournament led by his son, Kiyan Anthony. He’s making the most of his EYBL run with the Peach Invitational, leading Team Melo to a 77-74 victory over Ohio Red on Sunday.

The 17-year-old recorded a great stat line of 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in the game, proving why he’s one of the four-star recruits of the 2025 class. His stat line this summer has looked like 19.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, and improving.

He’s currently on the college tour run with visits to Auburn, USC, and Ohio State lined up and hasn’t committed to a program. But predict he’d continue Melo’s legacy in Syracuse after his recent visit there. While the Lutheran High student is building a stellar NBA-worthy resume before he’s even hit college, his dad is enjoying one of his favorite second acts with Kenny Smith.

Kenny Smith found his calling

For over a decade, several NBA stars have jumped into growing the AAU-NBA relationship. Every summer, at AAU games, especially in the Nike EYBL, NBA stars like Carmelo Anthony, Kenny Smith, and even Anthony Davis and Chris Paul stand on the sidelines coaching the teens. It’s not as easy as walking into the youth basketball scene and giving out motivational advice.

These pros are certified to run an AAU team. They proceed to build a team and give them the kind of development that would attract college offers. Smith created Jet Academy based on his famous nickname since he was a high school basketball player hoping to improve the prep to pro track. He brings in his famous pro friends, sometimes even virtually, to coach his programs.

Smith’s opinions on the AAU differ from his TNT co-host, Charles Barkley’s. But he’s remained dedicated to it for a decade. With questions looming about the future of Inside the NBA and rumors about Smith leaving broadcast after three decades, a career in youth basketball doesn’t sound so bad.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video: