Kiyan Anthony, a promising talent in high school basketball, is making waves both on and off the court. Standing tall at 6-foot-5, the four-star recruit has already made significant strides in his young career. As the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 rankings, he is one to watch.
Currently attending Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, Kiyan is steadily building his legacy. On a notable April day, he scored 15 points at the legendary Rucker Park, showcasing his burgeoning skills and potential.
Weighing College Options
With such potential, it's no surprise that Kiyan has a long list of colleges vying for his talents. Among the schools he's considering are Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse. However, the decision isn’t as straightforward as many might think.
"[My father] never pushes me to go to Syracuse just because his name is on the gym," Kiyan shared. "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."
The young athlete is well aware of the expectations surrounding his potential choice. "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.
The Influence of Family
While much of the spotlight is on his father, Carmelo Anthony, who famously led Syracuse to the 2003 national championship as a freshman and now has a basketball facility named after him at the university, Kiyan attributes much of his grounding and support to his mother.
"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. "Like, when I'm going through something or I need somebody to talk to, my mom is definitely the person."
His mother’s influence extends beyond emotional support. "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. This balanced support system ensures that Kiyan remains focused and motivated, both academically and athletically.
Looking Forward
The next steps in his journey involve finishing up college visits and making an informed 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 also reflects on his position and the opportunities he has, acknowledging his desire to support his friends. "My friends maybe not having the same opportunities as I have, I'm the one that's tried to bring them along with me. I don't want to make them feel left out," he said.
As for the possibility of following in his father's footsteps at Syracuse, Kiyan remains open but non-committal. "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.
With a strong support system, immense talent, and a level-headed approach to his future, Kiyan Anthony is poised for success, whatever path he eventually chooses. His journey is one that basketball fans and schools across the country will be watching closely.