Kiyan Anthony: The Rising Star Charting His Own Path
In the vibrant world of high school basketball, few names are gaining traction quite like Kiyan Anthony. A young talent hailing from Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan is becoming more than just "Carmelo Anthony's son." As a 6-foot-5 high school sensation, Kiyan has already made a significant mark, being recognized as a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings.
But the shadow of a legendary father is not an easy one to escape. Carmelo Anthony, who famously led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and has since made substantial contributions to the university's basketball facility—now bearing his name—leaves behind a legacy that could easily intimidate any young athlete. However, Kiyan Anthony seems more than ready to carve out his own path.
"[My father] never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym," Kiyan shared, addressing the unavoidable comparisons and expectations. "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."
That decision-making process is still ongoing for Kiyan, who has listed Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse as potential colleges. Despite feeling the weight of external expectations pushing towards Syracuse, Kiyan maintains that he is taking his time to make the best choice for himself. "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.
A journey of self-discovery isn't navigated alone, and Kiyan acknowledges the behind-the-scenes role his mother plays in his life. "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. 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."
The Anthony family’s teamwork extends beyond the court and the classroom. Kiyan understands that his opportunities are a privilege, one he often shares with his friends. "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."
Despite the inherent pressure of living up to a storied last name, Kiyan remains focused on what 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. 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’s journey is compelling, blending talent with a thoughtful approach to his future. He scored 15 points at the iconic Rucker Park in April, punctuating his rising profile with on-court performance. The upcoming years will be crucial as he continues to weigh his options, prepares for college visits, and ultimately decides on the next steps in his promising career. "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.
As Kiyan Anthony navigates the complexities of his burgeoning career, one thing is clear: this young athlete is more than ready to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight, armed with his own ambitions and the unwavering support of his family.