Anthony Mundine has backed his teenage son and namesake in his dream of becoming an NBA All Star
As Anthony Mundine’s professional sporting career draws to a close his famous name is destined to live on, this time on the basketball court. His teenage son and namesake is eyeing a career in the NBA. WATCH MUNDINE JR IN ACTION!
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Anthony Mundine wants to emulate Aussie NBA superstar Ben Simmons.
Not Choc Mundine, but his teenage son and namesake Anthony Mundine Jr.
Former boxing world champion Mundine will step into the ring one final time this month but his name, one of the most famous in Australian sport, will live on with his sons CJ, 18, and Anthony, 14, to continue the family’s sporting legacy.
Last week, The Saturday Telegraph revealed rugby league prospect CJ is on the radar of at least five NRL clubs.
Mundine Jr has broken tradition and is a budding basketballer with eyes only for the NBA. Mundine, who also played 127 NRL games, backed his teenage son’s lofty ambitions.
“He’s got the goods to go all the way to the NBA, no doubt. I tell him all the time, ‘if you dream, dream big’,” Mundine said.
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“He’s very gifted and has all the fast twitch muscles you need to be an explosive athlete. He is 5’10 and has a couple of growth spurts to come. If he gets to 6’2 or 6’3 I’m telling you right now it’s game over. He’s going to wreak havoc.”
Mundine, one of the most polarising athletes in the country, has never been afraid to speak his mind. Almost 20 years ago he made headlines for calling out a perceived lack of opportunity in rugby league.
But don’t expect the same from Mundine Jr or even CJ.
“My boys are different to me. They don’t like confrontation, they don’t like to speak out. They’re confident in their ability but are reserved and Ant [Mundine Jr] is the shy type. The only thing that will be talking is Ant’s talent,” Mundine said.
“I want them to make their own mark on sport and be their own men.”
“I know I have a persona out there that I’m a cocky, brash, arrogant pig but I’m far from that. I was raised well and I teach my boys to treat everyone with kindness, to conduct yourself respectfully and always have time for people, don’t ever think you’re too good for someone.”
But Mundine also knows talent alone is not enough and his son’s commitment and work ethic will determine his future success.
“I tell Ant, if you want something focus on it, manifest that belief, work hard and you can achieve your dreams,” he said.
“I also try to guide him in the right direction and emphasis the importance of making the right choices in life and to stay away from drinking, drugs and smoking.”
It’s advice Mundine Jr has taken to heart.
Mundine Jr told The Saturday Telegraph the long hours dedicated to basketball give him the confidence to believe he can fulfil his NBA dream.
“I just want to make it to the NBA one day and become and All-Star. I don’t just want to make it, I don’t want to be just any other player in a team, I want to be one of the big players in the team,” Mundine Jr said.
“I’ve been putting in a lot of work in, I train every single day … I try to do something every day, even if it’s just 30 minutes, to work on my game.”
Mundine is fighting kickboxing great John Wayne Parr at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on November 30.