Stepping onto the college basketball court with a famous last name brings a unique set of challenges. Kiyan Anthony, the freshman guard for Syracuse University and son of NBA icon Carmelo Anthony, is navigating this reality daily. He understands that carrying the Anthony legacy comes with intense scrutiny, towering expectations, and inevitable comparisons.
The Shared Burden of a Famous Legacy
Kiyan Anthony admits that the journey can often feel isolating. The emotional weight is a constant companion, even after the game begins. This shared experience has forged a unique bond between him and Bronny James, the son of LeBron James. While their paths are different—one building his game in college, the other learning on the NBA stage—their experiences overlap in ways few can comprehend.
In a conversation with ESPN's Myron Medcalf, Anthony revealed how having peers in similar high-pressure situations provides crucial clarity. "I feel like throughout this process, you could feel like you're alone," he said. "You feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and there is nobody behind you. But then having friends like that... somebody like [Bronny] — he is way ahead of me and already in the NBA and going through way worse, so it always could be worse." He has chosen to reframe this pressure, viewing it as "an opportunity for success."
On the court, Anthony has started strong for Syracuse, averaging 10.9 points per game in a bench role. However, he acknowledges that managing the mental side of his high-profile entry into basketball remains a work in progress.
Public Defense Amid Nepotism Scrutiny
Earlier this year, Kiyan publicly came to the defense of Bronny James during a period of intense criticism and online chatter. Appearing on the podcast "7PM in Brooklyn," he addressed how public narratives about family ties often miss the real-life pressures these young athletes face.
"It’s a new generation. Two totally different people even though that might be your kid," Anthony stated, highlighting the danger of conflating a father's identity with his son's. He expressed sympathy for Bronny, noting, "I felt bad for him cause like, that’s my guy. So, he doesn’t speak a lot... But like, deep down behind closed doors, he probably was going through it."
He expanded on how the constant digital exposure magnifies everything for second-generation players. "You’re seeing this every day. You’re on social media, you can’t even scroll twice without seeing a post with your name on it," Anthony explained. Despite the noise, he voiced strong belief in his friend's ability, asserting, "he’s nice that boy. I think he really has a chance to prosper in the NBA."
A Friendship Forged in Understanding
Speaking again on his father Carmelo Anthony's podcast, Kiyan reiterated the importance of seeing the new generation as distinct individuals. "Yeah, I feel like as soon as whoever’s talking tries to connect like both, that’s when it gets messed up," he observed. "Cause like it’s a new generation, two totally different people, even though that might be your kid, y’all both going through different things."
This mutual understanding has cultivated a beautiful friendship between Kiyan Anthony and Bronny James. Their connection, built on shared experiences few can relate to, serves as a vital support system as they carve out their own identities under the immense shadow of their fathers' legendary careers.
