The rumor had been circulating for several weeks and it was hard to imagine that it would not be confirmed. Eventually, we learn that Kiyan Anthony will indeed defend the colors of Syracuse in NCAA in 2025/26.
Twenty-two years after the victorious epic of his father Carmelo with the Orange, who have since retired his jersey, the prospect of 17 years will therefore perpetuate the family legacy, despite the interest of universities like USC, Auburn or even Florida State.
“ In the end, it was my relationship with the staff that made the difference » reveals the teenager, in reference to his closeness with the coach, Adrian Autry. “ From day one when Syracuse started recruiting me, I felt like it was like family. Of course, my father's name is something special here, but I want to make my own story, and that's what I started to do through my dedication during the offseason with morning workouts and participation in camps or on the high school circuit. »
In the footsteps of dad, NCAA champion
A fullback renowned for his scoring skills, like his father, Kiyan Anthony nevertheless admits that it was not always easy to get rid of Carmelo's shadow. What he will have to continue to do in Syracuse…
“ It was a real ordeal, especially in middle school and my first year of high school. » he reveals. “ I didn't know what I was doing at the time, but I started listening to my dad, trusted his words, built a routine, and started becoming me as a player . The difference between us was that he was a pure scorer, an aggressor, who could score against anyone whenever he wanted. Me, I have the ability to score but I can also create for others. »
