Angel Reese continues to be a trending figure, especially as her offseason activities keep her in the spotlight. Her growing influence on social media and her Gen Z following means that anything she does quickly becomes headline news. Reese’s bold personality and candid “Unapologetically Angel” podcast have created viral moments and plenty of internet chatter, attracting high-profile guests like Shaquille O’Neal and sparking controversial conversations that fans love to dissect.
Her latest guest was Kiyan Anthony, the 6-foot-5 son of NBA icon Carmelo Anthony and actress La La Anthony. Kiyan, a talented high school basketball prospect, is making headlines himself as he nears his college decision. Currently ranked No. 1 in New York and No. 6 nationally among shooting guards in the Class of 2025, he has offers from several top programs, including Syracuse, where his father won an NCAA championship. Kiyan shared his top considerations on Reese’s podcast, saying he’s looking for a program with strong coaching support, a place where he can develop, and a team that shares his commitment to winning.
Angel Reese gives Kiyan Anthony advice on dealing with women as a young athlete:
“When you go to the league.. even when you’re in college, you need to be careful with these women. One slip up—you be seeing these stories? Don’t do it. You’re 17. It’s the women that’s a lot older… pic.twitter.com/jotiLE2w0b
— LANI ❦ (@___lovelani) October 31, 2024
Reese, known for her down-to-earth and outspoken style, offered Kiyan guidance on navigating the pressures of rising fame and cautioned him about potential pitfalls. As a playful gesture before the episode’s release, Reese and Anthony performed a short TikTok dance together, a lighthearted moment that quickly set social media ablaze. Fans and critics alike had a field day, with some users making suggestive comments and others questioning the friendship between the 22-year-old WNBA star and 17-year-old high schooler.
Some users reacted humorously but provocatively, with comments like, “He clapping them cheeks for sure.” Others, perhaps more protective, urged Carmelo Anthony to “come get your son.” Certain fans voiced discomfort, with one asking, “Why is a child hanging with a grown woman?” Reese’s rising popularity among young men and women, paired with her keen sense of style and promotion of current music trends, has made her both a celebrity crush and a cultural icon for Gen Z fans.
As the online discourse unfolded, some users defended Reese, arguing that the video was harmless and critiquing the objectifying remarks. “The comment section is both musty and dusty,” one user wrote, disapproving of the provocative interpretations. Despite the playful interaction’s innocent nature, the video highlighted the scrutiny Reese faces—a sign of her undeniable influence and her ability to spark conversation across social media.
With Reese and Anthony both on promising career paths, the podcast provided fans with an engaging, authentic exchange between two up-and-coming stars. Whether the fans’ reactions are in jest or fueled by social media’s obsession with public figures, the buzz around Reese’s interactions underscores the weight of her impact and her rise as a significant voice in both sports and popular culture.
