Kiyan Anthony: Carmelo’s Syracuse Departure Is His Choice

Kiyan Anthony is well aware of the legacy his father has left at Syracuse, as the school is among the top choices for the four-star recruit in the 2025 ESPN 100 rankings.

His father, Carmelo Anthony, achieved great heights in the NBA after leading the Orange to a national championship in 2003 during his freshman year. He is also remembered for his generous contributions to Syracuse’s basketball facility, which now bears his name.

Despite his strong connection to the university, Kiyan stated in an interview that neither his father nor his mother, La La Anthony, has pressured him to choose Syracuse.

“[My father] never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym,” Kiyan shared with ESPN. “He’s accomplished so much there. He understands that I’m my own person and that I need to make my own decision.”

Kiyan, who frequently practices and trains at Syracuse, mentioned that if his path leads him there, he will embrace it. However, he is adamant about not being coerced into following his father’s footsteps.

In the coming two months, Anthony plans to finalize his decision from a list that includes Syracuse, Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, and Rutgers. He intends to make another visit to Syracuse before making his final choice.

As a student-athlete at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Anthony’s performance has garnered attention, partly due to his family’s high-profile status. His father is expected to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and his mother is a well-known actress with a considerable social media following.

Through his YouTube show, “The Evolu7ion,” Kiyan aims to provide insight into his experiences growing up under the spotlight. He also expresses a desire for his friends and teammates to share in the success he has experienced.

“My friends might not have the same opportunities that I have, so I’ve tried to bring them along with me,” he explained. “I don’t want them to feel left out.”

As a 6-foot-5 guard, Kiyan is keen to demonstrate that he is more than just a scorer. While some of his memorable performances, like his 15-point outing at Rucker Park in April, have made headlines, he wants to focus on enhancing his playmaking skills during his last year in high school.

While discussions often swirl around his father, Kiyan emphasizes the important role his mother has played in his growth as well.

“People see my dad when the cameras are rolling and also see me when I perform well,” he noted. “But my mom does a lot behind the scenes. When I face challenges or need someone to confide in, she’s there. She motivates me to hit the gym, even when I don’t feel like it, and makes sure I stay on top of my academics.”

From the moment he picked up a basketball, Kiyan has been intertwined with Syracuse due to his father’s storied legacy as a standout player who led the Orange to a national championship against Kansas. While the thought of joining his father at Syracuse has crossed his mind, he insists that family and friends won’t pressure him into any decision.

Kiyan mentions that upcoming visits to Syracuse and the other schools on his list will significantly influence his choice. He recognizes that while his parents will provide guidance throughout the decision-making process, the ultimate choice remains his own.

“Even though it seems like everyone wants me to go to Syracuse, I haven’t made my choice yet,” he clarified. “I still need to communicate with the coaches and understand how they envision my role, the players who will be joining, and the coaching style. Once I finish my visits, I’ll rely on my parents for their thoughts on which school feels the best for me.”