The popular social media star hits the basketball court with Keiki while visiting the islands

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Anthony Hamilton Jr. is a walking highlights reporter with a 52-inch vertical, his social media videos loved by millions.

Before he took on the role of internet celebrity, he was just a kid who loved sports.

In high school, Hamilton suffered two knee injuries, after which doctors told him to retire for medical reasons.

“Originally I was known for the online sports content and training videos and as an athlete who had just come back from two knee surgeries, it was an inspiring thing for other athletes who are struggling with it and it kind of helped bring people to it bring “My journey because they kind of watched me document my process as an athlete,” Hamilton said.

He’s come a long way from just training videos to now conducting interviews with legendary athletes like Terrell Owens – he even challenged Tyreek Hill to one-on-one interviews.

However, there is one role he will be most remembered for, as he had a role in the remake of White Men Can’t Jump.

“I work with celebrities, it’s kind of a collaboration, but after a while it turns into a friendship, so I can name so many different people that someone thinks is a celebrity, they’re just my friends,” Hamilton said.

Since gaining internet fame, he has also made it his goal to reach communities across the country.

While vacationing on Oahu this summer, he stopped at two parks to scout the up-and-coming talent here in Hawaii.

“In fact, I always watched him, growing up, I watched all his videos, all his dunks, his athleticism,” said Armani Blenman of Ewa Beach.

Hamilton hosts “Park Takeovers” in various cities he visits, where hundreds of kids spread the love of basketball.

He hopes to one day check off all 50 states.

“A lot of good basketball players here in Hawaii don’t really get recognized, especially among the girls themselves, because you wouldn’t know that there are good basketball players, so it was definitely a good experience,” Moanalua basketball player Rheanna Nobleza said.

Hamilton added: “To have the opportunity to travel and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to drive right up to the tire and whoever is there can drive up,’ and actually drive everyone up, that’s a crazy feeling.”

Watch out, he might show up at a park near you.

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.