It’s finally been done! No doubt, Kiyan took his time to make his college decision, but it was worth the wait. Syracuse stood out among his three final choices—Syracuse, USC, and Auburn. He made the big reveal on his dad’s podcast, announcing his commitment to Syracuse University. While Kiyan has unveiled his collegiate decision, he now finds himself surrounded by high expectations—this time, from none other than his father, Carmelo Anthony.

“As a father, this is a special moment. You’ve got a chance to put the school, the community, and New York back to where it’s supposed to be,” expressed Carmelo Anthony as he celebrated the beginning of his son’s next chapter. And why wouldn’t Melo be proud? Syracuse is his alma mater, the place where he made memories that still hold a special place in his heart.

It was during the 2002-03 season that Anthony joined Syracuse University, committing for what was initially expected to be three seasons. However, after averaging 22.2 points and leading the Orangemen to their first-ever NCAA Tournament title in 2003, Melo checked all the boxes in his freshman year and declared for the NBA Draft.

His love for the university has never wavered, though, and he continues to root for Syracuse as passionately as ever. That’s why Kiyan’s decision to join the university brings him hope—hope that his son can lead Syracuse back to its glory days.

On his podcast, Melo even stated, “Only Kiyan can bring Syracuse back to where it’s supposed to be.” But the big question is: Is Kiyan ready for this challenge?

Kiyan Anthony shares his father’s sentiment

For Kiyan, the moment he steps onto Syracuse’s court, his goal will be to dominate the campus and bring the university back to where his father envisions it. “I’m not going in with any type of intention other than to win. I’m just going there, trying to win with my teammates, with my other freshmen, whoever’s there next year. Just trying to be a good teammate, trying to win… bring back what Syracuse University is supposed to be like,” expressed Kiyan Anthony.

Kiyan, ranked no.1 in New York class of 2025, might be Syracuse’s best shot at improvement, especially since the university has struggled in recent years. The program has missed four of the last five NCAA Tournaments, including three in a row. Worse, Syracuse hasn’t been nationally ranked since 2018.

Under first-year head coach Adrian Autry, the team showed signs of progress, improving to 20 wins with an 11-9 record in the ACC. But it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. That could all change soon. Alongside Kiyan, two other four-star recruits, Sadiq White Jr. and Luke Fennell, have signed letters of intent to join Syracuse.

Kiyan Anthony undoubtedly has the potential to carve out his own basketball legacy at Syracuse and beyond. Now, the world is watching to see if he can rise to the challenge and restore the university’s basketball program to its former glory.