Kiyan Anthony's Journey: Carving His Own Path Amidst His Father's Legacy
Kiyan Anthony, a rising star in the world of high school basketball, is making waves as a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings. Standing at 6-foot-5, the guard from Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, is not just living in the shadow of his illustrious father, Carmelo Anthony, but is determined to forge his own path.
The Anthony name carries significant weight in the basketball community, and Kiyan is acutely aware of the immense legacy left by his father. Carmelo Anthony, a likely Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and has contributed a substantial sum to the university's basketball facility, which proudly bears his name. Despite this deep-rooted connection to Syracuse, Kiyan emphasizes that his decision on where to play college basketball will be his own.
"[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."
While Syracuse remains in the running, Kiyan's list of finalists is extensive and includes Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, and Rutgers. The young guard acknowledges that he still has much to consider before making his final 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 explained.
Influence and Support from Family
Despite the high expectations and the potential pressure from the public, Kiyan receives tremendous support from his parents. While Carmelo provides advice and guidance, it is his mother, La La Anthony, an actress and celebrity with 15 million Instagram followers, who pushes him to strive for excellence both on and off the court.
"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."
La La’s encouragement goes beyond emotional support. "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.
Kiyan's parents' balanced approach allows him to make informed decisions about 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.
Performance on the Court
Kiyan's talents on the basketball court are evident through his performances. In April, he had a notable 15-point effort at the storied Rucker Park, showing his potential to excel at the next level. His dedication to improving his game and making the right college choice speaks volumes about his maturity and determination.
Looking ahead, Kiyan plans to take another visit to Syracuse to gather more information before making his final decision. He understands the significance of this choice and wants to ensure he is making the best decision for his development and future career.
Finding His Own Way
Kiyan’s journey is uniquely his own, and he is keen to bring those close to him along for the ride. "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 said. "I don't want to make them feel left out."
Ultimately, Kiyan Anthony’s decision will be shaped by his own aspirations and the support he receives from his close-knit family. "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,” he emphasized.
Kiyan Anthony's story is one of a young athlete navigating his own course in the world of basketball, under the guidance and wisdom of his influential parents. As the day of his final decision approaches, the basketball community eagerly watches to see where this promising guard will take his talents next.