Syracuse University’s men’s basketball team continues to hit new lows in 2025. Since finishing 9-16 in the 1968-69 season, in the next nearly 60 years, Syracuse basketball teams have failed to win a minimum of 20 games in a season only 11 times. 2025 is headed to be the 12th such instance. The latest episode of that came on Tuesday in their game against Pittsburgh.

The squad had entered the matchup with 10 Atlantic Coast Conference losses. It’s the third time in four years it reached that mark, though this season they took the least amount of time to touch that. Initially, it looked like Syracuse might avoid the program-high 11 conference losses for at least a week when they took a 16-point lead in the first half against Pittsburgh. But they miserably let that go down the drain as the Oranges were outscored by 18 points in the second half and allowed the Panthers to shoot 62.5% from the field, eventually falling 80-69.

The defeat keeps Syracuse in 15th place in the ACC standings, sitting on the last qualifying spot for the ACC tournament. With each passing game, SU is facing the risk of not making the postseason tournament. So can this lacklustre run make some of their star commits of the 2025 recruiting class change their minds? If there is any such concern, that might be the greatest for Kiyan Anthony, son of the Orange legend Carmelo Anthony.

Much to the delight of the Orange fans, Kiyan, in November last year, had announced his commitment to Syracuse, following the footsteps of his father, who had brought the school its only Natty in 2003. Kiyan was the Orange’s fourth commitment in the class, including a pair of four-star prospects in Sadiq White Jr. and Luke Fennell. But the fanbase is genuinely concerned. That became evident on SU insiders Brent Axe and Chris Carlson’s latest YouTube video. One worried fan directly asked, “Brent and Chris can you please discuss what are the chances that our poor performance in basketball this year will dissuade Kiyan Anthony and Sadique White from coming to Syracuse next year?” 

In what might be reassuring for the SU fans, Brent replied, “I would say less than 10% maybe less than 5%. If you haven’t watched this yet guys Donna Ditota did a video interview with Sadiq white, go watch that thing, and if you come away from that with the impression that that guy doesn’t want to go to Syracuse like you’re living in an alternate universe…I would be stunned if he’s not here next year.” Brent was referring to a January conversation when Sadique said, “I truly believe in red.” Moving on to Kiyan, he then said, “it’s the same thing” with him and Chris took over.

“Then there’s the son of the all-time great whose Legacy is tied to the school and it would look terrible if he went somewhere else and yeah he’s he’s not going anywhere else.” Brent added,  “The bottom would fall out if if he all of a sudden, you know, went the other way on, so no, they’re in, they’re coming, they’re committed. Again you always have to leave a little crack in the window that something can happen but it it’s a minute way out of the box possibility, they will be here next year at least at least we can assure you on that.” So, was it the ties of Carmelo Anthony that led Kiyan to SU? Doesn’t look like.

Kiyan’s mom, La La, cleared the air that she and Carmelo were nowhere in the decision. “I think it’s important to say that Kiyan really made this decision. I’m sure that everyone just assumes that Mel put the pressure on him or Mel told him he had to do this. Mel just gave input on all the schools. And we stepped back and allowed him to make a decision and told him whatever he decided we would support. Contrary to what people probably think, there was zero pressure from his dad to go to Syracuse,” La La had said in November after Kiyan committed. Carmelo backed up saying, “We completely backed out of it in a sense of no pressure.”

While its star players’ involvement looks to be certain, SU has another big project to take care of at the moment and that has some definite concerns. This Thursday, Syracuse made a bold statement by launching a massive $50 million fundraising campaign called “Champion ’CUSE.” While the initiative covers multiple areas of improvement, the biggest focus is on NIL, meaning Syracuse is gearing up to attract top talent and build a roster capable of competing for championships once again!

SU’s athletic director, John Wildhack in a conversation with Matt mentioned that this is the school’s grassroots outreach. As Chris and Brent were somewhat neutral on the matter. As they said, this will be a test for Syracuse about how much the fanbase cares to contribute toward this cause. The school already has some big contributors but it can not go back to them repeatedly for support. So it is now on the SU community. Looked like, Chris and Brent tacitly asked the question, “can they do it?”

Meanwhile, Kiyan Anthony isn’t just making noise on the court, he’s cashing in off it too! With an NIL valuation of $726,000, the young star isn’t just following in his dad’s footsteps; he’s stepping into the same tax bracket as Carmelo Anthony himself.

Kiyan Anthony and his NIL deals!

According to On3, he’s landed four major endorsement deals, including partnerships with Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, Nerf, and PSD Underwear. But the most impressive? One Way Clothing! His very own clothing line!

Kiyan also made history by becoming the youngest basketball player to sign with PSD Underwear, joining an elite roster featuring NBA stars like Ja Morant, Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and even Bronny James. “It’s more than just a partnership,” . “It’s a collaboration that represents my style and my love of basketball. Together, we’re going to redefine what it means to be comfortable and confident both on and off the court.” He said while expressing his delight over signing the deal with the premium brand!

Kiyan’s ultimate dream? To land an NIL deal with none other than Jordan Brand, just like his legendary father did during his NBA career. “I want an NIL deal with Jordan, cause my pops signed with Jordan. I feel like that will be fire,” he said, with the confidence of someone who is itching to get that full circle moment where both dad and son rock the Jumpman logo together!

While Kiyan Anthony continues to make waves both on and off the court, his commitment to Syracuse remains unwavering, even amidst the program’s struggles. His burgeoning legacy and NIL success only add to the intrigue, making his future with the Orange one to watch as the team aims to turn things around.