By some measures, the most important player in the history of Syracuse basketball is Carmelo Anthony. There are no national championship banners hanging at SU if 'Melo chooses a different college for his talents.
That title came in a season that began 23 years ago. And it's back in the spotlight as the 2025-26 campaign gets underway, because the Orange have another Anthony.
Kiyan, a top-40 recruit, is on campus. His freshman season is getting underway.
And as far as the pressure of last names go, Kiyan knows how that works. He's got big footsteps to follow.
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Is Kiyan Anthony related to Carmelo Anthony?
Yes, Kiyan Anthony is related to Carmelo Anthony.
He's the son of 'Melo.
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Why Kiyan Anthony chose Syracuse
Kiyan Anthony's final two choices were SU and USC.
In the end, he opted to go where his father had shone so brightly.
“You talk about legacy, and you talk about family dynamics, you talk about passing things on down to your family, to your kids. And this is something that we passing, and we passing the baton to him,” Carmelo told The Daily Orange. “And now whatever he do with it, he do with it, and that’s on him.”
Kiyan has openly acknowledged the pressure that came with this choice.
“It’s definitely overwhelming,” Kiyan told The Daily Orange. “I’m not even gonna lie and sit here like it’s a bed of roses. It’s definitely a lot of pressure.”
Kiyan may not be one-and-done like his dad. He may not be a freshman national champion, either. But he plans to make his own name, too.
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