Kiyan Anthony: A Rising Star Carving His Own Path
Kiyan Anthony is making waves in the high school basketball scene, and it's not just because of his famous last name. Standing at 6-foot-5, the four-star recruit is ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings and has already shown flashes of brilliance on the court.
Currently attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan is drawing the attention of college scouts from programs across the nation. He has highlighted potential fits at Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse.
While the allure of Syracuse looms large, given that his father, Carmelo Anthony, led the University to a national championship in 2003 and has a basketball facility named after him, Kiyan is adamant about making his own decisions. "[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.
The weight of expectations from the basketball community does not escape him. "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.
The younger Anthony's standout performances, including scoring 15 points at the iconic Rucker Park in April, have only added fuel to the recruitment frenzy. But behind the scenes, it’s not just his father who shapes his journey. His mother plays a crucial role as well. "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. Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person," Kiyan noted.
His mother also ensures he remains disciplined in all areas of life, pushing him to excel academically and stay focused. "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," he added.
As he navigates his recruitment journey, Kiyan remains grounded, drawing on the support and experiences of his parents. "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," Kiyan noted.
Understanding the broader implications of his success is also important to Kiyan. He speaks with wisdom beyond his years about the influence he holds and the desire to uplift 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. I don't want to make them feel left out," he said.
The relationship with his father remains both complex and supportive. While Carmelo’s achievements at Syracuse are legendary, he’s chosen to give Kiyan the space to determine his own path. "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.
Kiyan Anthony continues to shape his identity within basketball with each passing day, showcasing not just talent but a maturity that underscores his upbringing. Whether he chooses Syracuse or another prestigious program, it’s clear that he will be guided by his own aspirations, complemented by the wisdom and experiences of his family.