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The name Anthony carries legendary weight at Syracuse, a standard set by NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, who cemented his place in Orange history. Now, a new Anthony has arrived on campus. Freshman guard Kiyan Anthony is already creating a major buzz heading into the 2025 season, and the excitement is about more than just his last name.
While Carmelo’s influence is visible everywhere from the team’s practice facility, the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, to the Hall of Fame wing, his son is focused on forging his own legacy.
What Has Kiyan Anthony Done to Win Over Syracuse Fans Already?
Recent training footage of Anthony in the gym has quickly made the rounds on social media, pulling in thousands of views and reactions. The clips show the freshman guard attacking the basket, working on crafty finishes, and displaying improved footwork while navigating defenders.
When Syracuse’s official basketball account shared the workout, fans flooded the comments. Remarks such as, “Young Sir has been in the weight room,” “Bro getting stronger aw man,” and “History is about to be made,” reflected the buzz surrounding Anthony’s early presence in Orange colors.
However, this excitement is the culmination of a closely watched recruitment process. His final college options included USC and Auburn, but Syracuse remained the frontrunner throughout. Still, Anthony did not take the process lightly, making official visits to Florida State during his junior year and to USC just two months ago.
Speaking to ESPN, Anthony explained the factors that guided his choice.
“Ultimately, it came down to my relationship with the staff,” he said. “From day one, when they started recruiting me, they made me feel like it was family.”
He continued, “My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name, and I’ve already done that through my dedication in the offseason, with early-morning practices, playing at camps, playing on the circuit.”
MORE: Kiyan Anthony Reveals His Biggest Takeaways from Dad Carmelo’s Career After Hall of Fame Gesture
Additionally, Anthony’s decision was tied closely to his connection with head coach Adrian Autry. Their bond goes beyond basketball, as Anthony described a relationship built on trust and relatability.
“I’m going to do everything Coach Autry needs me to do,” he said. “We talk a lot, especially late at night, about how we can make Syracuse basketball great. Off the court, Coach is super cool. You could go out with him on a Friday night. He’s still young and connects with all his players; he is very relatable.”
As the son of a program legend, Anthony arrives with expectations that extend far beyond those of a typical freshman. With his workouts already going viral among fans, this is the first glimpse of the energy he hopes to bring to the upcoming season.
