Carmelo Anthony 10-Time NBA All-Star Announces Retirement - Sports Illustrated
Monday Musings: Where Syracuse Basketball Stands With Kiyan Anthony After Official Visit
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Syracuse basketball hosted 2025 shooting guard Kiyan Anthony, son of Carmelo, for an official visit over the weekend. Where do things stand after that visit?
The Orange made a huge impression. Not only on Kiyan but his parents as well. Carmelo and La La loved the visit and nostalgia was running high. Syracuse has an emotional advantage built in here because of Carmelo's time at SU. Because of that and Orange fans' affinity for Melo, the NIL opportunities are significant.
La La posted a video of Kiyan's official visit and has not done so for any other trip. She commented on Kiyan's official visit post on Instagram "surreal."
So yes, you can consider Syracuse the leader at this point. However, let's not assume this is a sure thing just yet. Indiana is very much involved and has not gotten an official visit yet. Assuming they do, head coach Mike Woodson's connection will be a factor. He coached Carmelo with the New York Knicks. Kiyan and coach Woodson have a strong relationship.
I would not view Florida State, who Kiyan visited the week prior to Syracuse, as big of a threat as Indiana. Kiyan has stated multiple times he wants a place that feels like home. He has said Syracuse feels like home before and the vibe after the visit is that it feels even more that way at this point. That feeling after Florida State is why I do not believe they are as big of a threat currently.
Given Kiyan's relationship with coach Woodson, he could feel that Indiana has a home vibe as well should he take an official there. Kiyan also has offers from the likes of Memphis, Providence, Seton Hall, Illinois, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Michigan, Maryland and West Virginia. Syracuse, Florida State and Indiana seem to be at the forefront currently.
Michigan and Pittsburgh are schools to which Kiyan has said previously he has strong relationships with their coaching staff. If Kiyan elects to take more official visits, those two schools along with Indiana are the most likely destinations.
Obviously a decision in the near future would be great for Syracuse, but there is not a specific indication that is coming. For now, consider Syracuse as the leader but work is left to be done and at least one more visit likely to get through.