Kiyan Anthony, the four-star rated small forward who recently signed for Syracuse and son of Carmelo Anthony, recently had his superstar genes on display. He has been on a mission to prove himself since he returned from injury. And he did just that as he led the Crusaders to a title in the Throne Hoops National Championships. The LuHi beat the Eagles 83-56 in emphatic fashion.

Kiyan Anthony, coupled with two starlets, the Mingo brothers, put on a show. Kiyan finished with 25 points, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds. The 18-year-old was clinical with his free throws as he had a 9-15 shooting accuracy. The five-star-rated Dylan Mingo added 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. And the four-star-rated Kayden Mingo added 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Their collective efforts helped the Long Island Lutheran Crusaders win 71-68 against the Bears, and the effort from Kiyan Anthony earned him MVP honors.

Seeing the young buck’s insane skills, the  2x All-Star MVP and Hall of Famer Allen Iverson took to social media and posted a clip on Instagram. The clip featured highlights of Kiyan Anthony. Allen Iverson captioned the post, “He ain’t up next He up now!! Congratulations Nephew! @kiyananthony” Congratulating the starlet on his win and receiving the MVP honors. AI knows all too well the familiar feeling of being up as a young prospect.

Kiyan Anthony has recently signed for Syracuse University’s men’s basketball team and is looking in top form. He is already considered one of the best celebrity children to play the game. Perhaps better than his counterparts, Kiyan is truly following in his legendary father’s footsteps. Iverson gushing over his nephew was only exemplified by Shavonda “La La” Iverson’s comment on the post. She said, “Family!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.” It is a bond that has stood the test of time. And this wasn’t the only time La La praised her son online.

The unwavering bond between Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony that spans generations

When Iverson arrived in Denver in 2006, he stepped into the world of a young superstar on the rise. Carmelo Anthony was already a problem for defenses, barely entering his prime. But Iverson brought that extra edge, the swagger, the killer mentality, the “we’re coming for your head” energy.

 It was a mentor-mentee relationship, but not in the traditional sense. Iverson never sat Melo down for long speeches about the game; he just showed him how to embrace the spotlight, how to carry the weight of being the guy. He once said to Hoops,” First of all, I just look at it as him being a teammate of mine. Whenever you can help a teammate of yours, you try to give a hand, and I would hope that he would do the same for me. I’m older than him. I’ve been where he’s at.”  

Melo soaked it all in. Their time together in Denver was short-lived but electric.  At the time of Al’s trade, he was the second-best scorer in the league. And his new teammate and future little brother, Anthony, was number one. Two years of mutual respect and support off the court. Their bond only grew stronger. They weren’t just teammates. They were family.

Fast-forward to today, and their connection still resonates with the next generation. With Allen Iverson calling Kiyan Anthony his nephew. More than teammates, more than friends, Iverson and Melo were kindred spirits, bonded by the game but united by something deeper: an unshakable respect and love forged in the fire of competition