Kiyan Anthony, the young and dynamic basketball talent, has quickly risen through the ranks of high school sports, solidifying his position as a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect for the class of 2025. Standing an imposing 6-foot-5, Kiyan attends Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, where he has become a pivotal player and a beacon of hope for the future of basketball.
Despite the looming shadow of his father, Carmelo Anthony, who led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and has since contributed significantly to Syracuse University’s basketball program, Kiyan is determined to carve out his own identity on the court. “My father never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym,” Kiyan 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.”
Kiyan's commitment to making his own mark is mirrored by his meticulous approach to selecting a college. Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse are among the schools he is considering. "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.
Scoring 15 points at the iconic Rucker Park in April, Kiyan has already showcased his burgeoning talent on some of basketball’s most storied courts. His journey, however, is heavily influenced by his inner circle, especially his mother. "I would say everybody sees when the cameras are on [my dad] and then they're on me because I'm playing good," Kiyan said. "But I would say my mom does a lot more background stuff. Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person."
Kiyan's narrative is not just about the basketball legacy he's poised to inherit but also about the values and support system that shape him. "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," he added, emphasizing the role his mother plays in his daily grind both academically and athletically. This influence ensures that Kiyan remains grounded, focused, and prepared for the challenges ahead.
While the allure of Syracuse seems ever-present given his father's legacy, Kiyan is clear about the autonomy in his decision-making process. "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," he noted. "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.”
It's evident that whatever path Kiyan chooses, it will be a decision informed by thorough consideration and the advice of those closest to him. "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 stressed, acknowledging the significant input from his family.
Moreover, Kiyan is deeply conscious of the opportunities basketball affords him, not just for personal gain but also for those around 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 said, showcasing a maturity beyond his years.
Kiyan Anthony's journey is one marked by talent, hard work, and a support system that balances both the limelight and the behind-the-scenes efforts required to succeed. As he continues to navigate the complexities of choosing a college and advancing his basketball career, the young star is poised to create his own legacy, distinct yet respectfully parallel to that of his illustrious father.