Kiyan Anthony: Charting His Own Path Amid Legacy and Expectations
Kiyan Anthony is swiftly making a name for himself in the highly competitive world of high school basketball. Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Kiyan is not only a promising four-star recruit but also the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings. As a student at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, his basketball prowess continues to echo beyond the school's gym, capturing the attention of scouts and sports analysts alike.
The spotlight, however, is not unfamiliar to Kiyan. As the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, there's an inherent weight of expectation. Carmelo, who famously led Syracuse to the national championship in 2003 as a freshman and generously supported Syracuse University's basketball facility—which now bears his name—casts a long shadow.
Yet, Kiyan is carving out his own journey, consciously distinguishing his path from his father's legendary footsteps. "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 independent spirit when it comes to his college choices.
Potential Collegiate Paths
The list of potential colleges for Kiyan reads like a who's who of elite basketball programs: Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and, of course, Syracuse. Despite the significant familial connection to Syracuse, Kiyan remains open to a variety of possibilities, weighing his options carefully. "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 explained.
The Role of Family
While the influence of his father is evident, it's Kiyan’s mother who plays an incredibly vital, often understated role in his development both on and off the court. "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 revealed. He frequently turns to his mother for guidance, particularly when facing personal challenges. "When I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person."
His mother’s influence extends into his educational journey and training regimen. "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 added. This steadfast support system seems to ground Kiyan as he maneuvers the pressures of rising stardom.
Peer Relationships
Despite his burgeoning fame, Kiyan remains deeply connected to his friends, ensuring that they, too, have opportunities to share in his experiences. "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 his sense of loyalty and camaraderie. "I don't want to make them feel left out."
A Bright Future Ahead
As Kiyan nears the pivotal decision of selecting a college, he recognizes the complexity and importance of this choice. "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. The decision, though challenging, will be his own, even if it means following in his father's storied footsteps. "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 Anthony stands at the threshold of a promising career, buoyed by his talent, strong family support, and the legacy of a basketball great. Whether he becomes a Syracuse Orange or dons another jersey, one thing is certain: Kiyan is poised to make his own mark in the basketball world.