Kiyan Anthony joins Syracuse, aims to shine beyond NBA legend Carmelo
Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA icon Carmelo Anthony, has officially committed to play college basketball with the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team. The rising high school star’s decision was announced after months of speculation, bringing a familiar name back to a campus where his father became a legend. Kiyan’s move is more than a legacy continuation—it’s the start of his own basketball journey, and fans are eager to see what the next generation of this basketball family can do.
Match Overview
There was no actual game, but in a major recruiting “win,” Syracuse University secured a commitment from one of the most talented guards in the 2025 high school class. Kiyan Anthony, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard out of Christ the King Regional High School in New York, chose the Orange over offers from Memphis, Indiana, Florida State, and others.
This commitment holds added significance due to the historical ties between Kiyan’s family and the university. His father, Carmelo Anthony, led Syracuse to its first—and still only—men’s basketball NCAA championship in 2003. Kiyan’s arrival now brings added spotlight on what is shaping up to be a crucial era for the Orange under head coach Adrian Autry.
Key Moments
The recruitment of Kiyan Anthony was followed closely across the nation, largely due to his lineage but also because of his steady rise through the ranks. Scouts have praised his ability to create shots off the dribble, his deep shooting range, and his improving defense.
Kiyan made his collegiate intentions known in a social media announcement, surrounded by family and teammates. His decision leaned heavily on Syracuse’s history and the chance to wear the same jersey his father once did. But unlike Carmelo, who played only one season before heading to the NBA, Kiyan may take a different route focused on consistent development.
Star Performers
This isn’t just a storyline about a famous name—Kiyan Anthony has proved himself a legitimate Division I recruit. At Christ the King, he has averaged over 17 points per game, showing maturity in reading defenses and a composed shooting stroke that scouts have noted favorably.
During the 2023-24 AAU circuit, Kiyan gained further national recognition, especially with his performances against top-tier competition. He showcased his potential in events like the EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) where he demonstrated a mix of finesse and athleticism.
- Height: 6’5″
- Position: Shooting Guard
- High School: Christ the King Regional HS (NY)
- Recruiting Rank: Top 40 in ESPN, 247Sports
- Notable Offers: Syracuse, Indiana, Memphis, Florida State
Turning Points
One of the pivotal factors in Kiyan’s decision was likely the trust in Syracuse’s basketball program and its coaching staff. Even though legendary coach Jim Boeheim retired after the 2023 season, successor Adrian Autry maintains continuity in the program’s philosophy and has shown strong player development skills.
Moreover, the Orange are actively rebuilding and adding talent for their upcoming campaigns in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Signing a player with both star appeal and upside like Kiyan Anthony signals that Syracuse intends to get back to national prominence quickly.
The Carmelo-Factor
There’s no denying that Carmelo Anthony’s legacy looms large. In 2003, he delivered a championship for Syracuse with a historic freshman season. But all signs point to Kiyan embracing pressure with maturity. He’s not looking to match or outshine his father’s achievements—he’s focused on creating his own.
In interviews, Kiyan has said he appreciates his father’s influence but is determined to establish himself beyond the famous surname. This mindset will be critical as he faces increased media attention throughout his college career.
What It Means Next
For Syracuse basketball, this is more than a symbolic homecoming—it’s a cornerstone recruiting win. The Orange have struggled in recent years to crack the upper tier of the ACC standings, but bringing in Kiyan could help spark a new era. His commitment might also influence other recruits to consider Syracuse as their future home.
From a broader college basketball perspective, this adds to the trend of big-name second-generation players entering the scene. With Bronny James at USC and DJ Wagner at Kentucky, Kiyan’s journey adds another must-watch storyline to follow in the NCAA.
- Syracuse’s recruiting class ranking for 2025 likely to improve
- TV and media interest in Syracuse games expected to increase
- Increased marketing opportunity for name-image-likeness (NIL) partnerships with Kiyan
- ACC now houses multiple second-generation stars
Looking Ahead
Kiyan Anthony is expected to finish out his high school career with continued improvement, and then join Syracuse Orange basketball ahead of the 2025-26 NCAA season. Analysts are already projecting him as a potential NBA Draft prospect down the line, assuming he continues his current trajectory.
The Orange, meanwhile, get a talented shooter and wing who can make an immediate impact. With player movement increasing in college basketball and the portal always active, grabbing a top-tier talent with potential to lead for multiple years is a major boost.
Final Thoughts
The Syracuse basketball dynasty may soon get a second chapter under the Anthony family banner. While expectations will undoubtedly be high, Kiyan Anthony appears poised to handle them with grace. His commitment isn’t just a tribute to the past—it’s a declaration of the future.
Basketball fans now have another compelling story to follow. How high Kiyan can rise remains to be seen, but his Syracuse commitment has already added excitement to the college hoops landscape for the years to come.