A Rising Star in High School Basketball: Kiyan Anthony
Standing at 6-foot-5, Kiyan Anthony is quickly making a name for himself on the high school basketball court. Currently attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan is a prominent figure on the hardwood, showcasing talent that has earned him a four-star recruit rating. Ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 class, he’s constantly catching the eye of scouts and basketball aficionados alike.
Kiyan’s prowess on the court was on full display this past April when he lit up the famous Rucker Park with a 15-point performance, solidifying his reputation as a formidable player. But beyond his physical attributes and on-court achievements, it's the lineage and mentorship that often grab headlines. As the son of basketball legend Carmelo Anthony, who led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and invested significantly in the university's basketball facilities, the younger Anthony's journey carries both weighty expectations and nostalgic hopes.
Kiyan, however, is determined to forge his own path in the world of basketball. He acknowledges the pressure but emphasizes his autonomy in making a collegiate decision. "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 shares.
Indeed, the looming presence of his father’s legacy at Syracuse has led many to speculate about Kiyan’s college choice. "[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 explains. Kiyan’s calculus for choosing a college goes beyond names and legacies; it delves into the practical aspects of where he will fit best.
When discussing who plays the most significant role behind the scenes in his life, Kiyan candidly mentions his mother. "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," he says. "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person."
The emphasis on the influence of his mother showcases the grounding Kiyan maintains amid the spotlight. "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 adds. This balanced support system between his parents helps Kiyan stay focused and motivated, ensuring his academics and athletics receive equal attention.
Kiyan’s collegiate prospects are diverse. He has listed Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse as potential destinations. "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," Kiyan notes, indicating the deliberative process he is navigating.
The influence of family extends beyond his parents as well. Kiyan is conscious of his peers and the opportunities he has compared to them. "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 says. "I don't want to make them feel left out." This statement reveals a character that is not only focused on personal success but also on uplifting those around him.
As for Syracuse, the sentiment remains neutral but open-minded. "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 emphasizes, making it clear that his journey will be self-directed.
In the world of high school basketball prodigies, Kiyan Anthony stands out not just for his skills but for his grounded perspective and thoughtful approach to the future. As he continues to excel on the court and weigh his college options, the basketball community watches with anticipation, respecting his desire to carve out his own legacy, irrespective of his father’s storied past.