The name Kiyan Anthony is swiftly making waves in the world of high school basketball, and it's not just because of the legacy he carries with him. As the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan's burgeoning talent and promising future are steering him towards becoming a standout athlete in his own right.
Rising Star at Long Island Lutheran
Currently attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan Anthony has cemented himself as a noteworthy player in high school basketball. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, his performance on the court has earned him the status of a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings.
His contributions to the game were highlighted during a performance in April at the iconic Rucker Park, where he scored 15 points. This feat adds to his growing portfolio, underscoring his potential to make a significant impact as he advances in his career.
Collegiate Prospects and Decisions
With his high school career still in full swing, Kiyan has started considering his collegiate future. His list of potential colleges is impressive, including prestigious programs such as Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse. The latter holds special significance due to his father's storied legacy at the institution.
"[My father] never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym. 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 shared, emphasizing his desire to carve out his own path, free from external pressures.
Mulling Over Syracuse
Syracuse University, where Carmelo Anthony led the team to a national championship as a freshman in 2003 and later contributed a substantial sum to the basketball facility that now bears his name, remains a possible destination for Kiyan. However, the young athlete is taking his time to make an informed decision.
"Even though I know basically the whole world wants me to go to Syracuse, I still haven't made the decision yet and 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," Kiyan explained.
Parental Guidance and Support
As Kiyan navigates these crucial decisions, the influence of both his parents plays a pivotal role. While Carmelo provides a figure of inspiration and a venerated basketball legacy, Kiyan's mother offers crucial behind-the-scenes support.
"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," Kiyan said, appreciating the silent yet profound impact of his mother's efforts.
"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," he added, acknowledging her role in maintaining his work ethic and academic responsibilities.
Looking to the Future
With several college visits still on the agenda, Kiyan remains methodical and considerate about his next steps. "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," he noted, underscoring the collaborative decision-making process within his family.
Throughout this journey, Kiyan remains grounded, often extending his opportunities to friends who might not have the same advantages. "My friends maybe not having the same opportunities as I have, I'm the one that's tried to bring them along with me. I don't want to make them feel left out," he said, revealing a maturity beyond his years.
While the allure of Syracuse looms large, the decision remains uniquely Kiyan's. In his words, "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.”
As Kiyan Anthony continues to grow both on and off the court, the basketball world watches with bated breath, eager to see where his path will lead.