It’s only months before Kiyan Anthony continues down his father’s footsteps at Syracuse but boy does he refuse to leave without an impact. Returning from an early-season injury, the 17-year-old had goals in place for his senior year– “Just try to win everything.” And let’s just say he is speaking things into existence!

On November 30th last year, the Long Island Lutheran High School shooting guard would land hard on his back after attempting a dunk during the season opener. What followed next were over 30 days of missed games and a slightly concerning 7-5 run for the Crusaders. But come February, the team finds itself in a whole new image with a little of Kiyan Anthony to thank.

The 17-year-old made his return to the court on Jan 10 in a game against Veritas Academy. With 6 points and a steal, he’d help the 17th-ranked Crusaders take down their opponents 61-53. That marked a start to the winning path ahead. LuHi hasn’t lost a single game since then, going on an 11-0 run!

The results certainly glistened when the team rose all the way up to 6th in the SC Top 25 rankings last week and an impressive third just a day ago!

Alongside the Mingo brothers, Kiyan has helped take the team to new heights. On the 14th of Feb, he put up 15 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and had 2 steals to lead the Crusaders to a dominant 76-41 victory against his father’s alma mater, Oak Hill. He’d also earn the Nike Player of the Game honors, leaving La La Anthony all gushing. If that wasn’t enough, Kiyan had made it to Paul Biancardi’s Hoophall Classic’s best performers list too last month.

I’m trying to win, win any game,” he had said speaking to PIX11 News. “So coming off past games, not having the results we ultimately wanted, being a big team in Columbus. Now just that’s momentum to keep winning  and going to Nationals, going to the in-season tournament. Just try to win everything.” 

The Crusaders are 18-5 now, with a 15-game win streak as they close out the season. Carmelo Anthony’s legacy is certainly in good hands.

Could Kian Anthony repeat his father’s heroics at Syracuse?

So why would a borderline 5-star prospect commit to a program struggling at the bottom half of a weak ACC conference with a 5-10 conference record and an 11-15 overall record? “Just looking at Syracuse and seeing, like, what could be done over there if I was to go over there,” Kiyan said. “They already have top people coming in, who I’m close with. Young coaching staff that I can connect to… They play all good schools.” 

Sure, the current season doesn’t paint a pretty picture but when it wasn’t all laid out for Melo either. As Melo himself said, “Even though we won it, what made that year was the fact that we weren’t expected to do nothing, like, at that year. Like, the year before, Syracuse wasn’t, you know, they wasn’t as good.”

Back then, Syracuse wasn’t a powerhouse, but they were still a ranked team competing in the Big East. They weren’t supposed to win it all, but Melo defied the odds, leading Syracuse to a historic championship run in 2003. The 17-year-old sharpshooter had offers from powerhouse programs like Auburn and USC, teams with stronger rosters and brighter immediate prospects. Yet, he still chose Syracuse, staying true to his father’s legendary legacy!

But make no mistake, this was Kiyan’s decision alone. Melo made sure of that, even though it wasn’t easy to stay out of it. Kiyan Anthony is already making a name for himself in high school, proving he has the talent to shine on his own. Now, as he takes the next step at Syracuse, he’s ready to carry forward his father’s legacy and create his own chapter in Orange history!