Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, has announced his commitment to play college basketball at Syracuse University.
The highly regarded shooting guard from Long Island Lutheran High made this official statement on Friday, marking a significant moment two years after the Orange extended a scholarship offer to him.
Standing at 6-foot-5, Kiyan Anthony is widely recognized as the top recruit in New York and ranks among the nation’s elite prospects. His commitment to Syracuse came after the university successfully outmaneuvered Southern California and faced competition from Auburn and several other programs.
“At the end of the day, only one could stay,” Kiyan shared during his announcement on his father’s “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, with his mother, La La Anthony, present. “And with that being said, I’ll be committing to Syracuse University.”
He donned a Syracuse cap and embraced his parents, marking a heartfelt moment in their family journey.
“Now we can get to working,” Carmelo Anthony remarked, reflecting the family’s dedication to the sport.
La La Anthony added, “I can breathe now,” highlighting the relief and excitement surrounding Kiyan’s decision.
This past summer, Kiyan lived up to the hype, averaging nearly 20 points per game on the Nike EYBL circuit while playing for Team Melo, a program co-founded by his father. He also showcased his talent at the iconic Rucker Park, where he caught the attention of numerous former NBA players.
La La Anthony expressed her commitment to his development, stating, “I’m harder on him when it comes to basketball than his dad is. … And then it just started clicking, and we’re seeing all the hard work and all the hours pay off.”
Kiyan’s choice to attend Syracuse was widely anticipated, mirroring his father’s path to the 2003 NCAA championship during his singular college season. The basketball office and practice facility at Syracuse bears the name of Carmelo K. Anthony, a testament to his $3 million donation toward its construction.
Carmelo Anthony advised his son on the podcast, saying, “Don’t be afraid of it; embrace it. The guys that looked at me, that watched me, are not your fans. You have an opportunity to carve out a whole new fan base. My time was 20 years ago. … You’ve got new energy.”
Carmelo enjoyed an illustrious 19-season NBA career, earning 10 All-Star selections and ranking 10th all-time in scoring. He also claimed three Olympic gold medals for USA Basketball and was present in Paris, alongside Kiyan, when the U.S. team secured gold at the recent Olympic Games.
Kiyan Anthony has already begun to establish his brand, securing name, image, and likeness deals, while also pursuing his own business ventures. He has been training with renowned basketball coach Chris Brickley, who has worked with high-profile athletes, including LeBron James.
