Kiyan Anthony, a four-star shooting guard and the No. 1 prospect in New York for the class of 2025, committed to Syracuse University in November 2024, following in the footsteps of his father, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony. The decision, announced on Carmelo’s “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, was a deeply personal moment for the Anthony family, reflecting both Kiyan’s individual journey and the strong father-son bond he shares with Carmelo. Below is an overview of Kiyan’s commitment, his motivations, and the father-son dynamic that shapes this milestone, drawing on recent reports and public statements.
Kiyan’s Commitment to Syracuse
Kiyan, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard from Long Island Lutheran High School, chose Syracuse over other top programs like USC, Auburn, Rutgers, and Florida State, narrowing his final list to Syracuse and USC. His decision was driven by a sense of family and connection with the Syracuse coaching staff, particularly head coach Adrian Autry. “Ultimately, it came down to my relationship with the staff,” Kiyan told ESPN. “From day one, when they started recruiting me, they made me feel like it was family.” He emphasized his desire to carve his own path, stating, “My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name.” Kiyan’s commitment adds to Syracuse’s storied basketball legacy, as he joins a talented 2025 recruiting class that includes five-star forward Sadiq White Jr., three-star wing Aaron Womack, and Australian prospect Luke Fennell.
Kiyan’s on-court prowess, honed through years of dedication, positions him as a key addition to the Orange. He averaged 19.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game on the Nike EYBL circuit with Team Melo, showcasing his scoring versatility and improving defensive skills. His coach at Long Island Lutheran, John Buck, praised his work ethic and leadership, noting, “His gift for scoring the ball is undeniable, yet he has shown great improvement on the defensive end.” Kiyan’s goal is clear: to help restore Syracuse’s basketball prominence, which has waned in recent years with no NCAA Tournament appearances since 2021. “I’m not going in with any type of intention other than to win,” he said, aiming to “bring back what Syracuse basketball is supposed to be like.”
Father-Son Bond
The commitment is deeply tied to the Anthony family’s legacy at Syracuse, where Carmelo led the Orange to their only NCAA championship in 2003 as a freshman, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. The Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, named after Carmelo’s $3 million donation (with the “K” standing for Kiyan), symbolizes this connection. However, both Kiyan and his parents, Carmelo and La La Anthony, emphasized that the decision was Kiyan’s own. La La noted, “We stepped back and allowed him to make a decision and told him whatever he decided we would support.” Carmelo echoed this, saying, “There was zero pressure from his dad to go to Syracuse.”
Carmelo’s pride in Kiyan’s choice was evident during the commitment announcement and subsequent celebrations. At a private event in Brooklyn, he became emotional, saying, “As a father, this is a special moment. You’ve got a chance to put the school, the community, and New York back to where it’s supposed to be.” In a May 2025 Syracuse commencement address, Carmelo reflected, “Watching him walk the same halls, wear the same colors, sit in this dome, is one of the proudest moments of my life. It’s not just about following in my footsteps, it’s about watching him create his own story.” He also shared advice for Kiyan’s freshman year, emphasizing enjoyment and development: “I just want him to go have fun, enjoy the college experience… It’s about developing, you don’t have time for anything else.”
Kiyan, aware of the expectations tied to his father’s legacy, embraces the challenge while focusing on his own identity. “My legacy, my son, it’s in you,” Carmelo told him. “I will forever continue through you because the time has come for you to carry this torch.” Kiyan’s Instagram post after the commitment, captioned “A new era 🧡🍊,” reflected his intent to build on his father’s legacy while forging his own path. Their bond is further highlighted by moments like posing together in Syracuse jerseys during Kiyan’s official visit in October 2023, captioned “carry the torch?”
Broader Context
Kiyan’s commitment carries weight beyond the court. Syracuse has struggled recently, missing the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five years, but Kiyan’s arrival, alongside other top recruits, signals a potential resurgence under Coach Autry. Carmelo’s increased presence in Syracuse, including plans to support the program’s NIL efforts and community initiatives, could further elevate the Orange’s profile. Kiyan’s decision also adds to Syracuse’s history of father-son legacies, joining seven other duos in the program’s history.
In summary, Kiyan Anthony’s commitment to Syracuse reflects a balance of honoring his father’s legacy and carving his own path, underpinned by a strong father-son bond rooted in mutual respect and shared dreams. As Kiyan prepares for his 2025-26 freshman season, he carries the hopes of Syracuse fans and the pride of his family, with Carmelo’s guidance to “chase your dreams, let nothing hold you back.”
