In the world of high-stakes college basketball, the path of a legacy recruit is rarely smooth. For Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend and Syracuse icon Carmelo Anthony, the spotlight burns brighter than most. Recently, that spotlight turned harsh when Syracuse head coach Red Autry made the controversial decision to bench the freshman entirely against Virginia, citing the need for “physicality.” In an era where transfer portals and parental complaints are common responses to adversity, the Anthony family chose a different route: silence, work, and results.
The Response on the Court
After receiving a DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) in the previous game, Kiyan returned to the rotation against SMU with a vengeance. He played 24 minutes, scoring 13 points—all in the second half—to help propel the Orange to a 77-73 victory.
But it wasn’t just the scoring that turned heads. In his post-game interview, Kiyan emphasized the “little things” that kept him on the floor. “If my shot not falling, just trying to rebound, trying to defend, get over screens any way I can,” Kiyan said. Coach Autry noticed, naming him the “fighter of the game.” This shift in mentality—from a scorer to a complete player—is crucial for any freshman adjusting to the collegiate level, especially one with the ball in his hands as much as Kiyan had in high school.
Melo’s “Old School” Parenting
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this saga is the reaction of Carmelo Anthony. As an all-time great at Syracuse, Melo holds immense sway. He could have easily publicly criticized the coaching staff or hinted at a transfer. Instead, he did the opposite.
“He was the main one telling me, you know, stay in the gym, it’s going to pay off,” Kiyan revealed about his father’s advice.
The video analysis highlights this as a refreshing departure from the norm. “It’s tough for a regular parent… to let their kid learn and go through the ups and downs,” the host notes. Melo is allowing the process to play out, understanding that adversity now builds the resilience needed for the NBA later. He isn’t rushing Kiyan’s timeline or demanding guaranteed minutes; he is demanding growth.
Deleting the Noise
To maintain his focus, Kiyan took a mature step for an 18-year-old in 2026: he disconnected. “First time I deleted stuff like that [social media]… and just stayed in the gym. The gym was my safe and happy place,” Kiyan admitted.
By blocking out the “narratives” and the noise, he was able to stay ready when his number was called. This mental toughness, combined with his physical tools and scoring pedigree, suggests a bright future. As the video concludes, Kiyan could easily transfer to a smaller school and average 20 points, but he and his father are choosing the harder path—the path of development, competition, and earning every minute.
Conclusion
Kiyan Anthony’s response to being benched wasn’t a tweet or a tantrum; it was 13 points and a win. With the support of a father who understands the long game, Kiyan is proving that he isn’t just Carmelo’s son—he’s a basketball player willing to fight for his place. As Syracuse prepares for their next matchup against Duke, the Orange know they have a freshman who won’t fold when things get tough.
