A high-profile endorsement early in the career, especially before the NBA Drafts, goes a long way. One can either live up to expectations or succumb to pressure. Former Wizards legend Gilbert Arenas rested his hopes on the young shoulders of Cassius Stanley when he showered upon him a champion’s praise. 

Cassius is a 21-year-old player who plays for the Duke Blue Devils. Now, this is the same team where the likes of Kyrie Irving, Brandon Ingram, JJ Redick, and Zion Williamson previously played. Stanley is a powerhouse of talent and is ready to finally get drafted in 2020.

When the Wizards’ great bet on a young Stan

The 38-year-old NBA veteran saw something unique in the 6’6” 195-pound youngster. Arenas saw Stanley playing way back in his school days. In a recent interview, the three-time All-star detailed, “I told his father, I’m watching him against KCP. KCP is a decent defender. He takes the hard assignment, and I see young boy 1, 2, 3 boom! KCP is nowhere to be found. He had the first step on him, KCP recovered because he stumbled. I’m just watching a high-school kid because he has so much raw talent.”

Cassius is surely not a regular talent. He is somebody about whom articles were getting published even when he was a 14-year-old 9th grader. He recorded his first unofficial dunk at 11 years of age. From the looks of it, he seems to have been born for greatness. Even his first name is inspired by the real name of the GOAT boxer Muhammad Ali. Take a look at when Cassius paid his respect to Gilbert and chose him over players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry.

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Is it too bad that he is securing his NBA drafts birth a little late?

Gilbert Arenas doesn’t seem to think so. Cassius could become one of those ones-and-dones, but he is just getting started. Gilbert’s recent remark reinstates this comment. He remembered the time when he spoke to Cassius’ father and said, “He might not be a college star, he is an NBA star. His ability is NBA ready.”

Today, Cassius is showing his ceiling with a 44-inch vertical leaping ability. His athleticism, catch-and-shoot potential, and defense are already world-class. Now it just remains to be seen which team gets him on their roster and grows him into a superstar.