The wait is over. Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA icon Carmelo Anthony, has officially committed to Syracuse, cementing a family legacy at one of college basketball’s most storied programs. The Class of 2025 prospect announced his decision after months of speculation, and the basketball world is already buzzing about what lies ahead for the promising young star.
Following in Legendary Footsteps
Kiyan Anthony, a standout player from Long Island Lutheran, narrowed his options to Auburn, USC, and Syracuse. While the other programs presented intriguing opportunities, the connection to Syracuse—where Carmelo Anthony led the Orange to their first NCAA championship in 2003—proved too powerful to ignore.
The legacy was always a factor, but Kiyan emphasized that this decision was entirely his own. “Even though I know basically the whole world wants me to go to Syracuse, I still haven’t made the decision yet,” Kiyan said earlier, highlighting his thoughtful approach to the process.
Carmelo, who played a single season at Syracuse before becoming one of the NBA’s all-time greats, avoided pressuring his son into any decision. Instead, the elder Anthony allowed Kiyan to choose the path that felt right to him.
Why Syracuse?
For Kiyan, Syracuse offers more than just a family legacy—it represents a program built to develop players for the next level. Known for its rich basketball history and passionate fan base, the Orange provide a stage for Kiyan to shine. At 6’5″, Kiyan is already drawing attention as a sharpshooter and high-IQ player, traits that could make him a vital piece of Syracuse’s future.
Kiyan’s commitment is also a much-needed boost for Syracuse, which has faced challenges in recent seasons trying to recapture its former glory. Adding a high-profile recruit with deep ties to the program could signal a resurgence for the Orange, both on the court and in recruiting.
NBA Buzz Begins
Even before stepping onto a college court, the chatter around Kiyan’s future in the NBA has already begun. As the son of a Hall of Famer, Kiyan carries both the weight of expectations and the promise of potential. Scouts and fans are eager to see how he develops at Syracuse, with many predicting that he could be a one-and-done player like his father.
For now, though, Kiyan is focused on the present—continuing his upward trajectory in high school and preparing to bring his talents to the Carrier Dome in 2025.
A Legacy Rekindled
Kiyan’s decision to commit to Syracuse is more than a personal milestone—it’s a rekindling of the Anthony legacy at a program synonymous with college basketball excellence. As fans await his debut in the iconic orange and blue, one thing is certain: Kiyan Anthony has the potential to write his own chapter in Syracuse’s storied history, and the basketball world will be watching every step of the way.
With Kiyan’s arrival, the Orange might just have found the spark they need to return to the top of college basketball—and perhaps, create another Anthony-led era of dominance.
