The Syracuse Orange are finally trending upwards thanks to a group of impressive transfers and a powerful freshman class, headlined by Kiyan Anthony. Son of the great Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan is ready to make his mark on Syracuse basketball and help revive the fallen college basketball powerhouse. An impressive start in Syracuse’s opening game drew praise from both Carmelo and LeBron James.
Kiyan Anthony Marks Impressive Start to Syracuse Orange Career
Recent history has not been kind to Syracuse basketball. After years of dominance under Jim Boeheim, the Orange have fallen far from the national stage and are looking to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.
While the team’s three best players are all-conference-caliber guard JJ Starling, sophomore forward Donnie Freeman, and transfer point guard Nait George, the team’s biggest name is definitely Kiyan Anthony. Son of Syracuse and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan is an extremely talented young player.
During Syracuse’s first game against the Binghamton Bearcats, Kiyan was not among the starting lineup but played 29 minutes, partly due to Starling leaving the game with an injury. Needless to say, the young man made the most of his chance.
We’re all in group 7 now 🍊🔥 pic.twitter.com/JPYfRqLtzD
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) November 5, 2025
Anthony totaled 15 points on 6-100 shooting, added 3 rebounds and 3 assists, and had 0 turnovers. Among his highlights were a slam dunk off a baseline cut and a pretty midrange step-back that was more than reminiscent of his father’s silky jumper.
Carmelo Anthony Reacts to Kiyan Anthony’s Syracuse Debut
While Kiyan’s mother LaLa Anthony was in attendance, Carmelo himself was unable to be at the JMA Wireless Dome due to working with NBC’s NBA coverage the same evening. However, that did not stop the proud father from seeing his son’s performance.
Proud Dad 🧡@carmeloanthony and the @NBAonNBC crew on @kiyananthony‘s debut pic.twitter.com/32JjTHm82D
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) November 4, 2025
In 2002, Carmelo entered a strong Syracuse basketball team and went on to have one of if not the most impressive season by a freshman in college basketball history. Averaging over 22 points per game, Carmelo led Syracuse to a 30-5 record and their only national championship. Now his son is following in his footsteps and rocking the Orange jersey.
While Kiyan is likely not in store for such a season, it does not mean that he isn’t an impressive young player with big goals for his freshman season. 15 points off the bench in his opening contest is a pretty good start.
LeBron James Shouts Out Kiyan Anthony After His Debut Game
Carmelo wasn’t the only NBA legend who congratulated Kiyan after his hot start to his college career. While Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has yet to make his season debut due to injury, the King was watching Kiyan’s debut performance. A close friend and former teammate of Carmelo, James gave Kiyan a shout out on Instagram after the game.
LeBron James with some praise for Kiyan Anthony on his Instagram story after he dropped 15 points in his SU debut last night.
Read more from Kiyan’s debut here: https://t.co/2OXjAvc6n9 pic.twitter.com/VsGRKpGszk
— Justin Girshon (@JustinGirshon) November 4, 2025
Fans that love to compare are already drawing lines between Kiyan and Bronny James, who only managed 15 points once in his college career before leaving for the professional ranks. While James is currently amidst the surreal experience of playing NBA basketball with his son, he could soon have the chance to play against the sons of his former teammates. That being said, currently, Kiyan does not project as a one-and-done talent. Instead, his teammate Donnie Freeman is viewed as a player who could really elevate his draft stock.
Kiyan has already made his mark on the college basketball landscape with a headline-grabbing debut performance. He will have a big role to play as Syracuse attempts to return to both the NCAA Tournament and the national stage.
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