The final stage of high school basketball and the beginning couldn’t have been more dramatic for Kiyan Anthony. Carmelo Anthony’s 17-year-old son started his senior year with Long Island Lutheran’s big win. And Kiyan had quite an important part to play in this win, even taking a scary physical toll on him. No wonder that he attracted the praise from NBA champ Matt Barnes.

Barnes posted a series of fire emojis, “[fire emoji]”, in the comment section of the post, appreciating Kiyan’s 16 points against St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. LuHi won the matchup by 74-35, but what should have entirely been a night of celebration also took a scary turn for the 17-year-old.

Kiyan brought the crowd to its feet early in the fourth quarter with a soaring dunk. It wasn’t just a regular play; it was one of those jaw-dropping moments that show why he’s ranked among New York’s best in the Class of 2025. But then, everything went wrong. As he rose to the rim, St. Joseph’s Nate Blenman contested him mid-air.

“Kiyan took off like a pro,” said St. Joseph’s coach Cooper Calzonetti, as per an article by Newsday. “When you’re in the air like that, it’s crazy. I know Nate didn’t mean to do anything.” The dunk, however, went in, but the landing was brutal. Kiyan crashed to the floor, leaving everyone stunned. Imagine the horror of seeing a young talent like him sprawled on the court, clutching his back.

“Being in the air and realizing you don’t have your feet under you is always a scary feeling,” Kiyan shared. His tailbone, hamstring, and lower back bore the brunt of the fall. He admitted, “I would say this is the worst it [has] happened.”

Thankfully, there’s a sigh of relief for LuHi and Kiyan Anthony fans. While Carmelo Anthony’s 17-year-old son is nursing some pain, early reports indicate no serious injury. Coach John Buck called it a “bruise” and reassured, “It’ll take some time… but we’ll get him some treatment.” Kiyan himself is staying positive, saying, “I’m in a little bit of pain right now, but I should be all good.” No wonder that he garnered praise from not just Barnes but Chris Paul, JR Smith and more.

Kiyan Anthony is laser-focused on his career now

Kiyan is showing the world that he’s more than just Carmelo Anthony’s son—he’s his own player with big dreams. Imagine being compared to an NBA legend at every step of your career. Facing this reality head-on, the 17-year-old approaches the challenge with a razor-sharp concentration, fueled by a burning ambition to create his own lasting impact.

During a candid chat on his father’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Kiyan didn’t hold back. His move to Syracuse University isn’t about basking in his dad’s glory. “I’m my own player, and I want to do even bigger things,” he shared, letting the world know he’s ready to blaze his own trail.

Sure, Syracuse holds a special place in the Anthony family history—Carmelo Anthony led the school to its first NCAA championship in 2003. But Kiyan’s decision goes much deeper than nostalgia. Speaking to Interview Magazine, Kiyan revealed what truly drew him to the program.

“A part of it was obviously the connection,” he said, “but mostly, it was about how they saw me.” Syracuse didn’t just see him as Carmelo Anthony’s son, but as a player with immense potential. And that player might have suffered an injury now, but the various statements indicate he’ll be returning as strong as ever.