Kiyan Anthony is embarking on a significant new phase in his basketball career, charting his path with a sense of purpose and independence. At 17, he steps onto the court as a freshman at Syracuse University, mirroring the journey his father, NBA icon Carmelo Anthony, began two decades ago.

“It’s definitely overwhelming,” Kiyan candidly shared in an interview with DailyOrange.com. “I’m not even gonna lie and sit here like it’s a bed of roses. It’s definitely a lot of pressure.”

Choosing Syracuse was a decision laden with emotional significance for both Kiyan and his father. Carmelo’s historic achievement of leading Syracuse to its first national championship in 2003 set a high bar. Now, Kiyan aims to carry forward the legacy and contribute to reviving what is known as the “Orange Standard.”

For Carmelo, this moment represents more than just basketball—it’s about heritage and continuity. “You talk about legacy, and you talk about family dynamics, you talk about passing things on down to your family, to your kids,” Carmelo expressed to The Daily Orange. “And this is something that we’re passing, and we’re passing the baton to him. And now whatever he does with it, he does with it, and that’s on him.”

Despite his youth, Kiyan is no stranger to life in the public eye. With a social media following exceeding a million, endorsement deals like his collaboration with American Eagle featuring NFL star Travis Kelce, and the inevitable scrutiny that comes with his name, Kiyan is well-aware that the world is watching his every step.

Still, his mother, La La Anthony, says he’s handling the transition to college life with maturity and keeping his circle small. “It’s an essential part of him keeping a clear head,” she said, adding that time alone helps him recharge.

That focus traces back to years of 6 a.m. workouts with Carmelo before school, a ritual that built not only Kiyan’s skill but his discipline. “My dad, he just kept me level-headed, and I just kept doing it,” Kiyan said. “I didn’t know when it would pay off, but it eventually did.”

Now standing at 6-foot-5, Kiyan’s talent and determination have turned him into one of the top high school recruits in the nation. Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry expects him to make an immediate impact. “Thankfully, he’s ready,” Autry said. “He just has to continue to get better, like most freshmen.”

Kiyan’s left arm bears a tattoo that tells the story best, a reimagining of the photo that once defined his father’s career. Carmelo’s “CHAMPS” has become Kiyan’s “LEGACY.” And as the young guard takes the court wearing Orange, it truly feels like a legacy.

Photo Credit: Kiyan Anthony Instagram; LaLa Anthony Instagram