Kiyan Anthony has achieved a significant milestone in his burgeoning basketball career, aligning with a brand that has long been intertwined with his family’s legacy.

The freshman from Syracuse University’s men’s basketball team has secured a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Jordan Brand as part of their newly unveiled “Class of 2025.”

Kiyan, whose father is the legendary Syracuse alumnus Carmelo Anthony, joins an impressive roster that includes Duke’s Cameron and Cayden Boozer and UConn’s standout Sarah Strong.

His mother, La La Anthony, expressed her joy on Instagram, highlighting her son’s dedication and progress. “Kiyan is officially part of the Jordan family,” she announced, emphasizing the hard work he put in to reach this point.

As Kiyan embarks on his inaugural season with Syracuse, he stands out as the top recruit from New York in his class. He is coming off an impressive senior year at Long Island Lutheran and an MVP performance at the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic.

His ties to the company run deep. Carmelo was Jordan Brand’s first signature athlete more than 20 years ago, and Kiyan received his first pair of Jordans from Michael Jordan himself.

“To be part of the Jordan Brand family, to me, means carrying on a legacy,” Kiyan said in a statement. “I want my legacy to be more than just basketball. I want it to be on and off the court, giving back to the community, doing everything I can to uphold my last name and carry the torch.”

So far, the freshman is off to an impressive start with the Orange. He’s averaging 13.8 points on 52% shooting and delivered 18 and 19 points in the two games he started while guard J.J. Starling was sidelined. In Syracuse’s overtime battle against No. 3 Houston, Kiyan added 10 points and two steals with Carmelo and La La watching courtside.

Even Houston coach Kelvin Sampson took note, telling reporters, “Let me tell you about (Kiyan), he’s a lot like his daddy. That boy can score that ball, he’s good.”