Kiyan Anthony: Rising Star Making His Own Name in High School Basketball
Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, is swiftly carving out his own path in the world of basketball. Standing at a towering 6-foot-5, Kiyan is not just known for his lineage but for his talent and potential on the court. Currently a four-star recruit, Kiyan is ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 class, showcasing his emerging status as a significant player in high school basketball.
At Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan has been putting up impressive performances that affirm his growing reputation. In a notable game at the legendary Rucker Park last April, he scored 15 points, further underlining his prowess and potential in the sport.
Despite the inevitable comparisons to his father, who famously led Syracuse to a national championship in 2003 during his freshman year, Kiyan is determined to forge his own identity. He acknowledges the significant contributions Carmelo has made to Syracuse University, including a substantial financial donation to their basketball facility, which proudly bears the Anthony name. However, Kiyan emphasizes that his father's legacy does not dictate his future decisions.
"[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.
As Kiyan evaluates his options for college, he has listed Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse as potential destinations. It's clear that he is considering these choices carefully, weighing various factors before making a final 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.
While the spotlight often highlights his relationship with his father, Kiyan is quick to acknowledge the crucial role his mother plays in his life and development. "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. He added, "When I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person."
Kiyan's mother is a significant source of motivation and support, pushing him to excel not just in basketball but in academic and personal growth as well. "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 noted.
As Kiyan continues to navigate the recruitment process, he remains grounded, relying on his parents for guidance and 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," Kiyan said.
In the meantime, Kiyan strives to make the most of the opportunities presented to him, and he is mindful of sharing these experiences with those close to him. "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 stated.
When it comes to Syracuse, Carmelo remains supportive yet impartial about his son's decision. "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.
Kiyan Anthony's journey is a testament to his individual ambition and talent, underscored by the support of his family. As he progresses, the basketball community watches eagerly to see where his path will lead, confident that he will make a name for himself independent of the shadows cast by his father's illustrious career.