The much-anticipated wait is over. Kiyan Anthony, who has made waves this summer by showcasing his skills at Peach Jam, SLAM Summer Classic, and Rod Wave has finally made the decision that’s set to electrify the college basketball landscape. In a moment that feels scripted by destiny itself, the young star revealed his college decision that had been looming for months.

Kiyan, in the recent episode of the ‘7 pm in Brooklyn‘ podcast, announced that he’ll be donning the same Orange jersey that his father, Carmelo Anthony, made legendary two decades ago – choosing Syracuse University as his collegiate home. “At the end of the day you know, only one could stay, and with that being said, I’ll be coming to Syracuse University,“said Kiyan during the podcast.

Moreover, even, Carmelo Anthony stepped in to reveal the ultimate advice that helped Kiyan make his decision. “So my message to him was. Don’t be afraid of it. Embrace it, cause guys that looked at me, watched me are not your fans. You have an opportunity to carve out a whole fanbase,” said Melo during the podcast.

Kiyan’s decision to commit to Syracuse isn’t just a career move; it’s a symbolic nod to Carmelo Anthony’s legendary tenure at the school. In 2003, Carmelo led the Syracuse Orange to their first and only NCAA Championship, delivering a season that remains etched in college basketball history. Averaging 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game during his freshman year, Carmelo was a force of nature, earning the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. However, his elite skills were not limited to his college career. In the NBA also, Melo had a memorable career which included 10 All-Star selections and more than 28,000 points.

Now coming to Kiyan, at just 17 years old, he has made waves in the basketball world. A 6-foot-4 shooting guard, Kiyan’s sharp court vision, smooth jump shot, and defensive tenacity have made him one of the most exciting prospects in the class of 2025. Playing for Long Island Lutheran High School, Kiyan scored an impressive  18 points and four assists last summer in EYBL.

As the countdown begins to his college debut, basketball fans are eager to see how Kiyan Anthony will shine at Syracuse. Whether it’s his dynamic scoring, leadership, or ability to rise in big moments, one thing is certain: the Anthony legacy at Syracuse is far from finished—it’s only just beginning. However, did you know the reason why Kiyan went for Syracuse?

Reason given by Kiyan for choosing Syracuse

While many may assume Kiyan Anthony chose Syracuse to follow in his father’s legendary footsteps, the young basketball star has a deeper, more personal reason for his decision. Initially, the four-star recruit had received offers from 20 colleges. The names included: Syracuse, Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, Rutgers, USC, and many more.

The long list narrowed down to two that is USC and Syracuse and ultimately, the 17-year-old went for the Orange jersey. Moreover, during the podcast, Kiyan even gave the reason why he chose Syracuse, “Just looking at Syracuse and seeing like, what could be done over there and if I was to go over there and they already have top people coming in, who I’m close with, young coaching staff that I could connect to, close to home, 45-minute flight. They [USC] would have me catching 6-hour flights to California everyday. So just all of that like ACC, and they play Duke Carolina, all the good schools so, all of that played a part,” said Kiyan during the podcast.

Although the shadow of Carmelo Anthony’s 2003 NCAA Championship will always loom large, it can be said that Kiyan is determined to create his own legacy. For him, Syracuse represents more than a legacy—it’s a launchpad for his dreams.