The Anthony Legacy Returns to Syracuse
The buzz around Syracuse basketball has reached a fever pitch, and it’s not just because of a new season.
Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, has officially begun his college career with the Orange, stepping onto the same court where his father became a household name. The hype is real: Kiyan’s commitment, announced on November 15, 2024, sent shockwaves through the basketball world, with fans and media alike celebrating the return of the Anthony legacy to upstate New York.
But for Kiyan, this is about more than just following in his father’s footsteps. “Syracuse has a young core… The team is switching to Coach Autry’s identity… When I speak with the coaches, they let me know the vision,” he told reporters, making it clear he’s here to carve his own path. The announcement, made on his father’s podcast and amplified across social media, instantly boosted his profile—his Instagram followers surged past 1.1 million, a testament to his growing influence both on and off the court.
Early On-Court Impact: Stats and Standout Performances
Kiyan hasn’t wasted any time making his presence felt. In his first four games as a Syracuse freshman, the 6-foot-5 guard has averaged
14.8 points per game, shooting an impressive
54.8% from the field and
38.5% from three-point range, along with 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in just under 27 minutes per game. His scoring prowess helped lead the Orange to a 4-0 start, signaling that he’s not just a legacy player—he’s a legitimate force in his own right.
His high school career ended on a high note as well, with a standout performance at the Jordan Brand Classic, where he dropped 26 points and five rebounds, earning MVP honors over other top recruits. The pressure of living up to his father’s legacy is immense, but Kiyan has been vocal about focusing on his own journey: “I want my legacy to be more than just basketball. I want it to be on and off the court, giving back to the community, doing everything I can to uphold my last name and carry the torch,” he said in a recent interview.
Off the Court: NIL Deal with Jordan Brand
The Anthony name continues to open doors, but Kiyan is making sure those doors lead to new opportunities. In a headline-grabbing move, he recently signed a
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Jordan Brand, joining an elite group of college athletes that includes Cameron and Cayden Boozer and Sarah Strong. The partnership is especially meaningful given Carmelo Anthony’s own history as a signature Jordan athlete.
“To be part of the Jordan Brand family, to me, means carrying on a legacy,” Kiyan said. The deal isn’t just about sneakers—it’s about building a brand that stands for excellence, community, and leadership, both on and off the court. His mother, La La Anthony, shared her pride on social media, highlighting the family’s excitement for Kiyan’s next chapter.
Family Support and National Spotlight
The Anthony family has been front and center throughout Kiyan’s journey. Carmelo and La La Anthony were recently spotted courtside in Las Vegas, cheering on their son during a high-profile overtime battle against No. 3 Houston—a game that drew national attention and underscored the weight of the Anthony name in college basketball.
Kiyan’s story is more than just a sports narrative; it’s a full-circle moment for Syracuse, a new era for the Orange, and a testament to the enduring power of legacy in sports. As he continues to shine on the court and build his brand off it, all eyes will be on Kiyan Anthony to see how he writes his own chapter in basketball history.
What’s Next for Kiyan Anthony?
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Continued on-court development: Early stats suggest he’s ready to be a key contributor for Syracuse this season.
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Brand-building opportunities: The Jordan Brand deal positions him as a face of the next generation of college basketball.
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Legacy in the making: With the support of his family and the Syracuse community, Kiyan has the platform to create a legacy that’s uniquely his own.
The Kiyan Anthony era has officially begun—and it’s about much more than basketball.
Sources
1. Kiyan Anthony to Syracuse: hype, heritage, and the halo effect
2. Syracuse Orange men's basketball: the latest news on the recruiting ...
3. Kiyan Anthony Makes Feelings Clear on Upholding Father's Legacy ...
4. UNC Basketball: Future Tar Heel Caleb Wilson drops 28 points in ...
5. Jordan Brand Signs Kiyan Anthony, Sarah Strong, and the Boozer ...
6. Carmelo Anthony Delivers Commencement Speech At Syracuse ...
7. La La Anthony Beams with Pride as Son Kiyan Anthony Leads Elite ...
8. BRIEFS | Upstate News
9. Carmelo Anthony joins ex La La Anthony to back son Kiyan in ...
10. Kiyan Anthony isn't chasing Carmelo's legacy. He's building his own
11. Jordan Brand Expands NIL Portfolio, Introduces Elite Class Of 2025 ...
