Kiyan Anthony: A Rising Star with a Legacy to Uphold
As the son of an NBA legend, Kiyan Anthony is no stranger to the spotlight. The rising star in high school basketball currently holds significant promise as a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, Kiyan has shown his athletic prowess on the court, and his performances are already attracting substantial attention.
Kiyan attends Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, where his skills continue to develop under the watchful eyes of both coaches and recruiters. His career trajectory seems inevitably tied to his father, Carmelo Anthony, who famously led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman. Carmelo has also made lasting contributions to his alma mater, including substantial donations to the university’s basketball facility that now bears his name.
Choosing His Own Path
Despite his father's legacy at Syracuse, Kiyan is very much his own person. He has his sights set on a number of potential colleges, including Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and of course, Syracuse.
"[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. His father's understanding approach exemplifies the respect Carmelo has for Kiyan's individuality.
The pressure to follow in his father's footsteps is palpable, but Kiyan remains grounded. "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," he explained. It's clear that Kiyan is carefully weighing his options, ensuring the choice he makes best fits his personal and professional goals.
A Family Affair
While Carmelo is often seen as the public figure providing guidance, Kiyan credits his mother for much of his 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 noted. His mother's influence is significant, both in emotional support and practical advice. "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person," he said.
"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 added. This strong family support system has clearly played a vital role in his development both on and off the court.
Future Prospects and Final Decisions
As Kiyan moves forward, he recognizes the importance of making a well-informed decision regarding his college choice. "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. This careful approach ensures that Kiyan will choose a path that aligns best with his aspirations.
On a broader level, Kiyan is conscious of the opportunities he has and the responsibilities that come with them. "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 said. "I don't want to make them feel left out."
In April, Kiyan showcased his abilities by scoring 15 points at Rucker Park, a venue known for its rich basketball history. This performance underscores his growing talent and the promise he shows for future success.
Should he choose Syracuse, the legacy would continue in a particularly poetic fashion. "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. This statement reflects both his respect for his father’s legacy and his determination to carve out his destiny on his terms.
Kiyan Anthony stands at the cusp of an exciting and promising career, backed by a family that supports his individuality and decisions. As he continues to develop his skills and weigh his options, the basketball world watches with great anticipation.