In the world of professional sports, we often talk about “natural talent.” We see athletes who seem born to play, possessing a grace and skill that defies logic. But every so often, a talent emerges that isn’t just “natural”—it’s supernatural. Enter CJ, the three-year-old basketball sensation who recently took the stage on Little Big Shots and left host Steve Harvey, and the entire world, absolutely speechless.
If you think you’ve seen talented kids before, think again. CJ isn’t just a toddler with a ball; he’s a focused, charismatic, and mind-blowingly skilled athlete who handles a basketball better than most high schoolers. From his dead-eye shooting form to his elite ball-handling skills, CJ is the viral sensation you need to see to believe.
The segment begins with Steve Harvey, the master of comedic timing, setting the stage. He mentions that the internet is flooded with basketball prodigies, but none are quite like the one about to walk through the curtains. From Sherman Oaks, California, CJ makes his entrance not with a shy wave, but by dribbling two basketballs simultaneously with the confidence of a seasoned pro.
Dressed in a blue “Harlem Dreams” jersey and a white headband, CJ looks every bit the part of a miniature NBA star. The crowd erupts as he makes his way to the couch, but it’s his conversation with Steve that truly steals the show.
Perhaps the funniest and most endearing moment of the entire interview is when Steve asks CJ when he started playing basketball. Without missing a beat, the three-year-old looks Steve in the eye and says, “At seven months old. And I took it serious at seven months old.”
The audience falls into fits of laughter, but CJ is stone-cold serious. Steve Harvey’s facial expression—a mix of confusion, admiration, and pure comedic shock—perfectly mirrors what we’re all thinking: How can a seven-month-old take anything “serious,” let alone basketball? Yet, watching CJ handle the ball, you start to believe him. This kid wasn’t just playing in a sandbox; he was studying the triple-threat position before he could even walk.
Before getting into the heavy-duty dribbling, Steve asks CJ to show the crowd his shooting form. “Show me how Steph Curry shoots the ball,” Steve says. CJ stands up, sets his feet, and releases a high-arching shot that mimics the Golden State Warriors legend’s form perfectly.
It’s not just the shot; it’s the follow-through. CJ holds his hand in the air, flicking his wrist just like the greatest shooter of all time. It’s a moment of pure “mini-me” magic that proves CJ isn’t just a kid with a hoop in the driveway—he’s a student of the game.
Beyond the basketball, CJ is a natural entertainer. He and Steve have a hilarious back-and-forth about who looks like whom, with CJ insisting that Steve looks like him, much to Steve’s feigned offense.
But the highlight of the banter comes when CJ decides to show off his footwear. He lifts his leg up onto Steve’s lap to showcase his bright yellow and black sneakers. When Steve asks how much they cost, CJ replies with total transparency: “Thirty-nine dollars!”
“I can’t lose these shoes because they were thirty-nine dollars,” Steve quips, perfectly capturing the relatable, down-to-earth charm of this little superstar. CJ knows the value of his gear, and he’s not afraid to let the world know he’s a bargain hunter as well as a ball-handler.
As the segment draws to a close, Steve Harvey tells CJ, “You’re going to be a TV star.” CJ, with the same confidence he has on the court, simply nods and says, “Yeah.”
It’s a rare thing to see a child with such a perfect blend of high-level talent and infectious personality. CJ isn’t just a “trick pony”; he’s a kid who genuinely loves the game of basketball and has the charisma to command an entire auditorium. Whether he eventually makes it to the NBA or chooses a different path, one thing is certain: the world is going to be seeing a lot more of CJ.
Don’t wait—hit play and get ready to be CJ’s newest fan!