Having a famous parent can be intimidating to say the least, especially when the child is just as talented as said parent. Kiyan Anthony is one of the best high school players on the basketball court. Inheriting his skill from his father, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan says that he has no fear as he follows in his father’s footsteps.
Carmelo played college basketball for Syracuse, and now, his son, has the opportunity to do the same.
Last November, the pair went on a father-son road trip to see a football game Carmelo’s alma mater. Kiyan thought that it was just a bonding opportunity to watch a good game; however, famed long-standing Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim had other plans.
“I thought I was just going to go watch Syracuse and cheer for my dad’s alma mater,’’ Anthony said in a recent interview with Syracuse.com. “When the coaches came up to me and finally offered me a scholarship, I was really in a star-struck moment because he went there, he won a national championship there. So me having an opportunity to think that I could go there and follow in his footsteps, it’s a great feeling.’’
The 6’4″ shooting guard is only going to be a junior in the fall at Long Island Lutheran High School. However, in addition to Syracuse, he also has scholarship offers from Florida State, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, Providence, Seton Hall, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, and Pittsburgh.
Although Kiyan admits that he regularly hears from the new Syracuse coach, Adrian Autry, and the rest of Autry’s staff, he still hasn’t locked in his choice.
“I’m still keeping all of my options open,’’ he said. “It’s not like I’m automatically committing to Syracuse. I’m going to take my visits and go from there.’’
He continued, “I feel like there’s nothing wrong with that,’’ he said. “I just feel if it’s the right situation and they’re offering what I like, of course, I will go. But I’m keeping all my options open. I’m only a sophomore so seeing what’s to come in the next two years.’’
Working on not only his game, but his body as well in the wight room, Kiyan has elevated his rankings in the 2025 class. He is currently No. 52 on ESPN.com, No. 53 at Rivals.com and No. 37 on 247Sports.com.
“College coaches, I feel like they’re not going to offer you a scholarship because of who you are,’’ Kiyan said. “They actually see potential in me.’’
So, what advice has Carmelo given to his son?
Well, the teenager said that his father told him to, “… stay humble. “Don’t let all the voices and the college coaches get to you. Stay humble and stick to yourself … and just keep working because once you work and once you show on the court, it’s automatically and naturally going to come. Don’t get caught up in all the rankings and stuff like that.’’
We will definitely keep watch to see where Kiyan decides to call home as he will begin official camps visits in September and October.
Photo Credit(s)/Featured Image: Kiyan Anthony Instagram
