"It follows you, doesn't it?"
Kai Efron knew what was coming as soon as a reporter approached him. For the 19-year-old San Beda Red Lions guard, being related to Hollywood star Zac Efron is a connection that rarely stays out of the conversation.
"It has always followed me," he told ESPN. "Honestly, I'm fine with it."
Kai is the second cousin of Zac Efron, the Hollywood star who famously played Troy Bolton, the basketball standout and reluctant theater kid in Disney's hit High School Musical trilogy.
The first film premiered in 2006, followed by High School Musical 2 in 2007 and High School Musical 3: Senior Year in 2008. The franchise helped to turn Zac Efron into a household name, paving the way for roles in films such as The Greatest Showman, Baywatch, and The Iron Claw.
Troy Bolton was a familiar name to a generation of fans, as a basketball player who also wanted to pursue interests beyond the court -- with college offering the next step in his journey.
Two decades after the first film premiered, Kai is pursuing that same next step in real life in the Philippines.
"Yeah, it's kind of crazy," he told ESPN.
"My cousin played a basketball player who wanted to go to college, and who knows what would have happened to him after that? It's crazy that I'm now living that life.
"I'm able to look back at that movie and realize that this is the life I'm living. I'm just very grateful for the position I'm in."
There is, however, one part of Troy Bolton's story that Kai is less inclined to celebrate: His basketball ability.
"Troy, he's a terrible basketball player," Kai said.
"I actually saw a TikTok about how he has only one move, and I think it's from the left elbow. It's just a half-spin into an elbow shot. It was funny."
The 6-foot-2 guard had another observation.
"The jump shot was ugly, too."
Kai watched High School Musical when he was younger and recently revisited the films. His assessment of their sporting credentials is less than flattering.
"It's a hard watch," he said.
"I don't think it was a very good basketball movie. But the music and everything was really cool. He has a really good voice. It was never really a basketball movie."
Kai's connection to Zac runs through their paternal grandfathers, who were brothers. But the family link has not translated into a close personal relationship with the Hollywood star. Kai said he knows Zac largely through family stories and his films.
Growing up, he was also conscious of how often the connection came up.
"Actually, whenever people asked me, I would tell them no because I didn't really like getting into it," he said.
"I would only tell my close friends. With other people, I would just say no."
While Troy Bolton's basketball future was left to the imagination, Kai's is unfolding in the far less predictable world of Philippine collegiate sports.
Before moving to Manila, Kai played high school basketball at Coronado High School in Las Vegas. He committed to San Beda in 2025, shortly after graduating, joining one of the Philippines' most successful collegiate basketball programs. The Red Lions entered NCAA Season 102 as defending champions, with 24 basketball titles to their name.
For Kai, though, arriving at a storied program has meant adjusting to the demands of a new basketball environment and being patient for his opportunity.
The rookie has faced a deep guard rotation and limited playing time, missing out on the rotation in several games as he works to establish himself.
"It's been good. It was a big adjustment when I first got here, especially getting used to the physicality of the game."
"I'm still learning. I'm embracing the position I'm in, and continuing to improve."
For now, the priority is earning his place rather than worrying about the expectations attached to his surname.
"I want to be my own man, my own basketball player," Kai said.
"Of course, I understand the history, but this is me now and to make my own name, too.
"I love this game and love working towards a goal. That's something I'm very proud of."
Kai knows opportunities will have to be earned in a team with plenty of options. He is prepared to wait for his moment.
"I'm just staying patient right now. I trust the coaches, and that's why I'm here at San Beda. I'll continue to improve every year and keep building on that.
"As everyone says, our lineup is pretty stacked. Anyone can play, and anyone can be the player of the game on any given night. I'm just staying patient and waiting for my moment."
It is a less scripted journey than Troy Bolton's, and one without any guarantee of a Hollywood ending.
Kai's immediate ambition is to earn more minutes, contribute to San Beda's pursuit of another championship and build a basketball career on his own terms.
The famous surname, however, is not something he intends to leave behind.
Asked what he would say to his cousin, Kai had a simple message.
"Just keep killing it, you know. Hopefully, I can do the same one day. I'll wear the name with pride."