Kiyan Anthony: Following His Own Path
In the world of high school basketball, few names have generated as much buzz as Kiyan Anthony. At 6-foot-5, the Long Island Lutheran High School standout in Brookville, New York, is not just creating waves because of his lineage but because of his noticeable talent and promise on the court.
Recognized as a four-star recruit and ranked No. 36 in the 2025 class, Kiyan is already making significant strides in his young career. His performance continues to draw attention, and he recently showcased his skills by scoring 15 points at the storied Rucker Park in April.
But beyond his own achievements and growing reputation, Kiyan is also known for being the son of an NBA legend, Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo, who led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman, has a storied legacy at the university, with even the institution’s basketball facility bearing his name due to his substantial contributions.
Despite these strong ties, Kiyan insists on carving out his own path. His list of potential college choices spans several top-tier programs, including Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and, of course, Syracuse. Still, the younger Anthony remains resolute in making an independent decision. “My father never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym,” he shared. “[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 living up to a legendary parent's legacy can be immense, but Kiyan appears to handle it with maturity. “Even though I know basically the whole world wants me to go to Syracuse, I still haven't made the decision yet,” he explained, demonstrating his thoughtful approach to the recruitment process. “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.”
While his father's basketball fame often places Kiyan under the spotlight, he makes it clear that another person plays a pivotal role in his life—his mother. “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. “When I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person.”
It's evident that his mother is a driving force behind his discipline and work ethic. “She's the one who really pushes me to get in the gym, even if I don't want to,” Kiyan added. “To go to school and stay on top of my grades and stuff like that.”
With a supportive family and an ever-growing list of accomplishments, Kiyan is on a promising trajectory. However, he remains focused on the steps ahead, including completing his college visits before making a decision. “So I still have to finish up my visits, and then, ultimately, just make a decision," he noted. "I will rely on my parents a lot with their advice and how they think a school fits me.”
Kiyan's maturity also extends to his peers, showcasing a sense of loyalty and inclusiveness. “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, emphasizing his intent not to leave anyone behind. “I don't want to make them feel left out.”
As for the possibility of following in his father’s footsteps to Syracuse, Kiyan keeps an open mind but stresses the importance of his own aspirations. “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,” he emphasized. “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 Anthony is not just the son of a basketball legend; he is forging his own legacy with poise, determination, and a strong sense of self. As he continues to navigate his journey, one thing is clear: his future in basketball, wherever it leads, is bright and unquestionably his own.