Kiyan Anthony Fails to Replicate Father Carmelo Anthony’s Success as Calls Mount for Syracuse Star to Be Included

Back in 2002, Carmelo Anthony put on a show at the McDonald’s All-American Game. Playing in front of a packed Madison Square Garden, he scored 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting, eight rebounds, and took home the Powerade Jam Fest crown. Now, it’s his son, Kiyan Anthony, who is following in his footsteps at Syracuse. When the upcoming McDonald’s All-American rosters were revealed, fans were excited for him to be a part of it, but when they saw his name wasn’t a part of the list, they were left shocked!

After months of anticipation, the McDonald’s All-American Committee finally dropped the list of 24 players chosen for this year’s game. The selections, divided into East and West teams, are the cream of the crop from the 2025 class. As is tradition, the announcement stirred up debates over snubs.

Here’s a list of names on the roster (boy’s team):

East team: 

• Shon Abaev, Calvary Christian (Cincinnati)
• Darius Acuff Jr., IMG Academy (Arkansas)
• Darius Adams, La Lumiere School (UConn)
• Nate Ament, Highland School
• Cameron Boozer, Christopher Columbus High School (Duke)
• Cayden Boozer, Christopher Columbus High School (Duke)
• Jalen Haralson, La Lumiere School (Notre Dame)
• Isiah Harwell, Wasatch Academy (Houston)
• Trey McKenney, St. Mary’s Preparatory (Michigan)
• Malachi Moreno, Great Crossing High School (Kentucky)
• Braylon Mullins, Greenfield-Central High School (UConn)
• Eric Reibe, Bullis School (UConn)

West team:

• Alijah Arenas, Chatsworth High School
• Mikel Brown Jr., DME Academy (Louisville)
• Nike Bundalo, Prolific Prep (Washington)
• Brayden Burries, Eleanor Roosevelt High School
• Chris Cenac Jr., Link Academy (Houston)
• AJ Dybantsa, Utah Prep (BYU)
• Nikolas Khamenia, Harvard-Westlake School (Duke)
• Koa Peat, Perry High School
• Darryn Peterson, Prolific Prep (Kansas)
• Meleek Thomas, Overtime Elite Academy (Arkansas)
• Caleb Wilson, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School (North Carolina)
• Tounde Yessoufou, St. Joseph High School (Baylor)

This year, one glaring omission has been Kiyan Anthony, ranked No. 35 overall in his class. What could be the reason behind this? 

His journey began at Christ the King High School in New York before transferring to Long Island Lutheran during his sophomore year. The move paid off as he started averaging 10.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game for one of the top-ranked high school teams in the nation. And his game only kept getting better. Fans were convinced this was his year to make the McDonald’s roster. But despite it all, Syracuse- committed didn’t make the cut.

Turns out, it wasn’t just about performance. The baller wasn’t eligible for this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game. Due to an injury that sidelined him for most of his senior season at Long Island Lutheran, he didn’t meet the criteria for consideration. As per the McDonald’s All-American requirement: “At the time of selection, the candidate will have completed 50% of their senior year season. Situations where a candidate is no longer eligible: season ending injury and or suspension/removal from high school team.”

Back in November, during the season opener, Kiyan threw down a dunk but took a nasty fall that kept him out until January. Missing significant time meant he couldn’t be voted in, and just like that, his McDonald’s dreams slipped away. But since the list was released, people haven’t held back and have been questioning the decision in the Instagram comment section.

No Kiyan Anthony at the McDonald’s All-American game? Fans are not having it!

The McDonald’s All-American Game is all set to tip off on April 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York—right in Kiyan Anthony’s backyard. And you’d think the baller who’s been lighting it up for Long Island Lutheran High School, would be a shoo-in for the roster, but sadly he is not. So a fan mentioned, “Game in NY??? BUT NO KIYAN???” 

Considering the fact that Anthony is the no. 1 recruit in New York and one of the pure scorers out there, the top player’s absence has left fans scratching their heads. “How the #1 player in nyc not in here,” wrote one fan. 

And let’s talk numbers for a second. 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. He wasn’t just putting up numbers; he was making statements, dropping 29 points against Team Final (PA) and 28 against Houston Hoops (TX).

 “The disrespect @mcdaag for Kiyan Anthony and Carmelo Anthony is beyond disrespectful!” one fan wrote, adding that his contributions to high school and AAU basketball over the last two years make him a must-have on that roster. 

But it doesn’t stop there. People even started bringing Bronny James into the conversation. One fan sarcastically pointed out, “No @kiyananthony 😂😂😂 but Bronny made it last year 😂😂😂.” Bronny, as a senior, averaged 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists and made it to the list two years back, but fans genuinely believe Kiyan had the stronger case this time around. 

“KIYAN DIDN’T MAKE IT?!” another fan exclaimed, as disbelief rippled through the community. For many, it felt like Kiyan was an almost guaranteed name on this roster. The reaction has been unanimous. But, while the fans’ frustration is more than understandable, the hooper’s journey is far from over. 

Sure, this was a tough one, but brighter days are ahead as he gets ready to suit up for Syracuse, following in the footsteps of his legendary father. So, while this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game might feel incomplete without him, you better believe Kiyan Anthony has some unforgettable moments in store for us.