In the crowded gymnasium of Long Island Lutheran High School, the buzz intensifies as Kiyan Anthony rises for a game-winning three-pointer. The ball swishes through the net, and the crowd erupts—some cheering for the young star’s clutch shot, others whispering about the last name emblazoned on his jersey: Anthony. For Kiyan, this moment is more than just a win; it’s a reminder that he’s not just Carmelo Anthony’s son—he’s a rising basketball prospect carving his own path in the sport his father dominated for two decades.
Early Roots: Basketball in the Blood
Growing up in a household where basketball was a way of life, Kiyan Anthony was exposed to the game before he could walk. Carmelo Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and Syracuse legend, often brought his son to practice sessions, letting him dribble on the sidelines while he worked with teammates. But Carmelo never forced the sport on Kiyan; instead, he let his son fall in love with it organically. “I remember watching my dad play and thinking, ‘I want to do that,’” Kiyan recalls. “But he always told me, ‘Play because you love it—not because of me.’”
By the age of 10, Kiyan was competing in local AAU tournaments, showing flashes of the talent that would later make him a top national prospect. Carmelo acted as both mentor and fan, attending every game he could and offering advice only when asked. “I don’t micromanage his game,” Carmelo says. “He has his own coach, his own team, and his own style. My job is to support him, not dictate his path.”
High School Stardom: From Christ the King to Long Island Lutheran
Kiyan’s high school career began at Christ the King Regional High School, a New York basketball powerhouse that has produced NBA stars like Lamar Odom and Sue Bird. There, he quickly made a name for himself as a versatile wing player, averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds per game as a sophomore. But after two years, Kiyan decided to transfer to Long Island Lutheran (LiLu) to challenge himself against stiffer competition.
At LiLu, Kiyan’s game flourished. As a junior, he averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, leading his team to a 25-3 record and a spot in the New York State Class AA semifinals. His standout performances earned him recognition as a top-40 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, with offers from blue-chip programs like Syracuse, Duke, Kentucky, and UCLA pouring in. Recruiters praise his ability to create his own shot, his consistent three-point shooting (41% from beyond the arc), and his defensive intensity—traits that set him apart from many of his peers.
Playing Style: Similarities and Differences to Carmelo
When people see Kiyan Anthony on the court, it’s hard not to draw comparisons to his father. Both are left-handed, possess smooth shooting strokes, and have a knack for scoring in clutch moments. But the similarities end there. Carmelo was a 6’8” power forward who dominated the post with his back-to-the-basket moves and mid-range jumpers. Kiyan, at 6’6” (and still growing), is a modern wing player who thrives on the perimeter.
His greatest strength is his three-point shooting—he’s comfortable pulling up from deep or catching and shooting off screens. He also excels at driving to the basket, using his athleticism to finish through contact or find open teammates. Defensively, Kiyan is a lockdown on-ball defender who can guard positions 1 through 3, thanks to his quick feet and high basketball IQ. “Kiyan isn’t just a scorer,” says LiLu head coach John Buck. “He’s a complete player who makes everyone around him better.”
Carmelo acknowledges the differences in their styles but is proud of how Kiyan has developed. “He’s more of a perimeter player than I was at his age,” Carmelo notes. “His three-point shot is better than mine was, and his defense is ahead of where I was. He’s his own player—and that’s what I love most about him.”
The Legacy Pressure: Turning Expectations Into Motivation
Being Carmelo Anthony’s son comes with unavoidable pressure. Every game, fans and analysts compare Kiyan to his father, expecting him to replicate Carmelo’s iconic scoring bursts or his 2003 NCAA championship win with Syracuse. But Kiyan has learned to turn that pressure into fuel. “I know people have high expectations,” he says. “But instead of letting that scare me, I use it to work harder. I want to prove that I’m not just Carmelo’s son—I’m Kiyan Anthony.”
Carmelo has helped Kiyan navigate this pressure by sharing his own experiences. “I told him about the time I was a rookie in Denver and everyone expected me to be the next big thing,” Carmelo says. “You have to block out the noise and focus on what you can control: your work ethic, your attitude, and your game.”
Kiyan also benefits from the opportunities his father’s legacy provides. He’s trained with NBA stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, picked the brains of coaches like Mike Krzyzewski, and traveled the world to play in international tournaments. But he never takes these opportunities for granted. “Every time I get to train with someone like LeBron, I absorb everything I can,” Kiyan says. “These moments make me a better player—and I’m grateful for them.”
Future Aspirations: College, NBA, and Beyond
As Kiyan enters his senior year of high school, the focus shifts to his college decision. While Syracuse (Carmelo’s alma mater) is a fan favorite, Kiyan is keeping his options open. “Syracuse is a great school, but I want to choose the place where I can grow the most as a player and a person,” he says. “I’m looking for a program that values team basketball and will let me play my style.”
Beyond college, Kiyan has his sights set on the NBA. “My dream is to play in the league,” he says. “But I know it’s not easy. I have to keep working hard, improving my game, and staying humble.” Carmelo believes his son has what it takes: “Kiyan has the talent, the work ethic, and the mindset to make it to the NBA. But more importantly, he has the heart to succeed.”
For Kiyan, success isn’t defined by following in his father’s footsteps—it’s about creating his own legacy. “I want to win championships, make All-Star teams, and help my community,” he says. “But most of all, I want to be remembered as Kiyan Anthony—a player who played with passion and respect for the game.”
Conclusion
Kiyan Anthony is more than just Carmelo Anthony’s son. He’s a talented, hardworking prospect with a unique playing style and a clear vision of his future. While his last name may open doors, it’s his dedication and love for the game that will keep him there. As he continues to rise through the ranks, Kiyan is proving that he’s not just carrying a legacy—he’s building his own. And for basketball fans everywhere, that’s an exciting story to watch unfold.