Kiyan Anthony: A Rising Star Charting His Own Path
Rising high school basketball star Kiyan Anthony has captured the attention of the sports world. Standing tall at 6-foot-5, the Long Island Lutheran High School student has already made a significant mark as a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings.
Kiyan, son of the NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, has drawn interest from several top-tier college programs, including Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and, notably, Syracuse. Despite his father's storied history with the Orange, Kiyan insists that his decision will be his own. "My father never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym," he shared. "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."
Carmelo Anthony, who led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and contributed a substantial sum to the university's basketball facility now bearing his name, remains a significant figure in the sport. Yet, his approach to Kiyan’s recruitment is hands-off. "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," Kiyan explained. "Like what other players are coming, how they want me to play, how I'll be coached and stuff like that."
It’s clear that Kiyan values the autonomy to forge his own path, underscoring the individuality he’s cultivated in his young career. "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. Still, the young athlete acknowledges the importance of his family's insights. "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."
While Carmelo’s influence is significant, Kiyan highlights his mother's role in his development, often overlooked by the public eye. "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 noted. This candid insight reveals a balanced parental support system critical to his growth. "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person," said Kiyan. He added, "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."
On the court, Kiyan Anthony continues to impress. This April, he showcased his scoring prowess by putting up 15 points at the famed Rucker Park, a historic venue for basketball talent showcasing. His performances are a testament to his hard work and dedication, continually pushing the boundaries of his potential.
Kiyan's commitment to personal growth and team cohesion extends beyond the basketball court. He speaks with maturity about his relationships with friends and teammates. "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, reflecting a level of humility and camaraderie uncommon in players his age. "I don't want to make them feel left out."
As the recruiting process unfolds, fans and analysts watch closely, eager to see where Kiyan will take his talents. His contemplative approach and grounded perspective suggest a future filled with promise, whether or not he follows in his father's footsteps at Syracuse. With a strong support system and clear personal aspirations, Kiyan Anthony is poised to make significant strides in the basketball world, leaving an indelible mark on whatever program he ultimately chooses.
For now, the basketball community waits in anticipation to see where this rising star will land. But one thing is certain: wherever Kiyan goes, his journey will be undeniably his own.