Kiyan Anthony: Charting His Own Course
Rising high school basketball star Kiyan Anthony is carving his own path in the sport, away from the ever-present shadow of his legendary father, Carmelo Anthony. Standing tall at 6-foot-5, the promising athlete has already made a significant mark on the high school basketball scene, being a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings. The Long Island Lutheran High School student has shown remarkable prowess on the court, embodying not just skill but a maturity that belies his years.
The younger Anthony’s ascent has naturally spurred speculation about his college choice, given his father's illustrious history with Syracuse University. Carmelo Anthony famously led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and subsequently donated a substantial sum to the university’s basketball facility, which now bears his name. Despite the legacy, Kiyan makes it clear that his decision will be his own.
“[My father] never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym,” Kiyan shared. “He did so much at Syracuse. He knows that I'm my own person. I've just got to make my own decision at the end of the day.”
Kiyan’s list of potential colleges reflects his desire to weigh all options carefully. Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse are on his radar, indicating a thoughtful and open-ended approach to his future. “Even though I know basically the whole world wants me to go to Syracuse, I still haven't made the decision yet,” he explained. “I still have to talk to the coaches some more and really get into detail -- like what other players are coming, how they want me to play, how I'll be coached and stuff like that.”
His measured consideration extends beyond his father’s influence. Kiyan acknowledges the invaluable role his mother plays in his journey. “I would say everybody sees when the cameras are on [my dad] and then they're on me because I'm playing good, but I would say my mom does a lot more background stuff,” he said. “Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person. And she's the one who really pushes me to get in the gym, even if I don't want to. To go to school and stay on top of my grades and stuff like that.”
Kiyan’s understanding of the broader context of his opportunities underscores his grounded perspective. “My friends maybe not having the same opportunities as I have, I'm the one that's tried to bring them along with me,” he noted. “I don't want to make them feel left out.”
His future remains an open book, with final decisions yet to be made. “So I still have to finish up my visits, and then, ultimately, just make a decision. I will rely on my parents a lot with their advice and how they think a school fits me,” Kiyan reiterated. As much as the legacy of Syracuse looms large, it’s clear that Carmelo supports his son's autonomy. “If it is Syracuse -- I go there a lot and I practice, I work out there -- if it is that, that's what it is. But he's never going to say, 'You gotta go to Syracuse. You gotta go there because I went there.' He's not going to make me follow in his footsteps unless I really want to,” Kiyan emphasized.
Kiyan Anthony demonstrates a blend of inherited talent and individual resolve, preparing to carve his own identity in the world of basketball. Whether he follows in Carmelo’s footsteps or forges a new path, one fact remains indisputable: Kiyan Anthony is a name to watch in the coming years.