It is not often you see a basketball legend sitting courtside, eyes glued to the hardwood, not as a fan but as a father. Carmelo Anthony, synonymous with basketball greatness, has been doing just that—watching his son, Kiyan Anthony, carve his path in the sport. From early-morning practices to late-night games, Melo has had a front-row seat, not just as a former NBA star but as a dad rooting for his son.
Their journey together isn’t new to the spotlight. A young Kiyan and his father appeared together in a Jordan commercial back in 2016, showcasing not just their bond but hinting at the budding talent Kiyan possessed. Fast forward to today, that potential has blossomed into something remarkable.
Kiyan walked onto the floor with one thing in mind: to be the best. And he was the best, for sure. With a game full of top talents from the Boozer twins to Darius Acuff to Chris Cenac to Jerry Easter, guess who earned the MVP? You guessed it right! Kiyan Anthony. I mean, how could you not show up and show off with your father, your absolute source of inspiration, watching your every move? He won the MVP honor at the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic after surpassing even his father Carmelo Anthony’s legendary 27-point performance from two decades prior. The most unforgettable moment? Proud, Melo moved over to put the MVP jacket around Kiyan’s shoulders before stepping back to let his kid enjoy the attention he had earned. It was a potent and symbolic passing of the torch.
When La La Anthony took to Instagram, you could feel the pride bursting through her words. “This was such a moment… his dad played in this same game when he was in high school, and Kiyan beat his scoring record tonight & got the MVP!!” she wrote, and honestly, you can imagine her just beaming while typing that out. It wasn’t just a proud mom moment—it was one of those full-circle, emotional moments that hit you deep. And just when you thought the night couldn’t get more special, Lethal Shooter came in and gifted Kiyan the SC-Top 10 chain, for an absolutely standout performance. Even Gilbert Arenas couldn’t stay quiet after Kiyan’s big night. He jumped on his IG story and dropped a gem: “Told y’all leaving him off that McDonald’s game was gonna turn him up… he ain’t done yet.”
This wasn’t a one-time thing. Kiyan’s been on fire this year. Remember when he dropped 17 points to help Long Island Lutheran take down AZ Compass Prep? That game earned him MVP honors at the Hoophall Classic. It’s been moment after moment for him—and watching it all unfold, especially with the legacy he’s carrying, just makes it even more powerful.
The Court of Legacy: How the Jordan Brand Classic came full circle
The Jordan Brand Classic isn’t just some regular high school all-star game—it’s a whole moment. It’s where the next generation of hoop stars step into the light, and the energy? It’s electric. Even MJ himself couldn’t help but feel it—“All eyes on ’25,” he posted, and honestly, he’s not wrong. This is the place where legends first start to show the world who they are. Remember Blake Griffin throwing down monster dunks before we really knew him? Or Chris Paul tossing those slick no-look passes like magic? And of course, a skinny Kevin Durant lighting it up back in 2006? Pure history.
But there’s one moment that still hits different—2003, Washington, D.C., a young Carmelo Anthony stepping onto that stage fresh off his epic NCAA title run with Syracuse. Melo was that guy. Effortless swagger, elite talent, and representing the Jordan Brand like he was born for it.
And now? It feels like the story’s come full circle. Kiyan Anthony took that same stage and made it his own. A top 2025 recruit, he’s headed to Syracuse like his dad—but with his own dreams. “My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name,” he said. That one line says it all—respect for legacy, but eyes on the future.
Kiyan’s performance at the Jordan Brand Classic wasn’t just a big night—it was the moment. A torch was passed. A new chapter opened. And if this is just the beginning, the Anthony legacy is in very, very good hands.
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