Kiyan Anthony: A Rising Star with a Legacy
Kiyan Anthony, a name that already carries significant weight in the basketball world, is carving out his own path. The young phenom, standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, is a four-star recruit and currently ranked No. 36 in the 2025 high school basketball rankings. Attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan is following in the footsteps of his father, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, albeit with his unique flair and direction.
Making His Own Decisions
Kiyan's journey has naturally drawn comparisons to his father's illustrious career. Carmelo Anthony, who famously led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman, has been a significant influence on his son's career. Yet, despite the shadow of a Hall of Fame legacy looming over him, Kiyan is determined to chart his own course.
"[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 shares candidly. This perspective is crucial as he navigates the multitude of college offers and interests coming his way.
College Choices: Weighing the Options
The young Anthony's potential college choices are already a topic of much discussion. Among the schools he has listed as potential destinations are Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse. Each institution offers unique advantages, and Kiyan is meticulously evaluating his options.
"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 explains. Kiyan's thoughtful approach highlights his maturity and desire to find a program that fits him best.
Family Support: A Balanced Influence
While Kiyan's father undoubtedly provides valuable insights, it's his mother who plays a more substantial role behind the scenes. "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 acknowledges.
From pushing him to stay on top of his grades to ensuring he puts in the necessary hours in the gym, Kiyan’s mother is a pillar of support. "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," Kiyan adds.
Balancing Expectations and Career Aspirations
As Kiyan continues to grow as a player, he remains grounded and aware of the pressure that comes with his last name. He is committed to making thoughtful decisions, supported by his parents' advice. "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 notes.
Despite the excitement surrounding his future, Kiyan also emphasizes the importance of not leaving his friends behind. "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."
A Promising Future
Kiyan Anthony's future in basketball is undeniably bright. Whether he ultimately decides to wear the Syracuse orange and practice in a facility bearing his father’s name or chooses another distinguished program, the basketball community eagerly awaits his next move. "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 emphasizes, making it clear that his journey will be uniquely his own.
For a young athlete balancing extraordinary legacy and immense potential, Kiyan Anthony is setting the stage for an inspiring career that could well rival or exceed his father's remarkable achievements. Basketball fans across the nation will be watching keenly as he continues to define his own destiny on the hardwood.