Carmelo and La La Anthony’s son, Kiyan, is already making waves. At just 17 years old, he’s one of the highest-rated shooting guards in the 2025 recruiting class, ranked No. 10 by ESPN, 247Sports, and On3. Although he hasn’t yet made his college decision, the first child of Carmelo Anthony has already decided to stay in college for two years before heading to the NBA. Why?

For Kiyan, college basketball now offers lucrative financial opportunities through NIL deals. “Now with NIL, still going to get paid,” he said during the latest episode of Angel Reese’s podcast show, ‘Unapologetically Angel’. This prompted the Chicago Sky star to ask a follow-up question to the young player, who already boasts an NIL valuation of $1.1 million.

“What’s something you wanna buy when you get your first, like, big big check?” asked Reese.

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Already enjoying financial stability, it wasn’t a surprise that Kiyan mentioned luxury items like a car and house. But that wasn’t all. When Reese asked about gifts for his parents, Kiyan chose to stay quiet on plans for his father but revealed a big surprise for La La: a new house. “Yeah, a good house,” he shared.

Impressive, right? Kiyan is the only child of Carmelo and La La Anthony. Since their divorce in 2021, he relies on both parents for guidance in his blossoming basketball career. While many assume his direction would come mainly from his father, a 10-time NBA All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist, that’s not entirely the case.

His mother, La La, plays a significant role in shaping his path.

Kiyan even admitted, “I would say everybody sees when the cameras are on [my dad] and then they’re on me because I’m playing good, but I would say my mom does a lot more background stuff.” For him, La La is a safe zone where he shares everything, whether he’s going through something or just needs someone to talk to.

“She’s the one who really pushed me to get in the gym, even if I don’t want to, to go to school, and stay on top of my grades,” he added. So, it’s no surprise he has a portrait tattoo of the Power actress on his arm. “Dear Mom, you continuously put me before yourself. You are my why. I thank God for you every day,” the text below reads. And so, no surprise he wants to gift her a house either.

Kiyan is now a senior basketball player at Long Island Lutheran High School and is projected as one of the top shooting guards. In August, ESPN even named him no.1 in New York’s class of 2025.

In addition, he’s a standout performer for his high school and his AAU team, Team Melo, sponsored by his father. The 17-year-old averaged 28.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 8 games at the Top 100 camp this summer. It naturally earned him the interest of quite a few top colleges, which he has now narrowed down to Syracuse, USC and Auburn. His father’s college has made an impression but the decision is yet to be made. With Melo’s experience and guidance and La La’s constant push, Kiyan sure won’t be missing out on much.