Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, has officially committed to play basketball at Syracuse University, his father’s alma mater. The four-star guard, ranked No. 34 in the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports, chose the Orange over offers from USC and Auburn.
A Legacy to Uphold
Carmelo Anthony had a monumental impact at Syracuse, leading the team to its only national championship in 2003. His remarkable NCAA Tournament run is often regarded as one of the best performances in tournament history. Despite these deep family ties, Kiyan emphasized that his decision was primarily based on his own aspirations and the future of the Syracuse program.
“I chose Syracuse because the coaches recruited me from day one,” Kiyan stated in an interview with 247Sports. “They really showed me they were recruiting me for who I was and that it had nothing to do with my Dad.” He also mentioned the potential of his future teammates and the vision laid out for his role within the team.
Building a Strong Class
Kiyan Anthony becomes the fourth commitment for Syracuse in the 2025 class, joining fellow recruits like four-star forward Sadiq White Jr., four-star guard Luke Fennell, and three-star forward Aaron Womack. With these commitments, Syracuse now boasts the No. 5 recruiting class for 2025, trailing only powerhouse programs like Duke, UConn, Kentucky, and Notre Dame.
A Personal Journey
Kiyan is determined to carve out his own identity in the world of college basketball. “At the end of the day, I’m my own person,” he remarked. “I’m not trying to technically fulfill everything my dad did at the program. I just want to win, have fun, and enjoy college.”
His commitment reflects a blend of personal ambition and respect for his father’s legacy, as he aims to lead the team and be a good teammate without the pressure of living up to Carmelo’s achievements.
Expert Projections
247Sports’ director of scouting, Adam Finkelstein, has high expectations for Kiyan. He noted that Kiyan possesses an advanced game and a strong record of improvement as he progresses. Finkelstein highlighted Kiyan’s potential for further growth, particularly as he develops his defensive skills and refines his offensive efficiency.
The Next Generation of NBA Legacies
Kiyan Anthony is part of a growing trend of NBA legacies making their college commitments. Notably, Bronny James, son of LeBron James, committed to USC in May 2023, while Justin Pippen, son of Scottie Pippen, is currently a freshman at Michigan. Kiyan’s decision to join Syracuse adds another exciting chapter to the legacy of basketball families in the NCAA.
As Kiyan prepares to embark on his college career, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he forges his own path in the sport while honoring the legacy of his father. Syracuse is undoubtedly thrilled to welcome such a promising talent to their program, and the upcoming seasons will be pivotal for both Kiyan and the Orange.