Kiyan Anthony, the son of basketball legend Carmelo Anthony, has announced his commitment to Syracuse University.
Kiyan, a senior at Long Island Lutheran High School in New York, revealed his decision alongside his parents, Carmelo and La La Anthony.
During the announcement, he expressed gratitude for the recruiting efforts of both Syracuse and USC but emphasized the opportunity to forge his path at Syracuse.
“I’m committing to Syracuse University,” Kiyan declared. “I just want to thank both of ’em [Syracuse and USC] for coming to all my practices, coming to all my games. But at the end of the day, only one could stay.”
La La Anthony voiced her pride in Kiyan’s choice, emphasizing that the decision was entirely his. “This is his moment and his lane,” she said, adding that Syracuse’s recruitment efforts made Kiyan feel like a priority. Carmelo echoed similar sentiments, commending his son for embracing the opportunity to carry on the Anthony legacy at Syracuse.
Carmelo Anthony, who led Syracuse to a national championship in 2003, offered advice to Kiyan about handling the expectations tied to the family name. “Embrace it. You’ve got an opportunity to carve out a whole new fan base,” he said.
Kiyan elaborated on why he chose Syracuse over USC, citing the competitive edge of playing in the ACC and the family-like atmosphere of the program. “I went to a USC visit last month and I almost committed on the spot,” he admitted.
“USC feels like a movie when you’re on campus—the girls, basketball, the dorms are like an apartment. It’s like a lavish lifestyle. But coming back and looking at Syracuse, I saw what could be done over there. They already have top people coming in who I’m close with, a young coaching staff I could connect with, and it’s close to home.”
He added that proximity played a significant role in his decision. “It’s a 45-minute flight, and my family can be there. They would’ve had to catch six-hour flights to California every day if I chose USC.”
Kiyan, ranked as one of the top shooting guards in the Class of 2025 by ESPN, has excelled as both a shooting guard and forward. He has gained recognition for his performances at Long Island Lutheran High School and his AAU team, Team Melo, which his father sponsors.
While Syracuse offered him the chance to step out of his father’s shadow, Kiyan explained how the university’s rich history and ACC competition also appealed to him. “In the ACC, they play Duke, Carolina—all the good schools,” he noted. “That plays a part in why I chose Syracuse.”
In addition to his basketball achievements, Kiyan has leveraged his growing popularity through NIL deals, including a partnership with PSD. His marketability and skill set have made him a coveted prospect among top Division I programs.
The commitment strengthens Syracuse’s recruiting class under head coach Adrian Autry, who succeeded Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim. Kiyan’s decision also solidifies the Anthony family’s connection to Syracuse basketball, nearly two decades after Carmelo’s championship run.
Kiyan’s journey to Syracuse reflects his determination to balance his father’s legacy with his own ambitions. As he prepares to join the Orange, the spotlight will shine brighter on the young athlete, who now carries the weight of expectations from a storied basketball lineage.
The Orange faithful can expect to see Kiyan on the court in the 2025-26 season, where he aims to contribute to the program’s success. With his decision made, Kiyan Anthony is set to begin a new chapter in his basketball career, one deeply rooted in Syracuse tradition.
