Kiyan Anthony: A Rising Star with Big Shoes to Fill
Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Kiyan Anthony is rapidly establishing himself as a name to be reckoned with in the realm of high school basketball. A four-star recruit, Kiyan is currently ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the class of 2025. Attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan's journey is already filled with significant milestones and promising prospects.
Much of Kiyan's fame is attributed to his father, Carmelo Anthony, an NBA star who famously led Syracuse University to the 2003 national championship as a freshman. Carmelo's legacy at Syracuse is cemented not just by that title but also by his substantial contributions to Syracuse University's basketball facility, which proudly bears his name. Despite such an influential background, Kiyan is carving out his own path, guided but not overshadowed by his father's achievements.
"[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 make independent choices about his future.
A number of top-tier college programs are keenly observing Kiyan's development. So far, he has listed Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse as potential colleges. The young star is meticulously evaluating his choices, weighing factors beyond just familial ties and public expectation. "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.
His maturity extends beyond the court. Kiyan acknowledges the significant role his mother plays in his life, often overlooked in the glamour of his father’s fame. "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," he said. "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person." It's clear that his mother provides an essential support system, pushing him to excel academically and in athletics. "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.
Despite the spotlight that comes with being Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan is conscious of his own unique position and struggles. He sees himself as a bridge for his friends, offering them opportunities that they might not have otherwise. "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, illustrating a sense of responsibility and inclusion towards his peers.
The pressure and expectations surrounding his potential college choice are immense. Kiyan is navigating these waters with a level-headed approach, valuing his parents' wisdom in making his final decision. "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 process is ongoing, and his father's influence is notably balanced. "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 recently showcased his burgeoning talent by scoring 15 points at Rucker Park in April, an iconic venue known for its rich basketball history. Performances like this not only boost his profile but also highlight his potential to excel at the next level.
As Kiyan Anthony continues to develop, both on and off the court, he remains an athlete worth watching. His story is one of talent, personal agency, and a strong family foundation that nurtures his ambitions. With a blend of his father's legacy and his own burgeoning skill set, the future looks bright for this young star.