“The only one I could look up to”—Allen Iverson’s impact on the Anthony family is quite old. First, it was ex-New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony himself, and now it’s his son. Some days have passed since Kiyan announced his decision to commit to Syracuse. Iverson, however, took his own time to react to the update. But when he did, the former Philadelphia 76ers star ensured it would be special for the 17-year-old.

No, it wasn’t a bite during any other interview or a comment on one of the many social media posts. Allen Iverson himself shared a dedicated IG post for Kiyan, featuring the 17-year-old in the color of Syracuse– orange. “Wow! So Proud! @kiyananthony @lala @carmeloanthony,” he wrote in the caption. La La, like her usual proud mother, did not hold back either. “The 🐐!!! Family!!!” she wrote in comments.

The “family” here could also be an inclusion for Iverson, considering the brotherly bond the two stars shared. For Melo, Iverson wasn’t just a superstar — he was a mentor who truly got him.

On his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Melo once said, “He [Iverson] was the only one I could look up to because I felt like he was the only one who understood my dynamics and what I was dealing with and what I was going through and still have to be someone of elite on a daily basis.”

Fast-forward to today, and it’s heartwarming to see Iverson celebrating Kiyan the way he once supported Melo. Watching AI cheer on the next generation feels like a reminder of how legacies are built—with love, guidance, and a whole lot of pride.

Along with Allen Iverson’s wishes, Kiyan has Melo’s “blueprint” to success with him

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to grow up with an NBA legend as your dad? For Kiyan, it’s more than just living in the shadow of greatness. It’s about carrying forward a legacy with purpose and pride. In a recent interview with Interview Magazine, Kiyan was asked if he wishes he could change anything about his journey.

His answer might make you stop and think–“My dad always told me, ‘Just live with no regrets.’ So whatever happened is meant to be, it’s all in God’s hands.” Powerful, right? No wonder Kiyan credits his dad for helping him embrace this mindset. “If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I would be, to be honest,” he said, showing just how much Carmelo’s wisdom has shaped him.

And how about this for a full-circle moment? Kiyan made a major announcement in Red Hook, Brooklyn—on his dad’s podcast stage, no less. Why Red Hook? As Kiyan explained, “One of his main goals when making a podcast was to return to Red Hook and get back to the community.” For the 17-year-old, it’s not just about honoring his father’s roots but following a clear path forward.

“My dad has a plan for me, and I’ve just got to stick to it,” he said. Sounds like a blueprint for success. And if Allen Iverson has faith in it, there has to be something about it.