Kiyan Anthony: A Star on the Rise
In the world of high school basketball, few names generate as much buzz as Kiyan Anthony. The 6-foot-5 rising star, a four-star recruit, is ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings. Kiyan is making waves not just for his skills on the court but also for his thoughtful approach to his future, influenced by his famous father, NBA star Carmelo Anthony.
Kiyan currently attends Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York. His performances have already garnered attention from several top colleges, and his list of potential schools includes Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse. Despite the pressure to follow in his father's footsteps at Syracuse, Kiyan is determined to carve his own path.
"[My father] never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym," Kiyan shared. "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."
Indeed, Carmelo Anthony's legacy at Syracuse is monumental. As a freshman, he led the team to the 2003 national championship and has contributed significantly to the university's basketball facility, which bears his name. However, Kiyan insists that his father's past accomplishments won't dictate his future choices.
"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," Kiyan explained.
Kiyan's maturity shines through in his decisions both on and off the court. He acknowledges the significant role his mother plays in his life, providing emotional support and keeping him grounded. "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."
The strong family support system is critical for Kiyan as he navigates the pressures and expectations that come with his budding basketball career. "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.
As his college decision looms, Kiyan is taking a methodical approach to ensure he makes the best choice for his future. "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," he noted.
Beyond his immediate family, Kiyan feels a responsibility towards his friends, striving to ensure they benefit from the opportunities his talent affords 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," Kiyan said. "I don't want to make them feel left out."
Kiyan's balanced perspective is equally evident in how he views the possibility of attending Syracuse. "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," Kiyan emphasized.
The future looks bright for Kiyan Anthony, and as he continues to develop his game, the basketball world eagerly awaits his next move. Whether he decides to play for Syracuse or takes his talents elsewhere, Kiyan is poised to make a significant impact on the sport, guided by his own aspirations and supported by a family that champions his individuality.