Carmelo Anthony’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Syracuse University, a place where he not only etched his name in college basketball history by leading the Orange to their sole NCAA championship in 2003 but also left a lasting physical mark with the donation that funded the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center. And we all know Carmelo Anthony is a proud dad! His son is following in his footsteps and has the same dreams and goals that he once had. One such goal is leading the Orange Men team.

And now, Kiyan’s journey has begun at the same place where he started, Syracuse. With the team, Melo made history. The 6-foot-7 star’s legacy with the Orange Men team is forever immortalized. Now, years later, he reveals the reason and inspiration behind it.

Earlier, the New York Knicks legend donated $3 million to his alma mater for the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center. It is reportedly one of the largest donations by an athlete to the school they attended. One of the reasons that we fans know Melo’s efforts to contribute to the place. However, another inspiration was also his son, Kiyan. 

Now, as he looks forward to his son continuing his legacy at Syracuse, Melo opens up about his emotions. “I don’t think he understood. why I put the actual gym up there, the Melo facility, it was for him. But now, years later, I think to have an opportunity to just get back up there and restart this whole thing back over and for him to kind of carve out his own lane up there, his own experience,” the father said who has ensured that his son never feels any pressure when it comes to his career.

The former Lakers star is not worried about his son’s accomplishments, he wants his son to enjoy his time playing and dedicating his time for the team. “I hope he has the same experience I had up there,” he said. 

This 54,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility boasts two full practice courts. It also has a strength and conditioning room, a state-of-the-art athletic training suite, offices for both coaching staffs, and complete locker room facilities. Even if Melo says that Kiyan doesn’t understand it yet, it seems 18-year-old perhaps has the idea.

As Kiyan Anthony steps onto the Syracuse campus, ready to carve his own path, his father Carmelo’s earlier investment in the university’s basketball infrastructure takes on a deeply personal significance, blending legacy, opportunity, and paternal pride.

After terrible snub, Kiyan Anthony places honor on Carmelo Anthony 

Just last year, the 18-year-old almost had his mother falling from the chair when he revealed his NBA GOAT. Rather than his father Melo, the Syracuse commit chose Paul George as his GOAT. His mother was clearly upset with his answer.

However, Melo, who wasn’t pleased with the snub, appreciated the NBA player for the impact he has had on Kiyan. He thanked George as Kiyan had been joining the Philadelphia 76ers legend for some sessions and learning certain skills to add to his arsenal.

Finally after months, Kiyan has tried to make an attempt to do some damage control. During the Nike Hoop Summit, the Syracuse commit made a new claim when asked about favorite USA Basketball player of all time. 

“His performance, he knows how to sacrifice, you know, his game. He just utilized all his skills, and he helped him win. He holds one of the most gold medals, you know. That’s my father. He’s the best one,” he said bestowing the “best” claim on the 10x NBA All-Star. Carmelo Anthony boasts an illustrious career with USA Basketball, holding the record for most Olympic gold medals in men’s basketball (three) and numerous other team and individual records, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in international competition. The 4x Olympic medalist must be truly proud of his son.

As Kiyan begins his own journey, he carries not only his father’s name but also the opportunity to forge his own identity within the program his father helped build, creating a new chapter in the Anthony family’s Syracuse story.