The big decision from Kiyan Anthony is out and he already has a nickname to go with. The discussion on 7PM in Brooklyn podcast started with Carmelo Anthony clearing the doubt around the variations of pronunciation of his son’s name. He highlighted the correct pronunciation to sound like kai-yen [Anthony], only to reveal a new nickname for the 17-year-old as he begins a new chapter.

The name in discussion is not something that Melo has given Kiyan but something that the 17-year-old wants for himself. “He want y’all to call him Kai, so I can’t speak for that,” the former New York Knicks star said. Kiyan, however, clarified he’d rather prefer it be just “Ka”. In complete honesty, Kai has a nice ring to it. Just like Carmelo Anthony’s Melo and LeBron James’ Bron. And considering his recent decision, it’s clear that Kiyan is almost exactly following in his father’s footsteps. So a similar premise for the nickname can be interesting.

For those unaware, Kiyan announced his commitment to Syracuse University. The same school where his dad cemented his legacy. A move that naturally feels like history repeating itself.

“At the end of the day you know, only one could stay, and with that being said, I’ll be coming to Syracuse University,” Kiyan said on 7pm in Brooklyn. From being ranked 62nd to reaching the 34th spot in the 2025 recruiting class, as per 247 sports, his growth has been undeniable. Now, as he heads to Syracuse with a nickname to match his growing reputation, it’s exciting to imagine how “Kai” or “Ka” will make his mark on the court.

Was Carmelo Anthony’s history with Syracuse not the defining reason behind Kiyan’s decision?

Melo may have played just one season with Syracuse but his 22.1 points, 10 rebounds per game through the season leading to a NCAA Championship for the university was enough to cement his legacy with the institute. Kiyan, however, had other factors to consider while making his mind. As revealed by the 17-year-old himself on the podcast after making the announcement.

“Just looking at Syracuse and seeing like, what could be done over there… Young coaching staff that I could connect to, close to home, 45-minute flight,” he shared. The idea of playing in the ACC and facing teams like Duke and North Carolina clearly appealed to him, as did the convenience of staying close to family.

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And then there was Melo, offering wisdom only a proud father could. His advice —“Don’t be afraid of it. Embrace it, cause guys that looked at me, watched me are not your fans. You have an opportunity to carve out a whole fanbase”. Now it’s to be seen how solid the 17-year-old carves it out with his new nickname.