Kiyan Anthony: Charting His Own Path Towards Basketball Stardom
Kiyan Anthony: Charting His Own Path Towards Basketball Stardom
Kiyan Anthony is already making waves in the high school basketball scene. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, the Long Island Lutheran High School standout is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young talents in the sport. As a four-star recruit and ranked No. 36 prospect in the 2025 class, Kiyan is on a promising trajectory, one that basketball enthusiasts are keenly following.
While much of the attention on Kiyan is naturally linked to his famous father, Carmelo Anthony—a future Hall of Famer who led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship and has a notable legacy at the university—Kiyan is determined to forge his own path. In an era where familial legacies can be both a blessing and a burden, Kiyan’s mentality and approach offer a refreshing perspective.
The Unwavering Support of Family
Discussing the influence of his father, Kiyan reveals that Carmelo Anthony has never pressured him to follow in his footsteps, particularly regarding college choices. Kiyan shared, “[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.”
The young athlete's reflections paint a picture of a balanced family dynamic, where his mother also plays a crucial, albeit often understated, role. "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. This behind-the-scenes support is vital, especially when navigating the high-pressure world of competitive sports.
"Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person," Kiyan explained, adding that she pushes him to maintain his academic performance as well as his dedication to basketball. "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."
Making His Own Decisions
While public opinion and familial legacy might sway many young athletes, Kiyan is clear that his collegiate decision will be his own. "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."
At present, Kiyan's list of potential colleges includes Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and, of course, Syracuse. This diverse array of choices highlights his open-minded approach and his desire to find the best fit for his future, both on and off the court. "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.
A Bright Future Ahead
Kiyan Anthony's performances are already capturing attention. In April, he showcased his skills by scoring 15 points at Rucker Park, a venue synonymous with basketball greatness. As he continues to impress on the court, the young athlete remains grounded, often reflecting on the broader implications of his journey. "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."
It's this blend of talent, humility, and awareness that sets Kiyan apart. Should his path lead him to Syracuse, or perhaps another prestigious program, it will be a decision made with maturity and careful consideration. "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," Kiyan emphasized. "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.”
As Kiyan Anthony continues his ascent in the world of basketball, his journey is one to watch. Free from the shadows of expectations, yet supported by a strong familial network, Kiyan is poised to make a name for himself in the sport, guided by his own decisions and values.
