The basketball legacy continues with Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan Anthony, as he gears up for his first major milestone playing for Syracuse Orange, marking a significant moment in his burgeoning collegiate basketball career. This transition from a top-ranked high school talent to the collegiate level has attracted widespread attention, with his mother La La Anthony publicly cheering him on, highlighting an inspiring family journey meshed with high athletic ambitions.
Kiyan Anthony – Rising Star from Long Island Lutheran to Syracuse Orange
Kiyan Anthony began his basketball journey at Long Island Lutheran High School in New York, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the most promising shooting guards in the graduating class of 2025. Ranked highly by ESPN and other scouting platforms, Kiyan’s agile shooting, on-court vision, and composure under pressure stand out. His commitment and discipline were pivotal in earning multiple offers from renowned college basketball programs like Pittsburgh, Illinois, Memphis, Tennessee, Seton Hall, Michigan, Florida State, and Indiana.
Choosing Syracuse represents both a nod to legacy and an opportunity to carve out his own path. The Syracuse Orange program, known for its rich basketball history, was once led to glory by none other than his father, Carmelo Anthony, who captained the team to a national championship in 2003.
La La Anthony’s Role – Champion and Cheerleader Beyond the Spotlight
Despite her evolving career in entertainment, La La Anthony has steadfastly supported Kiyan’s ambitions. She has showcased her pride and encouragement through social media, exemplified by her enthusiastic Instagram stories celebrating Kiyan’s first official game and earlier exhibition successes. Her influence and active involvement provide Kiyan with a foundation grounded in emotional strength and motivation off the court.
La La’s support is emblematic of the modern sports parent balancing personal growth while fostering an athlete’s dream. This dynamic adds a compelling narrative to Kiyan’s development—he is not just a rising star but a young man fortified by a supportive family network.
The First Official Game – A New Chapter for Kiyan
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In the 2025-2026 academic year, Kiyan donned the iconic Syracuse Orange number 7 jersey, stepping into a new arena with both anticipation and pressure. His opening game against the Binghamton Bearcats symbolized much more than just a season’s start; it marked his formal introduction to Division I basketball at the college level.
Seen interacting with teammates during warm-ups, Kiyan’s composure indicated readiness. His high school shooting skills were already familiar to the basketball community, but now, he was putting that to the ultimate test against tougher competition and higher stakes.
Exhibition Game Performance – Garnering Attention
Prior to his official season start, Kiyan impressed spectators during an exhibition game against the Buffalo Bulls, where he scored efficiently including two three-pointers. His 4-of-7 shooting, especially beyond the arc, drew praise from fans and critics alike. The game underscored his capability to adapt and escalate his performance within the college circuit.
Such early performances are crucial for a college athlete striving to make an impact. Kiyan’s ability to seize these moments quickly establishes confidence both for himself and his team.
Legacy vs. New Identity – Balancing Expectations and Individuality
Kiyan faces an intriguing dual narrative: the legacy connection to Carmelo Anthony’s Syracuse success and the challenge of forging his own identity. While comparisons to his father are inevitable, their paths reveal notable distinctions. Carmelo was a dominant force, a national champion carrying Syracuse to the pinnacle of college basketball success. Kiyan, meanwhile, faces contemporaneous challenges—playing in an era where college basketball is intensely competitive with different styles, advanced analytics, and wider media scrutiny.
Sport psychologists note the complex psychological weave athletes navigate when inheriting a legacy. Maintaining composure while managing external expectations demands emotional maturity—a trait Kiyan has demonstrated both on and off the court.
FAQ —Kiyan Anthony and His Syracuse Career
Q1: Who is Kiyan Anthony’s father and why is his career significant?
Kiyan’s father is Carmelo Anthony, a celebrated NBA player who led Syracuse to the NCAA national championship in 2003, marking one of the program’s greatest achievements.
Q2: What position does Kiyan Anthony play?
He’s primarily a shooting guard, known for his smooth shooting ability and court awareness.
Q3: How has La La Anthony supported Kiyan’s basketball journey?
La La frequently shares moments of pride on social media, cheers for him at games, and balances her entertainment career while fostering his athletic growth.
Q4: What schools offered scholarships to Kiyan?
Besides Syracuse, schools such as Pittsburgh, Illinois, Memphis, Tennessee, Seton Hall, Michigan, Florida State, and Indiana offered him opportunities.
Q5: What was notable about Kiyan’s exhibition game debut?
He scored 4-of-7 shots, including two three-pointers, showcasing effective shooting under collegiate conditions.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.