Carmelo Anthony Guides Son Kiyan Through College Recruitment

NBA star shares advice he gave Kiyan during his college decision process.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:21am

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Carmelo Anthony, the former Syracuse University basketball star, has shared the advice he gave his son Kiyan during the college recruitment process. Kiyan ultimately decided to follow in his father's footsteps and play for the Syracuse Orange. Anthony emphasized letting Kiyan enjoy the process and make his own decision, while also impressing upon him the significance of representing the Syracuse program.

Why it matters

Carmelo Anthony is a Syracuse legend, having led the team to a national championship as a freshman in 2003 before going on to a Hall of Fame NBA career. His son Kiyan's decision to play for the same program continues the family's legacy at the school and will likely draw significant attention and interest.

The details

Anthony said he wanted Kiyan to "enjoy this recruiting process" and "take the visits" without feeling pressured to choose any particular school, including Syracuse. However, after Kiyan's final visit to USC, he told his father he wanted to continue the family's legacy at Syracuse. Anthony was thrilled, saying "We going to 'Cuse, baby." The elder Anthony is now focused on developing Kiyan's skills and basketball IQ rather than thinking about the potential for them to play in the NBA together.

  • Kiyan Anthony just wrapped up his freshman season on the Syracuse University men's basketball team.

The players

Carmelo Anthony

A former Syracuse University basketball star who led the team to a national championship in 2003 before going on to a Hall of Fame NBA career.

Kiyan Anthony

Carmelo Anthony's son, who has followed in his father's footsteps by playing basketball at Syracuse University.

La La Anthony

Carmelo Anthony's ex-wife and Kiyan Anthony's mother.

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What they’re saying

“My message to him was, I want you to enjoy this recruiting process. Just enjoy it. Take the visits, go on the visits you want to go on. Enjoy it. I don't want to kind of convince you to go to 'Cuse.”

— Carmelo Anthony, Former Syracuse Basketball Star

“You have to represent this for the rest of your life.”

— Carmelo Anthony, Former Syracuse Basketball Star

“We leave the visit and he's like, 'Dad, I understand. I want to go to 'Cuse.' And I was like, 'Really?' He's like, 'Yes, I want to go because I understand that it's greater than me. It's greater than you. What we have here is special. And what you created here is special.'”

— Carmelo Anthony, Former Syracuse Basketball Star

What’s next

Carmelo Anthony and his son Kiyan will continue to work on developing Kiyan's skills and basketball IQ as he enters his sophomore season at Syracuse University.

The takeaway

Carmelo Anthony's guidance and support during Kiyan's college recruitment process allowed his son to make his own decision to continue the family's legacy at Syracuse University, where Anthony himself became a legend. This story highlights the importance of allowing young athletes to chart their own paths while also imparting valuable wisdom and experience.