After much anticipation, the decision is finally in—Kiyan, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps and commit to Syracuse. The Class of 2025 prospect had been weighing his college options for some time, but he’s now set to join the Orange next year, continuing the family legacy at his father’s alma mater. However, even before he steps onto the court for his college debut, fans are already buzzing about what’s next for Kiyan in NBA.

Kiyan Anthony, the standout player from Long Island Lutheran, had narrowed his college choices down to two other top programs: Auburn and USC. But with Syracuse holding such a personal connection to the Anthony family Kiyan was expected to ultimately choose the Orange. The legacy factor was undeniable, making Syracuse the clear frontrunner from the start.

When Kiyan Anthony was asked about his college decision earlier, he made it clear that he wasn’t swayed by outside expectations. “Even though I know basically the whole world wants me to go to Syracuse, I still haven’t made the decision yet,” he said, reflecting his careful approach to the choice. It was also revealed that Carmelo Anthony, his father and Syracuse alum, didn’t pressure Kiyan to follow in his exact footsteps. Instead, Kiyan’s decision was his own to make, independent of any family legacy.

“At the end of the day you know, only one could stay, and with that being said, I’ll be coming to Syracuse University,” Kiyan announced. Further stating his reasons, the 17-year-old revelaed there were many factors influencing his decision away from his father’s legacy. “Young coaching staff that I could connect to, close to home, 45-minute flight,” he shared.

So now with that in place, the excitement among fans is palpable. Many are already looking ahead, imagining his future in the NBA as they expressed their sentiments on social media.

Kiyan Anthony following his father’s footsteps drives fans prophecy over his NBA future

Kiyan Anthony, currently in his senior year, is a four-star guard ranked No. 32 in the Class of 2025. As he gears up for his final year of high school, he’s already set his sights on some big goals. “For my senior year, I’m trying to win Gatorade… Gatorade Player of the Year… then I’m just trying to win like as a team we got a lot of tournaments we can win and then a national championship,” he had said on Unapologetically Angel.

However, while the 17-year-old is hooked there, fans may not be in the same line. “That’s a smart young man I see him going a lil further than his dad” Carmelo, who graduated from Syracuse in 2003 and went on to have a 20-season career in the NBA with six different teams, never won a championship. Hope that changes for the young talent who has been excelling all summer with Nike EYBL and Top 100 camp, among others.

Kiyan Anthony, currently based in New York and enrolled at Long Island Lutheran in Brookville, seems to have a special connection to the state following his father’s famed career with the Knicks. Before landing at Long Island Lutheran, Kiyan attended Christ the King, a regional high school, further cementing his ties to the area. And now, with his decision to attend Syracuse, another New York-based institution, it’s clear that the state is playing a pivotal role in shaping his journey.

It’s easy to see why some fans are already imagining Kiyan donning a New York Knicks jersey when he eventually enters the NBA. The fans dropped: “Further (*future) New York Knick hopefully“ & “Next Generation of NY basketball.”

Carmelo had joined the Knicks in 2010 and played seven seasons with them, his second longest stint with an NBA franchise. Half way there with Syracuse in following his father’s footsteps, fans expect that he will follow the same attitude on pro stage. “Like father like son“ & “Only thing left to do is to put the Knicks jersey in a couple of years.”

While Kiyan Anthony’s NBA career is still a couple of years away, for now, the 17-year-old would be laser-focused on his goals for his senior year of high school. With a clear vision for what he wants to accomplish, he’s determined to elevate his game and set himself up as a top NBA prospect.