Kiyan Carmelo Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony and media personality La La Anthony, is rapidly making a name for himself in the college basketball world. With a mix of pedigree, skill, and ambition, Kiyan is emerging as a serious future NBA prospect.
1. Early Life and Background
Born on March 7, 2007 in New York City, Kiyan is the only child of Carmelo Anthony and La La (Alani “La La” Vazquez).
Growing up around the game, he developed a deep basketball IQ and passion for the sport — but he insists on carving his own path. As he once said, “I’m my own person,” and Carmelo has echoed that sentiment, refusing to pressure his son into any specific legacy.
2. Mom: La La Anthony
La La Anthony has played a major role in Kiyan’s life and development, especially off the court. According to Kiyan, she provides emotional and academic support: she urges him to stay disciplined in school, balance fame with responsibility, and be consistent in the gym.
Since Carmelo and La La separated, her influence has remained a constant backbone for him.
3. Number & Position
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Jersey Number: He wears #7 for the Syracuse Orange.
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Position: Though he is versatile, Kiyan is primarily listed as a shooting guard and wing.
4. Height & Physical Profile
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Height: 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm)
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Weight: Around 185 lbs (84 kg)
Carmelo Anthony has predicted his son could grow even more, possibly up to 6’7.5″ or 6’8″, which would further enhance his NBA potential.
5. College & Early Stats
Kiyan committed to Syracuse University in November 2024, choosing them over other top schools like USC and Auburn.
In his freshman season (2025–26) for Syracuse:
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He debuted strongly, scoring 15 points against Binghamton in his first game.
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In his first career start (vs. Delaware State), he scored 19 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists on 8-of-11 shooting.
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According to RealGM, his per-game averages (so far) stand at 14.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, with shooting splits of 54.8% FG, 38.5% 3PT, and 47.1% FT.
6. Recruiting & Ranking
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Kiyan was ranked No. 36 in the ESPN 100 for the class of 2025.
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He has been called the #1 player in New York for his class.
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His recruitment list included high-profile programs: Syracuse, USC, Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, and Rutgers.
7. Playing Style & Strengths
Kiyan has been praised by scouts and analysts for:
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Scoring versatility: He can score off the catch, off the bounce, or in pull-up situations.
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Three-point shooting: He has a reliable shot from deep and can stretch the floor.
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Basketball IQ: Growing up close to the pro game, he reads the floor well and has a mature feel for movement and spacing.
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On the other hand, scouts note that he’s lean and may need to continue building his frame to finish physically at the rim.
8. NIL & Off-Court
Kiyan has already signed a significant NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal, reportedly worth around US$ 1.1 million with Syracuse.
Carmelo Anthony is actively mentoring him not just in basketball, but in financial literacy too — teaching him about taxes, earnings, and long-term money management.
9. NBA Draft Outlook & Projection
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According to NBA Draft Room, Kiyan is projected to be a 2026 or 2027 NBA Draft pick.
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NBA Scouting Live puts him in a possible lottery range, citing his athleticism, scoring, and shooting as his biggest assets.
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From a team-building perspective at Syracuse, his arrival is seen as a big boost: his scoring and shot-making could help turn around the Orange’s fortunes.
10. Legacy & Expectations
Being the son of Carmelo Anthony undoubtedly brings heightened expectations. But Kiyan seems determined to define his journey on his own terms — balancing legacy with personal growth. His connection to Syracuse is poetic (his father won an NCAA title there), yet he has expressed that his commitment was based on respect and fit, not just name.
Carmelo himself has stressed that he’s not pushing Kiyan to do a “one-and-done”; the plan is flexible, depending on his development in college.
Conclusion
Kiyan Anthony stands at the intersection of legacy and potential. With his physical tools, refined offensive skill set, and a supportive yet pressure-aware environment, he is one of the most intriguing young talents in college basketball. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could turn from a high-profile recruit to a legitimate NBA draft candidate in the years to come.
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