“My legacy, now and forever, lives on through you,” Carmelo Anthony had the words for Kiyan as he hung up his jersey. Melo was around the same age as Kiyan in 2002 when he played for the Jordan Brand Classic in Washington, D.C. He dropped a historic 27 points playing alongside two of his former teammates, Raymond Felton and Amar’e Stoudemire. Now, after all these years, he witnessed a surreal moment as his son Kiyan geared up to play in 2025. As a brand ambassador and a former product of the tournament, Melo has a unique vision and it involves his 18-year-old son as well.

Anthony’s early career, marked by a stellar freshman season at Syracuse culminating in an NCAA Championship and Most Outstanding Player honors, laid the foundation for his remarkable 19-year NBA career, where he earned ten All-Star selections and recognition as a prolific scorer. His ability to score in a multitude of ways became his signature, earning him the nickname “Melo” and a reputation as a clutch performer.

Like father, like son, Kiyan dropped a groundbreaking performance at the JBC. He was clearly here to make a name for himself. Shy of one point from his father, Kiyan dropped 26 points and won MVP honors to make his dad proud. This is also the year when the 10x NBA All-Star insisted on holding the event at its birthplace, D.C. And we get the full picture of his son playing at the same place where he once did.

This was his vision, and both Kiyan and the JBC are part of it. “It’s very intentional… especially with the guys and girls. Giving them cultural experiences, which is why I wanted to bring it back to D.C. Giving them an opportunity to go to the museums, walk around D.C., and really kind of feel the essence of what it’s like to be in a cultural place like D.C., outside of basketball — that’s what makes this event different,” Melo told Sole Retriever.

The former New York Knicks star has much love for the city. And Melo has dreams to take up a new role for the city to be able to bring his dream to fruition. In his podcast, he expressed his desire to own a stake in the $4.1 billion-valued Washington Wizards (as per Forbes). He even explains why he would be a good fit.

As a former player, Melo indeed knows much about team building. Speaking of ownership, he believes that it’s necessary to connect the community with the team and wants to elevate these cultural experiences for the fans. “I’m a former player. I understand players, I understand personnel, I understand strategy, I understand being strategic, I understand how to build teams. But I also understand what I don’t understand. I know what I don’t know. So with that, you also have to put people in those positions in every position,” he said on 7PM in Brooklyn. 

Melo wants to put his focus on the players and fans if he were to become an owner. And this is something the fans have always wanted. Do you see him as an owner in the future? Not to forget, the 10x NBA All-Star is always looking to the future. His dream behind building the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center says as much.

Carmelo Anthony talks about Syracuse basketball facility

Years before Kiyan was ready for college, Melo made a contribution of nearly $3 million to his alma mater. He had won an NCAA championship title with the school, and looking back at his history with Syracuse, he wanted to give back and make a meaningful impact for the coming generation. This contribution was used to build a practice facility, the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center.

However, he had another reason that he only recently mentioned in an interview with NBC and it was his son, Kiyan. “I don’t think he understood. why I put the actual gym up there, the Melo facility, it was for him,” Melo said.

The Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, a state-of-the-art practice facility that opened in 2009, stands as a tangible symbol of Melo’s enduring connection to Syracuse and his commitment to providing future generations with the resources to succeed. This act of generosity underscores his belief in paying it forward.

As the 18-year-old prepares to head to college, his father has only one wish. The former Knicks star wants him to enjoy his time and learn what it takes to be great. Melo has always ensured that he doesn’t put any pressure on his son. As Kiyan joins the Orange Men, he will be training in the very practice facility his father built.

Carmelo’s approach to Kiyan’s development mirrors his own grounded perspective, shaped by his early life challenges and his understanding of the importance of resilience and dedication in achieving greatness. He serves as a mentor, guiding his son without stifling his individual growth.