Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony and actress La La Anthony, recently found himself in the middle of a humorous family moment that quickly went viral. In a lighthearted TikTok video on Friday, Tylil James challenged Kiyan to call his parents whether they would answer his phone calls. However, Kiyan jokingly dismissed the idea, claiming that his parents La La and Carmelo would be too busy for the call.
The video, which captured Kiyan’s playful jab, quickly gained traction on TikTok. La La Anthony saw her son’s video and responded with a hilarious clapback, shutting down Kiyan’s claim.
"Never happened in his life," La La Anthony commented.
While his father, Carmelo, is celebrated as one of the NBA’s all-time greats, and his mother is a successful actress, Kiyan’s social media presence shows a more personal side of their family dynamic. The viral moment offered fans a chance to see the playful bond between La La and Kiyan.
Kiyan Anthony’s scouting report and following in his father's footsteps while carving his path
Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, has stepped into the spotlight as one of the most promising high school basketball prospects in the class of 2025. Currently a senior at Long Island Lutheran High School (LuHi), a national powerhouse, Kiyan has already made waves in the basketball world.
Ranked 32nd in his class by 247Sports, Kiyan has committed to Syracuse University, his father's alma mater, where Carmelo famously led the Orange to a national championship in 2003. At 6-foot-5 and 185 pounds, Kiyan possesses a scoring instinct reminiscent of his father, though his style is distinctly his own.
While playing in the Nike EYBL circuit for his father’s AAU team, Kiyan averaged an impressive 19.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. At the NBPA Top 100 Camp, he turned heads by leading all participants in scoring, averaging 28.5 points per game over eight contests, including a standout 42-point performance.
Kiyan is a versatile scorer with a knack for driving to the basket, finishing through contact and creating his own shot. His aggressive style and confidence on the court make him a constant offensive threat. At LuHi, Kiyan is now stepping into a leadership role, sharing responsibilities with Penn State commit Kayden Mingo, as he showcases his ability to excel in a more structured system.
Like many young players, Kiyan has room to develop. His slight frame can make it challenging to compete with older, stronger opponents, especially on defense. Adding muscle will be crucial as he transitions to the collegiate level.
While his scoring ability is undeniable, Kiyan’s play has called for more efficiency. Notable performances at elite camps, such as 35 points on 15-of-39 shooting, highlight the need for better shot selection and efficiency.
Defensively, Kiyan has untapped potential. His athleticism could make him a more impactful defender, but this aspect of his game will require focused effort and maturity.
On Nov. 15, Kiyan announced his commitment to Syracuse during a special episode of his father’s show, "7PM in Brooklyn." Following in his father’s footsteps, he aims to leave his own mark on the Orange basketball program. With his natural talent, work ethic and exposure to elite competition, Kiyan is poised to continue the Anthony family legacy while forging his own identity as a rising basketball star.
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