Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA icon and New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony, has officially pledged to attend Syracuse University. This decision marks a significant moment as Kiyan follows in his father’s footsteps, where Carmelo made a lasting impact during his single season in 2003, leading the Orangemen to their only NCAA championship and establishing himself as a top player.
Kiyan, a 17-year-old senior at Long Island Lutheran High School and one of the top prospects in the Class of 2025, shared the announcement on a special episode of his father’s podcast, “7PM in Brooklyn,” alongside his parents and co-host The Kid Mero. He is currently ranked No. 36 on ESPN’s Top 100 and is recognized as one of the best pure scorers in the nation.
Despite receiving offers from prominent programs like USC, Auburn, Indiana, and Michigan, Kiyan was drawn to Syracuse because of its rich basketball tradition and his personal connections. “Ultimately, it came down to my relationship with the staff,” he stated, highlighting the familial atmosphere fostered by the coaching team.
Acknowledging the immense legacy left by his father, Kiyan expressed his ambition to carve out his own identity within the program. He emphasized his dedication through rigorous practice and commitment to enhancing his skills. “I want to go in there and create my own name,” he affirmed.
Under the new leadership of head coach Adrian Autry, who took over in 2023, Syracuse aims to reclaim its place in national college basketball. Kiyan is ready to contribute to this effort, as he believes his development, along with that of his teammates, will be propelled by the spotlight surrounding high-stakes matches against top-tier teams like Duke and North Carolina.
“This is my dad’s legacy, but it’s also about what I can bring,” Kiyan remarked, expressing a willingness to embrace the expectations that come with his surname. His positive outlook suggests a bright future ahead as he prepares to take on the challenges in college basketball.
As Kiyan embarks on this exciting new chapter at Syracuse, there’s a sense of optimism not only for him but for the future of the program as well. Fans are eager to witness his journey, hoping it will be filled with achievements that resonate with the legacy of greatness established by his father.