Kiyan Anthony has a second name that screams legacy. He is a 6’5” high school senior out of Long Island Lutheran in New York and is hands down one of the most exciting prospects in the class of 2025. Kiyan plays shooting guard and forward for both his high school and Team Melo, the AAU squad backed by his father.
Kiyan is currently ranked among the top shooting guards by ESPN. And if that wasn’t enough, he recently committed to Syracuse, following in some legendary footsteps. The footsteps belong to none other than his dad, Carmelo Anthony.
Carmelo Anthony Keeps It Real About Watching Son, Kiyan’s Highlights
When Carmelo, an Olympic gold medalist, 10-time NBA All-Star, and one of the greatest scorers in league history, watches a player’s highlight reel, it becomes more nerve-wracking. In a recent episode of Close Friends Only with Instagram, Kiyan Anthony, without shying away, asked the big question.
“Have you ever looked at my video and been like, ‘Oh, I would cook that kid?’” asked Kiyan. And with absolutely no hesitation, Carmelo went on to answer, “All the time.” But it is not more than just fatherly trash talk. Behind the jokes is a seasoned legend who sees the game differently, especially when his son plays on the court.
“I like to see what somebody is saying. And then you get to really understand if somebody really knows the game,” Carmelo said, explaining how he watches Kiyan’s tape. That is the insight from a man who has over 28,000 points, won an NCAA title at Syracuse in 2003, and dropped 62 in a single game at Madison Square Garden.
Melo’s eyes aren’t just on flashy crossovers. Camelo says, “But when I watch your highlights, I’m looking for certain things. Depending on the game, depending on the situation, I’m looking for certain things.”
Carmelo is watching footwork, shot selection, and decision-making, the same fundamentals that took him from a struggling Nuggets team to the playoffs. So, the “I’d cook you” seems more banter than bashing. Carmelo sees the growth in his son, and he’s studying the moves he sees. And Kiyan might just be taking notes.
KEEP READING: ‘I’m My Own Person’ – Kiyan Anthony Opens Up About Life in Carmelo Anthony’s Shadow
Kiyan’s scoring instincts are not that far off from his dad’s. Kiyan’s already commanding attention with his deep shooting range, sharp step-backs, and confidence with the ball. While it is true that he still has to work on tightening the handle and bulking up, he hasn’t stepped into the collegiate courts just yet. Just like his dad once turned Syracuse into his playground, Kiyan’s aiming to do the same.
So while Carmelo might joke, “I do look at it like, man, 18? I would destroy this kid.” Those words come with pride. A little tough love, a little legacy, and a whole basketball brilliance are being put down, one highlight reel at a time. And what’s even better? Well, Kiyan Anthony is yet to write his story.
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