A New Generation of Talent: Kiyan Anthony's Journey to Basketball Stardom
Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, is rapidly making a name for himself in the world of high school basketball. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, Kiyan's physical presence on the court is undeniable, but it's his versatile skill set and relentless work ethic that have set him apart from his peers. Currently, a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings, Kiyan's future in collegiate and potentially professional basketball is bright.
A Promising Prospect
As a student at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan has been honing his craft and attracting attention from top college programs across the country. His recruitment process has been meticulously documented, with Kiyan listing prestigious institutions such as Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse as potential destinations for his college career.
Despite his father's storied legacy at Syracuse University—where Carmelo Anthony led the team to a national championship in 2003 and later contributed significantly to the school's basketball facilities—Kiyan remains undecided about following in his father's footsteps. "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."
The Pressure of Expectations
The weight of expectations is palpable, yet Kiyan handles it with maturity beyond his years. "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." For Kiyan, the decision-making process is comprehensive, ensuring he finds a program that fits his style and aspirations.
Family Influence and Support
Reflecting on his family's influence, Kiyan acknowledges the significant role his mother plays in his development. "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 continues, "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person. 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's grounding in family values is evident in his relationships with his friends as well. "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."
Performing Under Pressure
The young Anthony has already had his fair share of moments under the spotlight. In April, he scored 15 points at the iconic Rucker Park, a venue that has hosted countless basketball legends over the years. Performances like these are a testament to Kiyan's growing prowess on the court and hint at his potential to follow in his father's iconic footsteps.
Looking Forward
Kiyan remains focused on making the best decision for his future, emphasizing the importance of his parents' advice. "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." And though his father's legacy at Syracuse looms large, Kiyan stresses that the choice will ultimately be his own. "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."
As Kiyan Anthony continues to navigate the challenging yet exhilarating path of high school basketball, his journey is being closely watched by fans and scouts alike. His blend of talent, hard work, and a supportive family foundation sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting future in the sport.