In the history of the NBA few names shine brightly as Carmelo Anthony’s. He was a prolific scorer and has impacted the NBA world for nearly two decades. With a resume boasting 10 All-Star awards, an NBA scoring title, and four Olympic medals including three gold medals, Melo’s place in the basketball saga is secured. However, a new Anthony is rising from the shadows. Kiyan Anthony, Carmelo’s son, is not content simply following in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he’s looking up to a different source of inspiration.

The 6-foot-5 rising star who is soon to enter his senior year has always been vocal about how Paul George inspires him and this time also when asked why he looks up to him as a mentor, he spared no time in explaining that. “I just think that the fluency he plays with and the smoothness that he has to his game, it’s like, it’s super like elegant when he plays and people like that in a way that he could get to a bucket whenever that’s what people like,” explained Kiyan in an interview with Brandon Scoop B Robinson. The other time when the high schooler openly admitted to admiring George was during an episode of “Complex’s GOAT Talk” with his mom La La Anthony, where he had put PG at the top of the GOAT list.

The reason most of the young players look up to Paul George as an inspiration might be for his two-way ability. He excels both offensively as a scorer and defensively as the 9x NBA All-Star is good at stopping balls with his quick and active hands. For Kiyan however, the inspiration sails a bit far because of his personal interactions with George. During an episode of “7 PM in Brooklyn,” George was seen advising Kiyan to do his homework on the past players and learn about their playing styles.

George averaged about 22.6 points with 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in a total of 76 games that he had played last season. The 9x All-Star had been a teammate to Kiyan’s father in the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017 where they had formed a powerful trio with another player, Russell Westbrook. Although the partnership was short-lived and there were many instances where the two players faced each other, Melo’s respect for George never faded out and has always been grateful to him for influencing his son to such a great extent. “I want to give you your flowers, right?” Melo told George. “And also say thank you for inspiring him [Kiyan]. That’s big,” said Melo during the 7 PM Brooklyn Podcast.

As Kiyan progresses in his basketball career, all eyes will be on the young Anthony to see how he develops. Will he successfully integrate the skills of his chosen role model with the scoring touch that seems to run in the family? Only time will tell. But it seems like the youngster has a new task at hand which is choosing a college.

Kiyan Anthony’s college decision looms

The 6-foot-5 young guard is having a quite productive summer so far. With successful stints in the Peach Jam, SLAM Summer Classic, and Rod Wave, Kiyan is following his father’s path to greatness. However, he is also on the brink of making a significant decision that will shape his basketball future: choosing a college.

Kiyan has received over 20 offers from various programs, including Michigan, Tennessee, and Maryland. However, the 17-year-old is focusing on Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, and especially his father’s alma mater, Syracuse. In a recent interview with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, Kiyan hinted that he is leaning towards Syracuse, impressed by the love the school shows to its alumni. “I’m looking forward to take a second visit [to Syracuse], and nobody knows, I can go there so,” said Kiyan during the Interview.

USC and Florida State seem to be the next two preferred options for the 17-year-old. His final choice of college in the fall of 2024 will undoubtedly have a profound impact on his development as a player and his chances of achieving success at the highest level of collegiate basketball.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”