"It's time for me to reciprocate that same energy": When Carmelo Anthony's son Kiyan Anthony shared his goal to make his name as a star hooperÂ
Kiyan Anthony is one of the highest-ranked recruits from the class of 2025. He has garnered offers from various top college programs and narrowed it down to six last month. Unlike most players, Anthony came to the limelight early due to his father being NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.
However, the 17-year-old previously said it was a limited-time advantage in his professional journey. He also acknowledged that every benefit he received was purely dependent on his work ethic and skill. Kiyan Anthony reiterated this in a July 2023 episode of "The Evolution", Overtime's documentary on Anthony's journey:
"Me and my dad, behind the scenes, it's another father-son relationship," Anthony said. "I feel like since he is in the NBA and my mom being an actress, it opens more doors for all of us. Especially like, me being friends with Bronny and Bryce is just more opportunities.
"All the work that he's put in, I've watched him for all these years. Now, it's time for me to reciprocate that same energy," he added.
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Kiyan Anthony's rise gained momentum last year. Anthony averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists in last year's Peach Jam on 33.3% shooting. In July 2024, the combo guard averaged 21.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 41.5% shooting.
Kiyan Anthony's preferred college programs
After his 40-point game in the 2024 Peach Jam went viral, Kiyan Anthony said he would pick his favorite college programs after the tournament.
Just days before his Japan trip, the youngster shortlisted six schools: the Auburn Tigers, Florida Stata Seminoles, Ohio State Buckeyes, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USC Trojans and Syracuse Orange.
Kiyan Anthony is expected to join Syracuse, his father's alma mater. "Melo" spent one year with the program in 2002-03, breaking several records and helping it clinch its lone NCAA title.