Paul George highlights key factor in Kiyan Anthony's potential move to USC over dad Carmelo Anthony's Syracuse
Kiyan Anthony, Carmelo Anthony’s son, will announce his choice of college program to commit to on Friday. The Long Island Lutheran high school star will communicate his choice on his father’s “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast. The younger Anthony’s choice reportedly boils down to Syracuse and USC.
On Wednesday's "Podcast P" episode, Paul George tossed in his thoughts about the highly anticipated announcement:
“Syracuse is a ton of pressure, especially Melo [Anthony] won there. If you’re Kiyan, coming there, the expectation is you’re already going to be held to like, ‘Your dad winning here. What are you gonna do for us?’
I’m split because it is dope to go to the school that your dad has done these things for… It’s a legacy that you can continue to build out by going to Syracuse but, if I’m being honest, I do like the pick at USC. West Coast basketball is different. Kiyan is built for that brand of basketball. He’s in an unbelievable conference where he can showcase his ability," George said.
Carmelo Anthony went to Syracuse and led the school to the 2003 national championship. Most NBA insiders believe his son will follow in his footsteps and play for the Orange in the ACC. Paul George isn’t too sure, though, if that would be the best choice for the high school basketball star.
Kiyan Anthony received an offer from Syracuse and first visited the school in October last year. If he commits to play for the Orange, he will join an already stacked 2025 class that includes Sadiq White and Aaron Womack.
Anthony also went to USC for an official visit. Auburn is considered a dark horse as it is a school the youngster has spoken highly of.
Kiyan Anthony is considered a top-40 prospect
Kiyan Anthony is the top prospect from New York based on the evaluations of multiple recruiting sites. On3 puts him at No. 30 among players joining the collegiate ranks next year. The site also thinks Anthony has a 93.7% of joining Syracuse. 247Sports puts him at No. 34 while ESPN sees him at No. 36.
Scouts have raved about the 6-foot-5 combo guard’s playmaking, shooting and confidence. He is expected to immediately contribute to the program he commits to play for.