Nike EYBL: Emotional Kiyan Anthony Talks About Father Carmelo While Bryce James Hails 17YO Brodie

Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League kicked off on Friday in Memphis. The exciting games offer fans the nation’s best young basketball spirits the country possesses, including Bryce James, Kiyan Anthony, AJ Dybantsa, Tryan Stokes, and Cameron and Cayden Boozer. Kiyan is a part of Team Melo, playing 2 games from April 26 to April 28, and he has a special guest supporting him.

Former 10-time NBA All-Star, Carmelo Anthony is watching his son Kiyan and cheering him on from the sidelines. Carmelo is witnessing immense growth and potential to be the next superstar of their family right on the courtside. An emotional Kiyan expressed, “When he comes to support, that’s a great feeling, so just happy to have him here and keep pushing me”. 

The first session saw Kiyan bonding well with legend LeBron James’ son, Bryce James. In fact, Bryce went so far as to quip Kiyan with his Instagram stories. and posting glimpses of the 17-year-old on the court. He wrote, “Tuned in Brodie”, quipping Kiyan, while tagging him along on his story.

Well, it seems like Bryce and Kiyan are coming together just like their fathers did on court in the past.

How are Kiyan Anthony and Bryce James performing at Nike EYBL?

Kiyan has 3-12 FG, 6-8 FTA with total of 8 rebounds (5 offensive and 3 defensive). He is also averaging 12 points, and 5 assists per game, and has a game scheduled against NY Rens on Sunday. And while he is seeing his court time for about 30 minutes per game, Bryce is only getting about 20 minutes on the court. Moreover, Bryce’s SFG is ahead of Kiyan Anthony’s team, with a 1-1 record. SFG will face the Vegas Elite on Sunday, who are yet to face defeat (2-0). However, Bryce has yet to leave a mark on the tournament. He is averaging just 3 points per game with a little under 1 rebound.

For both Kiyan and Bryce, EYBL acts as an opportunity to scout the development they need in their games and grow. Kiyan is one of the top recruits in the nation, with a great AAU history to back him up. Bryce, even before hinting at his possible ceiling, has microscope offers from Division 1 Duquesne and Duke programs.

Both the youngsters have plenty of tools to add to their arsenal. While Anthony needs to add strength to his game, he is already comfortable in finding his preferred spots on the floor. Bryce, on the other hand, has yet to mark a consistent run but displays a dependable shooting promise and defensive tenacity.

Memphis is just the first of four stops for Nike EYBL. The players will soon travel to Atlanta (May 3-5 @ Lakepoint Champions Center), Indianapolis (May 17-19 @ Grand Park Fieldhouse), and Kansas City (May 24-27 @ Homefield Wyandotte County). With that, the best team will see themselves in the Peach Jam (July 13-21) for a week-long battle for the crown at Riverview Park Activities Center.