Kiyan Anthony: Charting His Own Path in High School Basketball
In the world of high school basketball, one name quickly rising through the ranks is Kiyan Anthony. The young athlete, who attends Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, New York, is already making significant waves. Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Kiyan is listed as a four-star recruit and is currently ranked as the No. 36 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class.
A Legacy to Uphold
Kiyan's father, Carmelo Anthony, is a name synonymous with basketball excellence. Carmelo Anthony's contributions to the sport are well-documented, from leading Syracuse to a national championship in 2003 as a freshman to making substantial contributions to the university's basketball facility, which now bears his name. Despite the considerable legacy of his father, Kiyan is determined to carve out his own path.
"[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."
Weighing College Options
While Kiyan grapples with living up to a famous name, he is also at a critical juncture in his burgeoning career. With multiple colleges showing interest, the decision on where to commit looms large. He has already listed Auburn, USC, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and Syracuse as potential colleges. But despite the mounting pressure and high expectations, Kiyan remains focused on making a well-informed choice.
"Even though I know basically the whole world wants me to go to Syracuse, I still haven't made the decision yet," he explained. "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."
Guidance and Support Systems
Although more attention may fall on Carmelo, Kiyan's mother plays an equally pivotal role behind the scenes. Her support remains a cornerstone of his development, both academically and athletically.
"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."
Indeed, it is his mother who ensures that he remains diligent in his studies and committed to his training regimen. "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.
Balancing Fame and Friendship
Kiyan also speaks passionately about supporting his friends, many of whom may not have the same opportunities he enjoys. "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."
Looking to the Future
With final college visits still ahead of him, Kiyan is approaching the next steps with caution and seeking the advice of those closest to him. "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.
Even with the immense pressure to follow in his father's footsteps, Kiyan remains resolute in forging his own path. "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.
As Kiyan Anthony continues to grow as a player and person, one thing is clear: he is a force to be reckoned with, and his journey is just beginning. With the support of his family and the drive to succeed on his own terms, the future looks bright for this young basketball star.