The son of future Hall of Famer and legendary Basketball player has committed to Syracuse University.
For those who are lost, he attended Syracuse for one season and began the foundation of a famous career right there. He made NCAA history as a true freshman, leading the Orangemen to their only championship in 2003, before declaring for the NBA draft.
He made the news on a special episode of his father’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, where Young Anthony was joined by his parents, Carmelo and La La Anthony, as well as co-host The Kid Mero, to discuss his decision.
He is a 17-year-old senior from Long Island Lutheran High School, is one of the best recruits in the Class of 2025, ranking 36th on ESPN’s best 100. Anthony is regarded as one of the finest pure scorers in the country.
Melo’s kid received offers from several prestigious programs, including USC, Auburn, Indiana, and Michigan, but finally picked Syracuse due to its basketball heritage and his personal connection to the program.
“Ultimately, it came down to my relationship with the staff,” Kiyan told me. “From the moment they started recruiting me, they made me feel like part of the family.
“My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name, and I’ve already done that through my dedication in the offseason, with early-morning practices, playing at camps, playing on the circuit.”
Melo not only won ‘Cuse the Chip,’ but he was also voted All-American and Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Final Four.
Following in his father’s footsteps entails enormous expectations for Kiyan, but he does not appear to be terrified of them.
“I’m going to do everything Coach [Adrian] Autry needs me to do,” Kiyan told the crowd. “We chat a lot, especially late at night, about how to make Syracuse basketball better. Coach is quite cool off the court. You could go out with him on a Friday evening. He’s still youthful and communicates with all of his players; he’s really relatable.”
Adrian Autry, Syracuse’s head coach since 2023, is undertaking a transformation aimed at regaining the program’s national prominence. The Orangemen have not made it to the NCAA tournament since 2021, a two-year drought that was exacerbated by Adrian Autry’s failure last season.
“All that played a part into why I chose Syracuse,” Kiyan reported. He also noted Syracuse’s high-profile games against NCAA powerhouses Duke and North Carolina as a key influence in his decision.
Kiyan also emphasized how the national spotlight will aid both his and his teammates’ growth, as they strive to return Syracuse to the top tier of collegiate basketball while developing solid resumes before moving on to the NBA or another professional league.
“This is my dad’s legacy, but it’s also about what I can bring,” he remarked. “I know the expectations, and I’m ready to work hard to meet them.”
Good luck, Kiy. We are waiting for you in New York City!
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