Kiyan Anthony is making waves in the world of high school basketball, building a name for himself separate from his famous father, Carmelo Anthony. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, Kiyan attends Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, where he has already earned a reputation as a formidable player.
A Star on the Rise
Kiyan has been rated as a four-star recruit and is currently ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings. His performance on the court has garnered attention nationwide. In April, he notably scored 15 points at the iconic Rucker Park, a venue synonymous with basketball prowess.
Considering His Future
With his high school success attracting collegiate interest, Kiyan has listed Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse as potential colleges. Despite the strong legacy his father, Carmelo Anthony, established at Syracuse—leading the team to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and contributing substantially to the university's basketball facilities—Kiyan emphasizes his independence in making this crucial decision.
"[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.
Although there's immense pressure and public expectation for him to follow in his father's footsteps, Kiyan remains undecided. "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.
Family Influence
The Anthony family is more than just about basketball. Kiyan stresses the pivotal role his mother plays in his development. "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," he said. "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person." She is also the one instilling discipline and encouraging his academic pursuits. "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.
Decision-Making Process
As Kiyan navigates the recruiting process, he's keen on making an informed decision with significant input from his parents. "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.
He also emphasizes loyalty to his friends, highlighting his desire to share his journey with them. "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."
While there's still uncertainty about which college jersey Kiyan will eventually wear, one thing is clear: Carmelo Anthony will support his son's decision on his own terms. "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 future is undeniably bright. As he continues to grow as a player and person, the basketball world eagerly awaits his next move, knowing that wherever he lands, he’ll bring his unique talent and perspective to the court.