Kiyan Anthony, the son of Syracuse basketball legend Carmelo Anthony, has had a challenging freshman season with the Orange that has left many questions about his future in the sport. Despite showing moments of his potential, he has not yet fully lived up to the expectations associated with his family’s legacy.
As he continues to navigate the ups and downs of college basketball, ESPN analysts Terrence Oglesby and Seth Greenberg believe that while Kiyan possesses NBA talent, a return to Syracuse for another year could significantly bolster his prospects. Greenberg stated, “He needs to be patient. Being a legacy is not easy because there’s so much expectation.” Kiyan, who is currently averaging 8.8 points per game, has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, such as 18-point games against Northeastern and Drexel and a career-high 19 against Delaware State.
Syracuse assistant coach Allen Griffin has noted that discussions regarding Anthony’s future are on hold until the season concludes, but he emphasizes that more time at the collegiate level could aid Kiyan in establishing his own identity apart from his father. Both Oglesby and Griffin recognized Kiyan’s struggles with consistency, particularly as Syracuse has entered more competitive play in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The young player has faced difficulties in defense and shot selection, which have affected his minutes on the court.
Observers have pointed out that Kiyan’s defense needs improvement, as he often finds himself struggling against quicker and more physical opponents. While he excels at attacking the rim and drawing fouls, his ability to close out plays and defend against screens has been under scrutiny. Griffin referred to the transition many freshmen face when adjusting to college-level offenses, explaining the increased pace and complexity can be challenging.
Despite the pressure he faces being the son of a basketball icon, Griffin believes that Kiyan has shown resilience and readiness to handle the expectations placed on him. The consensus among analysts is that Kiyan could benefit from developing his shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, as he currently sits at a low 24.6 percent from three-point range. They suggest this could improve with another year focused on strength and skill development.
Looking ahead, there is optimism for Anthony’s journey in basketball. Both Oglesby and Greenberg have posited that a return to Syracuse could allow him to increase his scoring average and gain valuable experience, especially with key players likely graduating or departing for the NBA draft. The 2027 NBA Draft could present an even less competitive landscape, providing Kiyan with a favorable opportunity when he is ready to make that leap.
While the road ahead remains complex, Kiyan Anthony’s strong foundational skills and untapped potential signal a bright future as he continues to grow both as a player and an individual in the sport.