Kiyan Anthony’s Freshman Season at Syracuse
Kiyan Anthony stepped into the Syracuse basketball scene with high expectations, but many of those remain unaddressed.
The son of the renowned Carmelo Anthony has faced challenges during his freshman year, prompting discussions about his future in the sport.
ESPN’s Terrence Oglesby and Seth Greenberg noted that while Anthony has potential for the NBA, they, alongside Syracuse assistant coach Allen Griffin, think an additional year in college could significantly enhance his prospects.
“Patience is essential. Being a legacy player comes with immense pressure,” Greenberg remarked. “It’s crucial to focus on your own path.”
“He’s undoubtedly talented. This isn’t just about being the child of a superstar,” Oglesby pointed out. “He has the size and capability, yet like any 18- or 19-year-old, he’s got much to learn.”
Griffin indicated that discussions about Anthony’s future have not yet occurred; they intend to wait until the season concludes. He mentioned that with an average of 8.8 points per game, Anthony can carve out his own legacy over the next year.
Oglesby first noticed Anthony’s potential during high school at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, where he displayed skill but noted the 18-year-old isn’t quite ready to be a major contributor on an NCAA Tournament team. Still, he has the ability to change the course of a game when in top form.
Griffin highlighted that one of Anthony’s significant advantages is drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, particularly when he drives to the basket. Greenberg added that he’s also skillful in finishing plays by adjusting his shot release.
Anthony showed flashes of promise earlier in the season, scoring 18 points against Northeastern and Drexel, and a career-best 19 against Delaware State.
However, as Syracuse began facing tougher competition, Anthony’s consistency wavered. He showcased moments of brilliance, like a dunk over a Miami player, but also struggled, notably in games against Boston College, Pitt, and Notre Dame, where he failed to score.
His playing time has been limited, partly due to defensive issues.
According to Oglesby, Anthony seems uncomfortable with tight defensive situations, and Greenberg observed that he has issues with screen navigation, which led Syracuse to adopt a zone defense when he was on the floor.
Griffin noted that many freshmen come in with limited defensive training, needing time to adapt to college-level offenses.
Greenberg pointed out that the shift to college basketball demands improvement in defense. He acknowledged that Anthony’s prominence may add pressure, stating, “What looks simple on television can be quite challenging in practice.”
Despite these hurdles, Oglesby and Griffin agree that Anthony has handled the weight of his family’s legacy remarkably well. Carmelo Anthony entered Syracuse as a somewhat less recognized player and made an immediate impact, helping to capture the national championship in 2003.
Kiyan still has some work to do on his three-point shooting but shares a strong drive to attack the rim, similar to his father.
Griffin remarked on Kiyan being aware of the target on his back from the start and expressed confidence in his toughness to handle it.
Both analysts believe that it’s crucial for Anthony to break free from the shadow of his father’s one-and-done path. Greenberg candidly stated that while he isn’t currently ready for the NBA, there’s potential if he continues to develop.
An additional year in college could see Anthony stepping up, especially with opportunities arising as current players graduate or enter the draft. It was suggested he might average around 15 to 17 points per game.
There may also be advantages to entering a weaker draft class in 2027. Oglesby remarked that this year’s group is among the most talented in two decades.
He added that while freshmen can struggle, Kiyan demonstrates advancement compared to many of his peers. Yet, transitioning to the NBA demands more.
Still, hope remains. Both analysts see potential for Anthony to eventually make it to the NBA based on his shooting capabilities, even if his current three-point percentages leave room for improvement.
Greenberg emphasized that earning an NBA spot is not automatic due to his last name; however, with the right development, a second season could set him up for success down the line.
“He’s not ready to jump into the NBA just yet, but with time, it could become a reality—whether next year or a few years after that,” Oglesby commented.
