

Kiyan Anthony isn’t just living off a famous last name—he’s out here building his own. With a four-star rating from On3 and ranked the No. 1 player in New York by 247Sports Composite, the 18-year-old is already stirring up serious noise. Just six months away from stepping into his dad’s old stomping grounds at Syracuse, Kiyan scorched the nation’s premier high‑school showdown. The 18-year-old not only drew standing ovations but also sparked on‑court whispers from NBA scouts.
Still, that wasn’t even the best part. During Saturday’s showdown at the ninth annual Iverson Classic, Kiyan helped carry his team to a 164-151 win at the Hampton Coliseum. Even though La La Anthony couldn’t be there in person, she was all over it online. “Thank you @theofficialai3 for having him!! FAMILY!!!” she wrote on her Instagram story, giving Allen Iverson a heartfelt shoutout and letting the world know just how proud she is.
But the surprise highlight? A live TGIF‑style reveal on national television. During the recent Met Gala 2025 live, La La bumped into sprint queen Sha’Carri Richardson and casually dropped a truth bomb. “I’m so glad you came to say hi,” she told Sha’Carri. Then, with that signature smile, she added, “You know my son loves you so much. Shout out to Kiyan, I know he’s watching.” Just like that, the secret was out.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But hey, she’s making up for it. Unlike the Iverson Classic, La La made sure she was front and center at the Jordan Brand Classic, where Kiyan absolutely dominated. He put up 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting, grabbed five boards, and ran the floor like he owned it, earning MVP honors and sealing a 141-124 win for Team Air.

via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Kiyan Carmelo Anthony and LaLa Anthony during the Who Decides War Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Show on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Udo Salters/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
And with that game, Kiyan formally wrapped his high school career. The Iverson Classic was his final appearance before heading to Syracuse. Now the countdown begins.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How did Kiyan Anthony actually do at the Iverson Classic?
Coming off a hot MVP showing at the Jordan Brand Classic, Kiyan Anthony didn’t cool off one bit. The Syracuse-bound guard made his way to Hampton, Virginia, for the 9th annual Iverson Classic—his third high school All-Star game before stepping into the college hoops scene. And while the spotlight was big, the stage didn’t rattle him one bit.
This time, Kiyan suited up for Team Honor, joining forces with Jermaine O’Neal Jr. and his future Syracuse teammate, Sadiq White. But even with all that firepower, they couldn’t quite get it done. Team Loyalty, led by Arkansas commit Darius Acuff Jr., ran the show. Acuff went off with 32 points and 11 assists, clinching MVP honors and steering his squad to a 164-151 win.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Kiyan Anthony the next big thing in basketball, or just riding his dad's coattails?
Have an interesting take?
Still, Kiyan didn’t go down without putting up a fight. By halftime, he had poured in 16 points on 6‑of‑9 shooting, showing off his midrange pull‑up and willingness to attack closeouts. He dropped 25 points in just 21 minutes, going 9-of-15 from the field. Add in four rebounds, an assist, and a block, and it was clear he made his mark. Iowa State signee Jamarion Batemon led Team Honor with 27 points, while Kingston Flemings showed out with 26 points, seven boards, and nine dimes—not to mention a couple of steals and a block to go with it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meanwhile, fans got a glimpse of what the Orange might look like next season. Kiyan and Sadiq connected on a slick alley-oop, showing that the chemistry is already bubbling. Jermaine O’Neal Jr. chipped in a solid all-around stat line with 11 points, six rebounds, and a little bit of everything else. And on the winning end, Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr. and Mouhamed Sylla both posted monster double-doubles, reminding everyone that the next generation is deep.
Postgame, scouts praised Kiyan’s NBA‑ready frame and natural scoring instincts, noting his 6‑foot‑6 wingspan as a distinct advantage in one‑on‑one matchups, even projecting he could step into an ACC rotation as a freshman contributor. All told, Kiyan didn’t just survive the Iverson Classic’s gauntlet—he thrived. The youngster reinforced why he remains Syracuse’s top freshman target and reminded everyone that the next Carmelo‑style scoring phenom has officially arrived.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Is Kiyan Anthony the next big thing in basketball, or just riding his dad's coattails?