Kiyan Anthony: Charting His Own Path in High School Hoops
Kiyan Anthony, a name that has started to resonate in high school basketball circles, carries not just his talent but also the legacy of his father, NBA star Carmelo Anthony. As a 6-foot-5 four-star recruit, Kiyan stands at No. 36 in the 2025 rankings, marking him as a notable prospect on the national stage.
Currently attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan has attracted attention from top colleges across the country. Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse are among the colleges he’s considering. Despite the palpable allure of following in his father's footsteps at Syracuse University, where Carmelo famously led the team to a national championship in 2003 and contributed significantly to the school's basketball facilities, Kiyan faces his college decision with a sense of individualism and caution.
"[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. This sentiment underscores the independent path Kiyan aims to carve, even as the weight of expectations from fans looms large.
“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. It’s evident that he is taking a methodical approach, aiming for the right fit rather than hastily making a decision based on external pressures.
While Kiyan's father, Carmelo, remains a vital figure in his life, Kiyan credits his mother for much of his success 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 said. His mother's influence extends beyond mere athletic encouragement, deeply impacting his overall development. "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person," he added.
His mother’s role isn’t limited to emotional support; she’s a driving force behind his academic and athletic diligence. "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 noted. Her influence ensures that Kiyan is well-rounded, staying focused on both his sport and his studies.
Despite his rising profile, Kiyan remains grounded and mindful of the support system 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," he said, adding, "I don't want to make them feel left out.” This sense of camaraderie and humility is a testament to his character.
Kiyan is still in the process of making his college visits and weighing his options. "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. This careful consideration highlights his maturity, as he balances athletic aspirations with personal and familial guidance.
Regarding the potential of attending Syracuse, Kiyan remains pragmatic. "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 emphasized.
As Kiyan Anthony navigates the pressures of his burgeoning basketball career and the expectations tied to his family name, he continues to focus on making the best choice for his future. Whether he ultimately decides to don the Syracuse orange or blaze a new trail elsewhere, it’s clear that Kiyan is in control of his destiny, marked by a deliberate and thoughtful approach to both his education and his athletic career.