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  Debate

Debate

Can Kiyan Anthony surpass his father's legacy, or is he destined to remain in Melo's shadow?

Like Father, Like Son! While Carmelo Anthony might have hung up his jersey after an illustrious 19-season NBA career, his son, Kiyan Anthony, is just getting started. And the 17-year-old is already living up to the family name. With three Olympic gold medals, 10 NBA All-Star selections, and being one of the top scorers in league history, Melo did set the bar pretty high. 

But if anyone’s ready to take on that challenge, it’s his own blood. Right from dominating high school courts to lighting up the AAU circuit, the guard has been making waves. Let’s have a look at the numbers he put before he heads to college.

Kiyan Anthony’s high school journey

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Kiyan Anthony’s basketball journey began at Christ the King in Middle Village, New York. But halfway through his sophomore season, he transferred to Long Island Lutheran, looking for tougher competition and more exposure. Turns out, it was the right one. By early 2024, the 17-year-old averaged 10.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game for Long Island Lutheran, the No. 3-ranked team in the National Top 10. 

However, he unleashed his real potential when he hit the summer AAU circuit. Playing for Team Melo — the Nike EYBL program co-founded by his dad — Kiyan averaged 19.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. We also saw him bagging 29 points against Team Final (PA) and 28 against Houston Hoops (TX). 

And if that’s not enough, the young star took things to another level at the NBPA Top 100 camp in Orlando. Averaging 28.5 points over eight games, he led all campers in scoring. Melo’s son scored jaw-dropping 42 points on 15-of-28 shooting, including 4-of-9 shooting from deep. 

USA Today via Reuters

Well, it also brought him a lot of media attention. Although at 6’5″ and 185 pounds, he doesn’t have his dad’s frame, he did inherit the ‘bucket-getter’ gene. And even he knows he is pretty good for his age. 

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Can Kiyan Anthony surpass his father's legacy, or is he destined to remain in Melo's shadow?

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In a ‘Dunk’ interview, he would beat his dad’s 16-year-old self saying, “Nah, I’m frying him… He wasn’t nice until he was 17 until he hit the growth.” But it’s not all smooth sailing for him. 

His slight frame means he’ll need to bulk up to hold his own against older, stronger players. And while his scoring prowess is undeniable, his efficiency could use some work. Shooting nearly 40 times a game, as he did in some camp outings, might raise a few eyebrows.

Because sometimes it worked out brilliantly, but not always like scoring 35 points on 15-of-39 shooting, 25 points on 5-of-23 shooting, or 27 points on 8-of-27 shooting. But he has that intellect and his dad by his side, so we almost believe it won’t be a thing as he heads to college. After all, he is ranked as one of the top shooting guards in the class of 2025 by ESPN.

Kiyan Anthony committed to father’s alma mater

In a destined move, Kiyan Anthony announced his commitment to Syracuse, where his father’s legendary No. 15 jersey hangs in the rafters. Joined by his mom, La La Anthony, and Carmelo himself, Kiyan made the big reveal on the “7PM in Brooklyn” show on November 15th.

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For Syracuse fans, this is a full-circle moment. Carmelo’s 2002-03 season at Syracuse was nothing short of magical. Although now Kiyan might be confident enough to say he’d “fry” his dad in a 1v1 when he was 16, let’s not forget Melo’s growth. 

He averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds in his lone college season at Syracuse, leading the team to its first and only NCAA championship. He also earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors and was named the national freshman of the year. But the best part is that Syracuse Fresher is already showing flashes of greatness. 

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He was already rated as a four-star prospect, the No. 6 shooting guard in the 2025 class by 247Sports Composite, and the top recruit in New York. If he can keep putting up those numbers, Syracuse might just find itself back in the national championship conversation. And while the comparison conversation is inevitable, Kiyan has proven he’s more than just “Carmelo’s son.” 

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