Kiyan Anthony Commits to Syracuse, Following Father’s Footsteps

Carmelo Anthony’s son Kiyan has officially committed to play basketball at Syracuse University, following in the footsteps of his NBA father. The announcement was made during an episode of Carmelo’s podcast “7PM in Brooklyn” on November 15, where the 17-year-old athlete expressed the challenges he faced in making his decision. Kiyan, who is ranked among the top 40 basketball recruits, revealed that his final choices included Syracuse, Auburn, and USC before ultimately opting for his dad’s alma mater.

Carmelo Anthony, who played at Syracuse from 2002 to 2003, was instrumental in securing the university’s only NCAA Championship title during his freshman year. Kiyan’s mother, La La Anthony, shared her feelings about her son’s commitment on the podcast, stating, “I’m overwhelmed, but I’m happy ’cause he’s happy.” Kiyan is the only child of La La and Carmelo; the couple parted ways in June 2021 after 16 years of marriage.

La La emphasized that Kiyan’s decision was his own, though she highlighted the significant role Syracuse played in making him feel valued during the recruiting process. She acknowledged the legacy he would inherit but stressed that this journey is about Kiyan carving out his own identity in the world of athletics.

Carmelo expressed his relief that Kiyan has finally made a choice after going through a period of indecision. He noted that while he provided his son with insights on the schools, he did not impose any pressure regarding the final decision. Kiyan also mentioned that while his father’s connection to Syracuse influenced his recruitment, the pivotal factor was his strong relationship with the coaching staff, particularly with Adrian Autry.

Reflecting on his experience, Kiyan said, “From day one, they made me feel like family. My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to create my own name.” He highlighted his dedication during the offseason and his commitment to work closely with Coach Autry to elevate Syracuse basketball. Kiyan’s comments reveal a youthful enthusiasm combined with a desire to honor his father’s legacy while forging his own path in the sport.