Kiyan Anthony: A Rising Star in High School Basketball with a Legacy to Forge
Standing at 6-foot-5 and already creating ripples in the high school basketball scene, Kiyan Anthony is a name you'll soon associate with future hardwood glory. As a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings, Kiyan has drawn attention for both his burgeoning talent and the significant legacy trailing behind him—his father’s iconic history in the sport.
Currently, Kiyan hones his skills at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York. With his father, Carmelo Anthony—who famously led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and has contributed substantially to the university’s basketball facility that bears his name—casting a long shadow, Kiyan is determined to carve out his own path.
College Choices and Independence
Navigating his future college decision is a critical crossroad for Kiyan. Not surprisingly, Syracuse is in the mix among his potential choices, alongside Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, and Rutgers. However, despite the familial connection, Kiyan is in no rush to make a decision solely based on legacy.
"[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 shared. It’s clear he feels the weight of expectations but aims to ensure his decision is personally fulfilling, adding, "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."
Family Support and Personal Growth
While his father's storied career and significant contributions to Syracuse are ever-present in his basketball journey, Kiyan credits his mother for much of his day-to-day support and guidance. "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 noted. The balance his mother provides is crucial, as he elaborates, "When I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person."
His mother’s role transcends emotional support, also extending to his athletic and academic discipline. "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. Through this balanced foundation, Kiyan is poised to thrive both on and off the court.
Looking Beyond the Cameras
Kiyan's grounded personality doesn't just reflect in his determined pursuit of excellence but also in his genuine consideration for others around him. "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, emphasizing his sense of responsibility towards his peers. "I don't want to make them feel left out," he added, showcasing a maturity that’s beyond his years.
Despite frequenting Syracuse for practice and workouts, Kiyan remains insistent that his ultimate decision will be rooted in his personal ambitions rather than paternal pressure. "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.
In April, Kiyan showcased his talent in an iconic setting, scoring 15 points at Rucker Park, further solidifying his status as a rising star. While much remains to be decided about his future, one thing is clear: Kiyan Anthony is navigating his journey with a blend of independence, familial support, and a keen sense of responsibility, both to his legacy and his own burgeoning aspirations.