Kiyan Anthony: On the Rise and Navigating His Own Path
At 6-foot-5 and with a reputation already beginning to precede him, Kiyan Anthony is establishing himself as a prominent figure in high school basketball. Currently attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, the young athlete is making serious waves on the court. Ranked as a four-star recruit and standing as the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings, Kiyan’s trajectory in the sport is being closely monitored.
Kiyan's connection to basketball extends deeply into his family history. His father, Carmelo Anthony, famously led Syracuse to a national championship in 2003 as a freshman and has since given back to his alma mater, contributing significantly to their basketball facility, which now bears his name. Despite this legacy, Kiyan is clear about charting his own course.
"[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.
There’s a lot of external pressure for Kiyan to follow his father's footsteps to Syracuse, known for its storied basketball program. However, Kiyan remains contemplative about his decision, thoroughly evaluating his options.
"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.
Kiyan has shortlisted several colleges, including Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse. This diverse list signifies his intent to carefully consider where he can best develop his skills and identity.
Scoring 15 points at the famed Rucker Park this past April, Kiyan is already demonstrating his potential on significant stages. Yet, beyond the glamour of public attention and highlights, he acknowledges the integral role of his family, especially his mother, in his journey.
"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, highlighting her unseen efforts. "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person."
As he navigates the pressures and decisions that come with being a top recruit, Kiyan appreciates his mother's influence. “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.
The support from his parents is central to Kiyan's approach to making his college decision. "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.
Kiyan’s story is not just about individual achievement; it's also about inclusivity and community. "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, emphasizing his desire for inclusivity and understanding the weight of his unique position. "I don't want to make them feel left out."
In contemplating his future, Kiyan acknowledges the possibility of attending Syracuse but remains firm that any decision will be his own. "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.
For Kiyan Anthony, the journey is distinctly his own, supported but never overshadowed by his father's legacy. As he moves forward, the basketball world watches with bated breath, eager to see how this young star will carve his path in the sport.