As Kiyan Anthony rises through the high school ranks at Long Island Lutheran, basketball fans can’t help but draw comparisons to his legendary father. The 6’5″ senior guard has already committed to Syracuse, where Carmelo once led the Orange to their only NCAA championship in 2003.
The younger Anthony is carving his own path while carrying the weight of one of basketball’s most recognized surnames. Currently ranked among the top 40 prospects in the 2025 class, Kiyan’s game shows flashes of his father’s scoring touch, but with distinct differences that hint at a potentially different type of player.
The Anthony Family Basketball DNA
While Carmelo dominated the NBA for 19 seasons with his post moves and mid-range mastery at 6’8″ and 230-plus pounds, Kiyan brings a different physical profile to the court. The high school standout is currently three inches shorter and significantly lighter at around 170-185 pounds with what scouts describe as a “slight frame.”
Kiyan’s game reflects modern basketball evolution. Averaging approximately 15.9 points per game in his senior season, he’s shown impressive shooting range with 31 three-pointers among his 79 field goals. His footwork and jab steps mirror his father’s techniques, though scouts note his ball handling and passing may eventually surpass Carmelo’s.
His scoring instincts were on full display during a 25-point performance against Oak Hill Academy, demonstrating the same natural feel for putting the ball in the basket that made his father a 10-time NBA All-Star and one of the top 10 scorers in league history.
From Syracuse Legend to Syracuse Hopeful
Carmelo’s Syracuse legacy looms large, with 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game in his lone college season, which culminated in championship glory and Final Four MVP honors. The pressure on Kiyan to follow this act could be immense, but the younger Anthony appears ready for the challenge.
The similarities in their offensive mindsets are notable. Both possess what scouts call an “aggressive scoring mentality.” While Carmelo relied on strength and postplay during his 22.5 points per game NBA career, Kiyan shows greater perimeter versatility with pull up jumpers, stepbacks, floaters and three-point shooting.
Ranked as the top player in New York by multiple recruiting services, Kiyan has already built an impressive resume beyond his famous surname. The Jordan Brand Classic MVP honor and Nike Hoop Summit selection validate his standing among the nation’s elite high school talents.
KEEP READING: Kiyan Anthony Earns MVP at 2025 Jordan Brand Classic With 25 Points, Continuing the Anthony Legacy
Carmelo himself sees distinct differences in his son’s potential, comparing Kiyan to players like Penny Hardaway, Paul George and Tyrese Haliburton rather than himself. It has been suggested that Kiyan may still be growing, with Carmelo indicating he could potentially reach 6’8″, suggesting his son’s physical development continues.
What remains to be seen is whether Kiyan can translate his high school success to Syracuse and beyond. The path to matching his father’s Hall of Fame career is daunting, but intriguing.
Scouts note he needs to add muscle and improve defensively, which ironically was the same criticism that followed Carmelo throughout his illustrious NBA journey.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
