"Being Melo's son put an extra target on my back": Carmelo Anthony's son Kiyan reflected on a game in EYBL
Just like his illustrious father Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan Anthony remains unfazed by pressure. He understands the eyes his last name brings on his every move and embraces it to showcase his growth. Nevertheless, in episode one of Overtime's "Evolutions 2.0," the combo guard reflects on the May 18 EYBL game, where the pressure forced him to briefly lose his composure.
Team Melo played Pro Skills Elite at the Pacers Athletic Center. Despite leading by 10 at the end of the first quarter, Anthony felt the added pressure the Pro Skills lineup put on him throughout the coming stretch, resulting in several bad possessions, missed shots and turnovers.
"I started off a little slow, I couldn't really find my rhythm," Anthony said.
"Pro Skills was definitely one of the more physical games. They definitely came into the game with a chip on their shoulder. Being Melo's son definitely put an extra target on my back. Because I felt like when they see they playing against me, they going to go extra hard," he added. (9:10)
Nevertheless, Kiyan Anthony stormed through the task at hand. Despite making only six of his 20 attempts (30% shooting), he posted a team-high of 18 points. He also garnered six attempts off the charity stripes and added five rebounds, an assist and one block.
However, Kiyan Anthony got into a quarrel with Cy Merrett in the last minute of the game and was ejected from the game. Nevertheless, the roster protected their lead, resulting in a double-digit win.
La La Anthony knew that Kiyan Anthony would always shake off the pressure
For the 17-year-old hooper, his basketball journey changed when Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement last year. Unlike NBA fans worldwide, the youngster was pleased to know that his father would have more time on his hands.
However, as Melo claimed that his legacy would be carried forward by his son in the video, it also brought a significant amount of pressure. Nevertheless, while Kiyan's mother, La La Anthony, acknowledged the incoming challenges, she claimed that her son was ready to handle the torch.
"Melo's retirement message to Kiyan, I thought it was incredible," she said in an episode of the Kiyan Anthony Show.
"But I was like, 'That's a hell of a lot of pressure,' but if anyone can do it, I know my son can. And we just want to support him in every aspect of his journey and see where it goes."
The game against Pro Skills Elite was an example of what La La Anthony meant. Anthony, through refocusing and gripping the leadership role, turned a dismal shooting night into a memorable outing.