Kiyan Anthony’s time on the court with Syracuse has taken a significant turn, marked by a disappointing benching during the team’s 72-59 loss to No. 18 Virginia. The freshman, who has faced a turbulent debut season, was sidelined by head coach Adrian Autry, who clarified that the decision had nothing to do with injury but rather was made with the team’s dynamics in mind.
Autry emphasized, “No injury concerns. It was just my decision,” indicating that he believed this move was necessary given the physical and experienced nature of the opposing team. This situation comes amidst growing scrutiny of Syracuse’s overall performance, as they have struggled significantly this season, losing six of their last seven games and now holding a 13-11 record that places them in the lower half of the ACC standings.
Adding to the narrative, Kiyan’s father, Carmelo Anthony—a Syracuse legend and Basketball Hall of Fame inductee—has expressed his frustrations publicly. Following a previous loss to No. 14 North Carolina, Carmelo reacted on social media with the comment “SMFH,” reflecting his disappointment with the team’s current trajectory. However, in response to his son’s benching, he offered a more encouraging note, stating, “He’ll be good! THEY SAY it’s part of the journey. A little adversity don’t hurt.”
Analysts have acknowledged the pressure Kiyan faces as a legacy player, highlighting that while he possesses talent and size, he still has much to learn. ESPN’s Terrence Oglesby remarked, “This is a kid who’s got size, who has ability,” while Seth Greenberg urged patience and focus, commenting on the unique challenges that come with high expectations.
As Syracuse prepares for their next game against California, Kiyan Anthony’s future remains a topic of interest, with hopes that the experience will serve to strengthen both his character and skills as he navigates this demanding period.