Carmelo Anthony Supports Son Kiyan's Benching

NBA star says 'a little adversity don't hurt' after Syracuse guard sits out game

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Syracuse Orange guard Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, did not play in a game against the Virginia Cavaliers on February 7, 2026. Carmelo Anthony responded to his son's benching, saying "A little adversity don't hurt" and that it's "part of the journey" for Kiyan.

Why it matters

Kiyan Anthony is a highly touted basketball prospect and the son of one of the NBA's all-time great players. His benching in a key game raises questions about his development and the pressures of being a high-profile athlete's child.

The details

Kiyan Anthony, a freshman guard for the Syracuse Orange, did not play in the team's game against the Virginia Cavaliers on February 7, 2026. The reason for his benching was not immediately clear, but it came as a surprise given Kiyan's status as a promising young player.

  • Kiyan Anthony did not play against the Virginia Cavaliers on February 7, 2026.

The players

Kiyan Anthony

A freshman guard for the Syracuse Orange basketball team and the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.

Carmelo Anthony

An NBA star and the father of Kiyan Anthony.

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What they’re saying

“He'll be Good! THEY SAY it's part of the Journey. A little adversity don't hurt,”

— Carmelo Anthony

The takeaway

This incident highlights the unique challenges and pressures faced by the children of famous athletes, who must navigate their own athletic careers while living in the shadow of their parent's success.