The Rise of Kiyan Anthony: Carving His Own Path in Basketball
Kiyan Anthony is quickly making a name for himself in the world of high school basketball. The 6-foot-5 standout from Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, is already drawing significant attention as a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings. As the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan has basketball in his blood, but he's determined to chart his own course.
Despite his father's illustrious legacy, which includes leading Syracuse University to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and contributing substantially to the basketball facility that now bears his name, 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," 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."
Kiyan's impressive skills have garnered interest from several top colleges. Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse are all on his list of potential destinations. However, he's taking his time to weigh his options. "Even though I know basically the whole world wants me to go to Syracuse, I still haven't made the decision yet," Kiyan explained. "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."
One of Kiyan's standout moments this year came in April, when he scored 15 points at the historic Rucker Park. Performances like these underscore his budding talent and reinforce his determination to forge a name for himself independent of his father's shadow.
While Carmelo is a guiding figure, Kiyan credits much of his development to 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," Kiyan said. "When I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person." He added, "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."
Despite the inevitable comparisons and the expectations stemming from his last name, Kiyan remains focused and grounded. He acknowledges the importance of his parents' advice as he navigates the recruiting process. "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.
Kiyan's mature perspective extends beyond his personal ambitions; he's keenly aware of his role within his community and among his peers. "My friends maybe not having the same opportunities as I have, I'm the one that's tried to bring them along with me," Kiyan said. "I don't want to make them feel left out."
As Kiyan continues to evaluate his college options, one thing is clear: he is determined to choose a path that feels right for him, whether that leads him to Syracuse or elsewhere. "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," Kiyan emphasized. "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 Anthony is poised to leave a significant mark on the basketball world. With his talent, determination, and strong family support, he's well-equipped to carve out his own legacy, uniquely his own.