Kiyan Anthony is set to continue his family’s legacy at Syracuse University. Over two decades after his father, Carmelo Anthony, became the first-ever freshman to win Naismith Player of the Year, while leading the Syracuse Orange to the national championship, Kiyan is aiming to leave his mark on the program, too.
While his mother, La La Anthony, is adapting to life without Kiyan in the house, the shooting guard is preparing to play under Adrian Autry, who took over from Jim Boeheim, who coached Carmelo Anthony during his magical 2003 season.
Kiyan Anthony is ranked 36th on the ESPN 100th list, labeled as the No. 1 player in his state, the No. 8 in his position and region, too. He’s about to take college basketball by storm.
Analyst details what sets Kiyan Anthony apart
Keenan Womack of Sports Illustrated notes that while Kiyan Anthony isn’t as tall as his father, he has “a deep bag on the offensive end of the floor.” He notes that he needs to make better decisions when shooting and highlights that his skills make him a special talent.
Kiyan and Carmelo Anthony
“Though not an explosive athlete, Anthony’s skill is what sets him apart from other players in this class,” Womack wrote. “He’s an advanced shot maker, and can do so off of the dribble, off of screens, and in spot-up situations. Where he can improve his game is his handle, which can be a bit suspect at times. He is also light for his frame – he weighs around 190 pounds, and if he wants to be able to finish at the rim more easily, he will have to put in work in the weight room. Anthony has potential to be a first-round pick, likely after he plays two years of college basketball.”
The young shooting guard carries high expectations for his freshman season. And while he will have some massive shoes to fill, he also has a privileged gene pool to do so.
