With a strong background in basketball, Kiyan Anthony has already carved a name in the sporting world. Call it his mind-blowing shooting efficiency or NIL deals, this young New Yorker is already winning hearts. Born to former basketball veteran Carmelo Anthony and VJ/Actor mother Alani Vazquez, Kiyan has had a taste of stardom since childhood.

Playing for the Long Island Lutheran High School, the six-foot-five guard made an average score of 25 points on 9-for-15 before winning the MVP honors in January 2025. With all eyes on the rising player, it will be interesting to see when he officially begins his college career and which lucky program that is!

When is Kiyan Anthony eligible to play college basketball?

Kiyan Anthony is set to follow in his father, Carmelo Anthony’s, footsteps. He went to his father’s alma mater for an official recruiting visit in October 2023 and met the head coach, Adrian Autry, before committing to Syracuse University on November 15, 2024. Kiyan’s father led the Syracuse men’s basketball team into the national championship during his first year at the program in 2003.

Though the shooting guard is currently completing his senior year at Long Island Lutheran High School, he is extremely excited and can’t wait to start college. “I’m looking forward to going up there, asap,” Anthony said. “Like, no waiting. I’m trying to go up there asap and put all the work in. I’m trying to go the first couple of weeks of May. I have the Jordan Brand Classic game and the Iverson Classic, so I’m just trying to go asap and just work on my body and lock in fully to basketball and put all distractions aside.” 

In the fall of 2025, Kiyan will be eligible to begin his freshman season with the Syracuse Orange and officially become a part of the 2025–2026 NCAA basketball season.

Will Kiyan Anthony be eligible to play in the NCAA Tournament as a freshman?

Yes, as per the rules laid down by the NCAA, freshmen are allowed to compete almost immediately after joining. But here’s the catch! To start playing immediately, the aspiring athletes need to meet their academic and amateurism standards. However, this rule does not apply to red-shirting athletes or those undergoing injuries. Meanwhile, active participation in the 2025-26 season games is expected from the 2025 MVP.

We can even watch him have his first run in the NCAA tournaments, provided the Syracuse Orange qualifies for the national championship.

The young star has already started training seriously and is expected to arrive at the campus in May 2025 to adjust early to the program and begin with his workout and basketball training. After all, he’s got himself some big shoes to fill in!

How does Kiyan’s path mirror his father, Carmelo Anthony’s, college journey?

The ten-time winner of NBA All-Star honors, Carmelo Anthony, began his collegiate career under Syracuse Orange between 2002 and 2003, which also happened to be his only season at the program. The NBA talent came blazing in his freshman year and set the court on fire as he led the team to an NCAA championship. Like his father, Kiyan also aims to make an immediate impact during his freshman year.

He expressed in an interview how much he wanted to potentially lead the program back to the NCAA tournament. The path isn’t going to be as easy as it sounds, kid! Moreover, Kiyan is set to train at the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center to continue his father’s legacy in the very same facilities that his father, Carmelo, has helped fund. Following his father’s career trajectory, Kiyan shows ample potential at this age, and who knows, he may even surpass his father in the coming years!