You’ve seen the viral clips. A skinny kid with a lightning-fast crossover, wearing that iconic number 3, looking like a glitch in the Matrix because he moves exactly like his dad.
But here’s the thing. Christopher Emmanuel Paul II is no longer just the "cute kid" sitting on the podium during NBA post-game press conferences. He’s fifteen now. He’s six feet tall. And honestly, he’s starting to make a lot of people nervous about the future of the point guard position.
Being the son of a "Point God" is a heavy lift. Imagine trying to learn how to drive when your dad is a Formula 1 champion, except the car is a basketball and the track is a sold-out arena. Most kids would crumble under that kind of pressure.
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Not Little Chris.
Born on May 23, 2009, to Chris Paul and Jada Crawley, Christopher Emmanuel Paul II has spent his entire life in the shadow of greatness. We remember him as the toddler who imitated Blake Griffin’s "stank face" during the Lob City era. We saw him growing up on the sidelines in Houston and Phoenix.
Now, in 2026, he’s carving out a path that feels less like a tribute act and more like a takeover.
The Kansas City Breakout and the EYBL Grind
If you want to know when the conversation changed from "he’s Chris Paul’s son" to "he’s a legitimate prospect," look back at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) session in Kansas City in May 2025.
It was a total masterclass.
Playing for the CP3 All-Stars, Paul II didn't just play well; he manipulated the game. He finished that session looking like a seasoned vet. The way he handles the pick-and-roll? It’s spooky. He knows exactly when to snake the screen, when to hit the roll man, and when to pull up for that signature mid-range jumper that has become a family heirloom.
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What’s wild is that he’s already 6'0", which is basically where his dad topped out. At 15, he’s likely got a few more inches coming. If he hits 6'3" or 6'4" while keeping that 1:1 "Point God" DNA, the scouting reports are going to get very interesting very quickly.
Why the "Point God DNA" is Real
People throw around the word "IQ" in basketball way too much. But with Christopher Emmanuel Paul II, there isn't really another word for it. He sees things before they happen.
I watched a clip of him from a February 2025 high school game where Campbell Hall took on Crespi. There was a play where he didn't even look at the basket for three straight possessions. He just picked the defense apart like a surgeon. He’d drive, draw the help, and whip a cross-court pass to the corner.
Bang.
Next possession, same thing. He’s relentless.
His high school coach has talked about his composure. It’s that same icy stare his dad has. He doesn’t get rattled. When the crowd starts chirping or the opposing team goes on a run, he just walks the ball up, settles the offense, and gets a "good" shot. That is rare for a teenager. Most kids want the highlight. He just wants the right play.
Breaking Down the Style of Play
Let's get technical for a second, but not too much.
- Defensive Tenacity: He’s a pest. He averages a ridiculous amount of steals because he understands angles. He doesn't just reach; he waits for the ball-handler to expose the rock and then pokes it away.
- The Mid-Range: While the rest of the world is obsessed with logo threes, Paul II is keeping the mid-range game alive. His pull-up from the elbow is money.
- Pace Control: This is the most "Chris Paul" thing about him. He never lets the defense speed him up. He plays at his own speed, which is usually a gear or two slower than everyone else, but somehow he’s always two steps ahead.
Staying in His Own Lane
In a 2024 profile with the Charlotte Observer, Chris II made it pretty clear: "I want to stay in my own lane."
That’s easier said than done when your name is Christopher Emmanuel Paul II. You can't exactly go incognito with that on the back of your jersey. But you can see him trying to differentiate himself. He’s more of a vertical threat than his dad was at this age. He’s got a bit more flash in his handle.
He’s also surrounded by top-tier talent. Playing on a 15U squad with guys like Bentley Lusakueno (who some have ranked as the top freshman in the country) and Mason Collins has forced him to become a true floor general. He isn't asked to score 40. He’s asked to make the team win.
And they win a lot.
The Road Ahead: Recruitment and Expectations
The hype is only going to get louder. By the time 2026 winds down, every major D1 program is going to be knocking on the door. Wake Forest is the obvious sentimental favorite—his dad’s jersey is literally in the rafters there.
But don't be surprised if he looks elsewhere. The modern era of college hoops is different.
Is he a one-and-done? It’s way too early to say.
The NBA is a different beast, and being 6 feet tall (for now) still carries a stigma in a league of giants. But as we’ve seen with his father, who has spent 20 years proving the doubters wrong, size is secondary to intelligence.
Christopher Emmanuel Paul II has the hardest job in sports. He has to follow a legend. But if you watch him play for five minutes, you realize he isn't trying to be Chris Paul. He’s just trying to win the game in front of him.
Honestly? That’s exactly what his dad would do.
To keep an eye on his progression, watch for his upcoming performances in the 2026 EYBL circuit. This is where the physical growth often catches up to the skill set. If he starts playing above the rim consistently, the "mini-me" comparisons are going to end, and the "future lottery pick" talk is going to begin in earnest. Look for his assist-to-turnover ratios in high-pressure games—that’s the true metric of the Paul legacy.