Carmelo Anthony and son Kiyan light up Nike's NY vs NY tournament after Paris getaway
Carmelo Anthony and his son Kiyan Anthony have had a busy summer. After going to Paris to support Team USA, the two are back in New York for another basketball experience. Fresh off their trip to the “City of Light,” the Anthonys were in Brooklyn for the Nike NY vs NY basketball championship.
The junior basketball star out of Long Island Lutheran High School surprised the fans when he unveiled a Gersh Park (Brooklyn) jersey. It meant that the son of the basketball legend would play for the team in the title game against Watson (Bronx). The New York Knicks legend soaked in the action and the adulation of the crowd as he watched the matchup.
Kiyan Anthony’s presence gave the game even more excitement and fun but his team went home empty-handed. Brooklyn failed to bag another title after the Bronx ruled the tournament following an 86-76 victory.
Gersh Park earned a ticket to the championship game by beating Dyckman (Washington Heights) while Watson joined its rival by fending off Tri-State (Harlem). Carmelo Anthony couldn’t watch the semis but made sure to catch the finals. For good measure, he let his highly-touted son join the fun.
The younger Anthony’s experience could help him follow in the footsteps of former NY vs NY participants who went to play in the NBA. Precious Achiuwa (Knicks), Cole Anthony (Magic) and Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors) are a few who played in the tournament before eventually turning pros.
Carmelo Anthony continues to guide his son Kiyan Anthony’s basketball career
Carmelo Anthony said after he retired from pro basketball that his son, Kiyan Anthony is his legacy. In a heartfelt message that might still be fresh to his hordes of fans, “Melo” narrated:
"The time has come for you to carry on this torch. So Kiy, chase your dreams. Let nothing hold you back. Let nothing intervene. My legacy, now and forever, lives on through you."
The older Anthony isn’t taking a backseat to his son’s basketball training and career. In almost every game, the former NBA scoring champ is at courtside cheering or coaching the youngster. The three-time Olympic gold-medal winner was at the Peach Jam a few months ago to manage “Team Melo.”
In one of the games, Kiyan Anthony dropped 40 points, showing an ever-improving form and scoring ability. 247Sports recently named “Kiy” the top basketball recruit from New York City. With Carmelo Anthony’s guidance, the incoming senior might fulfill his dream of following the path blazed by his father.