Kiyan Anthony: Charting His Own Course in High School Basketball
Kiyan Anthony is carving out his own space in the world of high school basketball, stepping out from the considerable shadow cast by his father, Carmelo Anthony. As a four-star recruit and the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings, Kiyan is already generating significant buzz in the sports world. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, he is currently attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, where his performance on the court has caught the eyes of scouts and fans alike.
Kiyan has shown remarkable maturity, both in his game and in his approach to the pressures and expectations that come with being Carmelo Anthony's son. Unlike many young athletes who are often pushed in a particular direction by their family's legacy, Kiyan appreciates the freedom his father has afforded him. "[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," he shared.
Indeed, Carmelo Anthony's contributions to Syracuse are well-documented. He led the team to a national championship in 2003 as a freshman and has since contributed substantially to the university’s basketball facility, which bears his name. Despite this, Kiyan is resolute in creating his path. "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," Kiyan explained.
College selection is a significant decision for any young athlete, and Kiyan has no shortage of options. He has listed Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse as potential colleges. He emphasized that he has yet to finalize his choice and will rely heavily on his parents' advice. "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.
While his father’s legacy looms large, it is Kiyan's mother who plays a pivotal role in his day-to-day life and 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," Kiyan said. He further highlighted his mom's influence: "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person."
Kiyan also credits his mother for pushing him to maintain a balance between academics and athletics. "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," he added. This holistic approach is likely to benefit Kiyan as he navigates the often tumultuous world of college sports recruitment and high school stardom.
The young player's recent performance at Rucker Park, where he scored 15 points in April, showcased his burgeoning talents to a broader audience. His ability to perform under pressure and in iconic venues only adds to the excitement surrounding his future prospects.
Kiyan’s journey is about more than basketball; it's also about the connections and friendships he values. "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, highlighting his thoughtfulness and sense of responsibility. "I don't want to make them feel left out," he emphasized, shedding light on his character off the court.
As for college, Kiyan remains open-minded, even about Syracuse. "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,” he emphasized.
Kiyan Anthony is making waves in high school basketball, but more importantly, he's doing it on his own terms. As he continues to rise, the legacy he builds will not just be a reflection of his father's past, but a testament to his own decisions and resilience.