By CHARLIE PARENT
Class of 2025 four-star Kiyan Anthony, son of former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, has seen his recruitment heat up as the June 15th NCAA contact period nears.
In last month’s retirement video, Carmelo dedicated a special message to his son: “I will forever continue through you because the time has come for you to carry this torch…My legacy, now and forever, lives on through you.”
The 6-foot-4 Kiyan, who recently transferred from Christ the King (NY.) to Long Island Lutheran (NY.) is ready for the challenge.
“It’s big shoes to fill,” told On3 Sports. “I’m not trying to be him exactly, but him passing the torch down to me, it’s pressure but I don’t feel any pressure when I’m on the court. All the work I put in, I just show it on the court. It’s a great feeling, him leaning on me and trusting me to fill those shoes and passing the torch. I’m ready for what’s to come.”
In terms of recruiting, Anthony has received offers and interest from Carmelo’s alma mater Syracuse, Indiana, Providence, Seton Hall, Memphis, Illinois, and Tennessee.
He visited and picked up an offer from Syracuse back in November.
“It was beautiful because I know how much it meant to him,” Carmelo told ESPN’s Malika Andrews Monday night at Sierra Canyon High School. “Of course, it means a lot to me. But this is his journey, his journey it’s not going to be my journey and his path is not going to be my path. So whatever he want to do, I just want him to enjoy it.”
Kiyan will look to visit Indiana soon as the NCAA contact period opens up.
“I used to be the little kid in the locker room, running around, when he [Mike Woodson] was coaching my dad,” he told On3. (Woodson) is like a mentor to me, more than anything. If I do go to Indiana, it’s going to be great. I feel like he would put me in positions to score. He will build around me, get players that do what I do, score and also shoot the ball, defend. I’m just ready for him to reach out to me on June 15th and we will go from there.”
Anthony also mentioned he hopes to hear from UConn and Indiana on the 15th.
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