Carmelo Anthony knows what it takes to thrive in Syracuse orange. He lived it. And now, he’s watching his son, Kiyan, begin his own journey on that same court - this time from the sideline, as a father, mentor, and proud alum.
Kiyan Anthony’s freshman season hasn’t been about flashy numbers or viral highlights. It’s been about growth - the kind that doesn’t always show up in the box score.
And Carmelo, speaking recently on NBA TV, made it clear: this isn’t a one-and-done situation. It’s a long game.
"He's a young 18-year-old kid," Melo said. "We never expected him to be one-and-done."
That’s a grounded take from someone who, two decades ago, was the one-and-done phenom - leading Syracuse to a national title before heading to the NBA as the No. 3 overall pick. But Kiyan’s path is different.
He didn’t come in with the same hype or recruiting pedigree as his father, and his freshman year has reflected that. He’s mostly come off the bench, and the efficiency numbers haven’t been kind.
Still, Carmelo isn’t worried about the stats. He’s watching the development.
"For me to see his progression from August to now, that's more impressive to me than anything else… how much better, smarter he got," Melo said.
And that’s the key: progression. College basketball in 2026 is a different beast than it was in 2003. With the transfer portal in full swing and rosters loaded with veterans - players who’ve been through multiple programs and seasons - it’s a tough adjustment for any freshman, especially an 18-year-old still learning the speed and physicality of the college game.
That learning curve has been evident this season. Syracuse, under head coach Adrian Autry, is still trying to figure out how best to deploy Kiyan.
Two games ago, he didn’t see the floor at all. But earlier this week, he was back in the rotation - a reminder that development isn’t always linear.
It’s a process with peaks and valleys.
The challenge now for Syracuse is to stay patient and committed to that process. Kiyan has the tools.
The name recognition brings expectations, sure, but his game is still being shaped. The priority should be keeping him in the program, giving him the time and space to grow into the player he can become - not rushing the timeline or letting the portal lure him away.
Carmelo’s message is clear: this isn’t about chasing instant stardom. It’s about building something. And if Kiyan continues to progress the way his father sees, Syracuse could be the one reaping the rewards in the seasons to come.