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Kiyan Anthony, a highly regarded basketball prospect, has been under the spotlight for years. His prominence as an NBA hopeful has often been amplified by his father’s illustrious career. Kiyan is the son of Carmelo Anthony, a soon-to-be Hall of Famer and ten-time All-Star known for his exceptional scoring ability.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Kiyan is set to play basketball at Syracuse University. He plans to commit to college for a maximum of two years, aiming to carve out his distinct identity away from his father’s legacy. With Carmelo now retired from professional play, he has become actively involved in Kiyan’s journey.
“I wouldn’t say we’re closer than when he was playing,” Kiyan shared in a recent interview. “I would say he’s more present now. He comes to my games and spends time with me off the court, which was something we missed when he was traveling for his career. This new phase has really strengthened our bond.”
The father-son duo recently collaborated with Meta to produce an episode of “Close Friends Only” in honor of Father’s Day. In this episode, they discussed their relationship, basketball insights, and shared typical dad-to-son conversations.
“Being able to work with Meta and Instagram allowed us to showcase our personalities and the connection we have off the court,” Kiyan explained. “Many fans see him at my games, but they don’t always perceive the depth of our relationship. Through this project, we aim to provide a glimpse into the connection we share and the growth we experience together.”
Kiyan acknowledged the inherent pressure tied to his surname. Many throughout his life have expressed high expectations based on his lineage. Yet, he emphasizes that his basketball aspirations reflect his own ambitions, not those of his father.
“Honestly, early in my career, I was not that skilled at basketball. I faced criticism, especially with my dad being in the league and away from home. I had to cope with those realities on my own,” Kiyan admitted. “As I improved and honed my skills, I gained a lot of support. Yes, there are detractors, but the encouragement from fans keeps me motivated. Each game brings its own excitement, and I am determined to put my best foot forward every time I step on the court.”
Carmelo has always been supportive rather than pushy. He did not impose basketball on Kiyan, allowing him to pursue his own interests. This approach has cultivated Kiyan’s passion for the sport.
“My dad never pressured me to follow in his footsteps. Instead, he allowed me to figure things out for myself. I naturally fell in love with basketball, and now I get to play at the same school where he excelled, striving to make my mark and hopefully win games there,” Kiyan expressed. “The NBA is certainly my ultimate goal, whether it’s after one year or two at college. I aim to keep getting better every day. Just the other day, I told my dad how committed I am to this path.”
The first chapter in Kiyan’s quest to establish his identity as an Anthony begins at Syracuse, where his father secured a national championship in 2003. While the Syracuse basketball program has faced challenges recently, Kiyan is ready to help revitalize the team’s legacy.
“Winning a national championship, like my dad did, is the ultimate objective,” he acknowledged. “However, I also understand that getting back to the tournament, winning a few games, and invigorating the fan base would be significant achievements in themselves. The past few seasons have been tough, but I aim to help restore Syracuse’s former glory and be a part of what made it great. Everyone knows what Syracuse basketball represents; we just need to get back on track.”
This report includes contributions from Fox News’ Connor McGahan.
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