Melo’s dream comes true! After Kiyan’s impressive performance for Team Melo on the Nike EYBL circuit, everyone was excited about his university announcement. While many assumed he’d join Syracuse because of his father Carmelo Anthony’s legacy, others thought it’ll be USC to create a new identity. However, at the end, Kiyan choose to follow father Melo’s foot step at Syracuse. Behind the scenes, it was Melo who bore the weight of keeping quiet to ensure Kiyan made the decision on his own.

Kiyan appeared on his father’s podcast, 7 PM in Brooklyn, to reveal his big decision, sitting alongside his mom, La La Anthony, and co-host Kid Mero. In a raw and honest moment, Melo opened up about the journey, revealing his inner struggle. “I’m gonna tell you, I’m gonna be honest, man. If like, I love being there on the visits as his dad, but it is a part of me that wish that I could have stayed back and just let him,” Melo shared.

Even more so, Melo admitted he intentionally stayed out of Kiyan’s decision-making. The reason? He didn’t want his love for Syracuse to cloud his son’s judgment. “Because it’s tough. It’s a tough decision. And like, for me to have to like, be quiet, like knowing what is cooking over here, it’s tough,” Melo said. “I know what’s happening in Syracuse. I’m a part of that… I can’t even tell him that. Because then that way, that’s like… Swaying. That’s swaying him a little bit.” Melo’s restraint was as much a gift as it was a challenge.

Mom La La also echoed Melo’s sentiments, emphasizing how they kept the pressure off Kiyan. “We stepped back and allowed him to make a decision and told him whatever he decided we would support,” she said. “Contrary to what people probably think, there was zero pressure from his dad to go to Syracuse.”

However, as Kiyan committed to Syracuse, Melo has already a road map for him to be the next superstar.

Carmelo Anthony got a roadmap for Kiyan

Just a few days ago, Carmelo Anthony sat down on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where Jimmy Fallon couldn’t help but ask, “What’s it like to watch this happen, the next generation?” Melo’s answer was heartfelt. “It’s tough,” he admitted, sharing how watching Kiyan rise in basketball feels like reliving his own journey, only now as a dad. “I’m seeing this all over again from my son…the way that people was probably looking at me when I was coming up in high school, I get a chance to look at my son in this situation the same way.”

But Melo understands the immense pressure that comes with expectations, yet he’s confident Kiyan has a significant advantage. “There’s pressure, and you know what’s ahead of them,” Melo admitted, adding, “but he’s got me.” Having a father who’s been through the grind gives Kiyan a head start most young athletes could only dream of.

In fact, Melo believes Kiyan has the secret sauce for success. “The blueprint already laid. If you follow the blueprint, the blueprint will get you there,” Melo explained to Fallon. Unlike Melo’s high school days, when he had to figure it all out himself, Kiyan now has a tested path to follow. Of course, Melo knows that what Kiyan does with that opportunity will ultimately determine his legacy.