The anticipation around Kiyan Anthony’s college decision had basketball fans buzzing for weeks. Would he follow in his legendary father Carmelo Anthony’s footsteps, or would he carve out his own unique path? Finally, the 6’4” high school star answered the question: Kiyan is heading to Syracuse University, just like his dad. The announcement met with widespread celebration, drew special attention from NBA icon Allen Iverson, whose heartfelt tribute to Kiyan lit up social media and earned a warm acknowledgment from Carmelo Anthony himself.

On Instagram, Iverson shared a touching post congratulating Kiyan on his commitment, cementing the moment as a testament to mentorship within the basketball community. “Wow! So Proud! @kiyananthony @lala @carmeloanthony,” read the caption of Iverson’s post. His post was further shared by Melo on his Instagram story with the caption, “Family.”

Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson are more than basketball legends they’re ‘Brothers‘ in the game. Iverson and Anthony’s bond came into the spotlight when they played together on the Denver Nuggets during the 2006–2008 seasons. Since they came together, Iverson averaged a good 25.6 points and 7.1 assists per game and Anthony added a terrific 24.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Their chemistry was real and good, and their offense was one of the league’s most dynamic ones.

Although their time together didn’t result in a championship, it highlighted their mutual respect and shared passion for the game. That camaraderie continues today, as we can see through social media and various interviews.

“Cultural awards should be Allen Iverson award. I am actually changing culture, adding to our culture, beginning creative within our culture; it is not a lot of people who are doing it. A.I. was doing it unknowingly; that was the culture because that was the culture at that time,” said Melo about Iverson once praising his impact on the league.

Now coming to Kiyan, the 17-year-old has made waves in the basketball world with his performances at Peach Jam, SLAM Summer Classic, and Top 100 Camp. While playing for Long Island Lutheran High School, Kiyan scored an impressive 18 points and four assists last summer in EYBL. Now that he’s going to play for the Orange jersey, it can be expected that he will match the same energy that his father had with the team when he helped them win the NCAA Championship in 2003.

As the basketball world watches Kiyan take his first steps into collegiate competition, the enduring friendship between Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson serves as a reminder of the power of connection in sports. However, as we saw Melo acknowledging Iverson here, there was another time when the Answer had done the same for him.

 When Allen Iverson commented about mentoring Carmelo Anthony

‘The Answer’s’ recent heartfelt acknowledgment of Kiyan Anthony’s commitment to Syracuse University has sparked excitement and curiosity among basketball fans. This acknowledgment of Iverson can be speculated to be the start of the mentorship between the Philadelphia 76ers legend and the young prospect.

After all, Iverson shares a special bond with Kiyan’s father, Carmelo Anthony—a relationship rooted in mentorship, respect, and brotherhood. However, during an interview, Iverson had a different answer regarding mentoring Melo.

“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,” said Iverson to Inside Hoops.

When A.I. and Melo formed the duo, the Nuggets amassed a total of 101.5 points per game to become the second-best in the league in that category in the 2007-08 season. Now Kiyan with a long road ahead of him will definitely get the support of his father and Iverson.