Kiyan Anthony is rapidly emerging as a notable name in high school basketball, garnering attention not only for his skills on the court but also for the legacy that precedes him. Standing at 6-foot-5, Kiyan, a four-star recruit ranked No. 36 in the 2025 rankings, is making waves at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York.
Charting His Own Path
The Anthony name is well-known in basketball circles, thanks in large part to Kiyan’s father, Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo’s legendary collegiate career at Syracuse University, which he led to a national championship in 2003 as a freshman, and his substantial contribution to the university's basketball facility, add weight to Kiyan’s journey. However, the young athlete is adamant about forging his own identity. “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.
College Prospects
While the lure of Syracuse is strong, Kiyan has an array of options for his college basketball career. Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse are among the potential destinations he is considering. Despite the pressure and public opinion, Kiyan remains measured in his approach. “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,” he explained.
Guidance and Support
The support from his family, particularly his mother, plays a significant role in his development both on and 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. “Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person.”
His mother's influence extends beyond emotional support, pushing him to stay disciplined in both academics and athletics. “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 added.
A Balanced Decision
As Kiyan continues to weigh his options, the advice from both his parents will be crucial in his decision-making process. Balancing respect for his father's achievements with his desire to chart his own path, Kiyan underlined, "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.”
Building Bonds
Though basketball is his main focus, Kiyan is conscious of the impact his opportunities and success can have on those 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 noted. “I don't want to make them feel left out.”
The legacy of Carmelo Anthony at Syracuse will undoubtedly be a factor in Kiyan's decision, but it will not be the determining one. He emphasizes his autonomy, saying, “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.”
Whether he dons the jersey his father once wore or chooses to blaze a different trail, Kiyan Anthony's journey is only just beginning, and the basketball world will be watching closely.