WATCH: Carmelo Anthony’s son Kiyan Anthony picks Minnesota legend for a 1v1 matchup

By Aman Sharma

Modified Jul 25, 2024 13:07 GMT

Kiyan Anthony, the 17-year-old son of NBA great Carmelo Anthony, is set on a one-on-one challenge against Jordan McLaughlin, a Minnesota basketball icon. Kiyan, already gaining attention as one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, is rated as a four-star player. According to 247 Sports, he ranks as the No. 31 overall player and the No. 5 shooting guard in his class.

In a recent Instagram video shared by B/R Hoops, Brayden Burries — an up-and-coming basketball talent from Eastvale, California — Kiyan asked who he would choose for a one-on-one matchup for $1 million. Without hesitation, Kiyan Anthony said:

"I would 1v1 Jordan McLaughlin."

Kiyan's recruitment is in full swing. He will finalize it by the end of November, per On3.

“Definitely this month, after Peach Jam or a week after,” Anthony said when asked when he would announce his final schools. “I’m approaching my senior year and I want to commit before the season even starts.”

McLaughlin, who went to Etiwanda High School in Rancho Cucamonga, California, built his reputation by scoring 19 points in the 2013 Chicago Elite Classic. In July 2019, McLaughlin signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Throughout the Timberwolves from 2019 to 2024, he scored 3.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.3 rebounds in just 11.2 minutes per game on average. In July 2024, he transitioned to the Sacramento Kings.

Sadiq White Jr. Aims to Recruit Kiyan Anthony to Syracuse

Sadiq White Jr., the sole commitment in Adrian Autry's 2025 Syracuse class, is trying to bring top talents like Kiyan Anthony and Tyler Jackson to the Orange. White, determined to restore Syracuse to its former glory with a national title, is also targeting Acaden Lewis.

“I’m trying to get Acaden, bring Kiyan home,” White shared with ZAGSBLOG. “We’re trying to make it big man. I’m doing my part.”

Jackson echoes White’s ambition, emphasizing the shared goal:

“That’s the main goal man. Put the Cuse back on top.”

Syracuse’s 2025 recruiting class ranks No. 8 according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings. Anthony, initially seen as a solid prospect, had a breakout summer at Peach Jam, scoring 40 points.

His performance followed a strong showing at the Nike EYBL in the spring. Speaking to On3, Kiyan Anthony said:

“They’re on me heavy. I’m looking to take a second visit. I want to go to a basketball game when the season starts.”

Syracuse will be a momentous choice for Anthony because his father Carmelo Anthony's iconic debut season made the Orange national champions of 2003.

Since joining the ACC in 2013, Syracuse has only reached the Final Four once and missed the last three NCAA tournaments. If Anthony joins and spearheads a revival, it could bring much-needed energy to the program. He plans to narrow down his list of schools by the end of July, marking a crucial step in his recruitment journey.