They are quite the dynamic duo. Brothers Brandan and B.J. Stith are both basketball stars for Brunswick High School in Southside Virginia, but they're very different players. Older brother, Brandan is a 6 foot 6 forward who thrives in the post. B.J. is two inches shorter and plays guard. B.J., a sophomore, has already committed to play for coach Tony Bennett at Virginia.
Bryant Stith says, "BJ is a special player, 6 foot 4 can handle the basketball and he's only going to get better because he works hard. If he continues to make strides and bring something new to his game each year by the time he graduates he's not going to only be one of the best players to come through Brunswick but he'll be one of the to players in the country."
B.J. says, "Dad's favorite motto is the biggest room in the world is room for improvement, I never get content, I always work hard."
Brandan put up very modest numbers his first two years in high school but has blossomed in this, his junior year now averaging 19 points per game.
Brandan says, "The strongest part of my game is in the paint, I'm a very strong post up player. I crash the board and go after rebounds and try to block everything."
Bryant says, "One word to describe him is tenacious, he doesn't back down from anyone. If you are in the fox hole and you want somebody to be on your side you want Brandan to be in that fox hole with you because you know he has your back."
Brandan has an offer on the table from Virginia but his situation is tricky. Because of roster makeup and scholarship limits, UVa would like Brandan to have a year of prep school before joining brother, B.J. in Virginia's class of 2014.
Bryant says, "I was more like Brandan. Brandan and my game are very similar, we are very athletic, we play hard, we didn't like losing, my skill came once I got to Virginia.
As for B.J, he committed to UVa early before his sophomore year, not really considering any other school.
Coach Stith says he never pushed his son towards UVa, it was B.J's dream to play for the Cavaliers.
B.J says, "Oh, I love UVa, knowing that my dad went there following in his footsteps, Virginia was the perfect fit, its close to home, I have family in Charlottesville, I feel right at home there.
Brandan says he'll likely wait another year before deciding where he'll play college ball.
B.J. says he wants what's best for his big brother but admits he'd love for Brandan to join him at UVa.
B.J says "Yeah, it would be awesome, but with the issue of the scholarships, if it fits I'd be as happy as anyone if he goes there, but if it doesn't I just want Brandan to be happy."
For now Brandan and B.J continue to improve with the coaching of their famous father. Both sons may eventually approach some of Bryant's high school records.
Bryant jokes, "If they do, and I'm the coach, I'll make sure they don't break my record (laugh)."
