You probably remember the headlines from 2009. The world was obsessed with Kendra Wilkinson and her new life away from the Playboy Mansion, and right in the middle of that whirlwind was the birth of Hank Baskett IV. For years, he was the cute kid in the background of reality TV scenes, the one we saw growing up in snippets between tabloid drama and family vacations. But things have changed. A lot.
Honestly, if you haven’t checked in lately, you’d barely recognize the guy. He isn’t just "Kendra’s son" anymore. He's becoming a legitimate force in the Southern California high school sports scene, and he’s doing it with a level of focus that might surprise people who only know his parents' public personas.
The Basketball Phenom at Oaks Christian
While his father, Hank Baskett III, made his mark on the gridiron as a wide receiver for the Eagles and Vikings, the younger Hank has found his calling on the hardwood. Currently a sophomore in the class of 2028 at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, Hank Baskett IV is already making a massive impact on the varsity basketball team.
He's big. Really big for his age. Standing at 6'2" and playing as a shooting guard/small forward, he has the kind of frame that makes scouts lean forward. But it isn't just about height. In the 2025-2026 season, he’s been putting up numbers that prove he belongs. We’re talking about a kid averaging double digits in points—around 12.4 per game—while hauling in over 7 rebounds. That’s a "double-double" threat every time he steps onto the court.
What’s wild is how much he’s improved in just a year. He’s currently ranked as a top player in the Marmonte league. You’ve got to respect the hustle; he isn't just riding on a famous name. He’s out there in the gym at Oaks Christian, grinding through losses against teams like Franklin and bouncing back with high-scoring performances against schools like Shadow Ridge and Davis Sr.
Beyond the Reality TV Shadow
Growing up in front of cameras is a recipe for disaster for most kids. You’ve seen the stories. But Hank Baskett IV seems to have dodged that particular bullet. Maybe it's because his parents, despite their high-profile split in 2018, actually managed to figure out the whole co-parenting thing.
Kendra has been vocal about how "lil Hank" is an "old soul." It’s a term she uses a lot. She describes him as a mix of an athlete and a "nerd" who loves to invent things. That’s a refreshing pivot from the typical "celebrity kid" trope. While the world was watching the drama of Kendra on Top, Hank IV was apparently in his room experimenting with gadgets or practicing his jumper.
It’s interesting to see how he navigates the "junior" or "IV" legacy. His father has moved almost entirely into the gaming world—building custom PC rigs for pro athletes under his HB Customs brand—but the son is keeping the athletic fire alive. There was some confusion on Reddit a while back about him playing for the Packers (spoiler: he's still in high school), which just goes to show how much "Baskett" is still a name people associate with pro sports.
What the Future Holds
So, what’s next for the 16-year-old? The "Class of 2028" label means he’s got a few more years of high school to really solidify his ranking. Scouts from Prep Hoops and other recruitment sites are already keeping tabs on him. If he keeps growing—and considering his dad is 6'3", he probably will—we could be looking at a serious D1 college prospect.
He plays club ball for Team Build Up, which is where the real exposure happens in the off-season. Watching his highlights, you see a player who doesn't panic under pressure. He’s got a smooth stroke from the free-throw line (shooting near 100% in some of his recent 2026 games) and a defensive presence that bothers smaller guards.
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It’s a long road from Westlake Village to the NBA or even high-level college ball, but Hank Baskett IV has the pedigree and, more importantly, the work ethic. He’s managed to stay grounded while his family life was broadcast to millions. That kind of mental toughness is usually what separates the "kids of stars" from actual stars in their own right.
If you’re a fan of high school hoops or just curious about how the next generation of the Baskett family is turning out, keep an eye on the Oaks Christian box scores. The kid is just getting started.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Follow the Season: Check MaxPreps or Sports Passports for real-time updates on his sophomore season stats at Oaks Christian.
- Watch the Highlights: Search for "Hank Baskett IV highlights" on scouting platforms to see his lateral quickness and shooting form firsthand.
- Look for Recruitment News: As he enters his junior year in 2026-2027, expect to see his name pop up in Southern California "Players to Watch" lists as college offers potentially begin to trickle in.