“Ky, chase your dreams,” Carmelo Anthony said as he hung up his jersey. The emotional tribute video, where Melo showed love for his son Kiyan, was special for the father and son. It meant that he had put his faith in his son. It also means that from now on, his entire focus will be on Kiyan. And it has been! He took his son to Paris to witness the action in the 2024 Paris Olympics. But 2023 wasn’t initially Melo’s decision to retire! During the latest episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, the former NBA player revealed how his son convinced him to make one massive decision in his career.
The 10x NBA All-Star was one of the scoring legends in the NBA. He led the league in the 2012–13 season, averaging 28.7 points per game. Melo retired as 9th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. But he wanted to play one more year! We might have had the chance to see Melo gear up with the Los Angeles Lakers and play alongside LeBron James, in 2024 too, showcasing his scoring prowess. His initial plan was to play 20 years in the NBA. However, he had also made a promise to his son.
He gave his word that he would retire when Kiyan got into high school. This was his new plan. And if he went by that, Melo was supposed to retire in 2022 and not in 2023. That was Kiyan’s freshman year. But that didn’t happen. Why?
“Said “I’m doing 20.” I was one year shy from doing 20 I did. I always told him when you get to high school I’m retiring no matter what’s happening. His freshman year was my 19th year,” the New York Knicks legend said on the podcast. During the podcast, Melo shared that Kiyan had stopped him from retiring early. He encouraged him to play one more year.
“In LA and he was like go ahead like now I want you to go play your last year like go play go play with your bro go ahead you ain’t going to never get a chance to do this again. He said that to me so I’m like “All right cool I’m going to go do…19.” It would have been 18,” Melo said.
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: Big East Conference Tournament First Round – Villanova vs Georgetown Mar 8, 2023 New York, NY, USA New York Knicks former player Carmelo Anthony sits courtside during the second half between the Villanova Wildcats and the Georgetown Hoyas at Madison Square Garden. New York Madison Square Garden NY USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xBradxPennerx 20230308_bjp_ae5_087
This is how Melo played for 19 years and retired with a heartwarming message dedicated to his kids, passing the torch to his son Kiyan. And just as promised, he now dedicates his time to his son Kiyan and is present for him! The 18-year-old is too following in his father’s footsteps and joined his father’s alma mater. But did he have any pressure or expectations to follow the same route as his father?
Why did Kiyan Anthony choose Syracuse?
The young hooper’s incredible performance so far had earned him offers from several programs. After much thought, Kiyan chose Syracuse as his destination. The answer might seem simple. It’s his father’s alma mater, and he wishes to continue his father’s legacy. Melo led the Orangemen to their first-ever NCAA championship in 2003!
But Kiyan’s reason for choosing Syracuse is much more than that. He had visited the campus, as well as the basketball facility that is named after Carmelo Anthony. During his interview with ESPN, Anthony explained that the connection between Syracuse and his father is special, but he wants to create a legacy for himself. He met Coach Adrian Autry and appreciated how the entire staff and team were welcoming to him.
“Ultimately, it came down to my relationship with the staff. From day one, when they started recruiting me, they made me feel like it was family. My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name, and I’ve already done that through my dedication in the offseason, with early-morning practices, playing at camps, playing on the circuit,” Melo said.
His mother, La La Anthony, also agreed that Kiyan’s father never placed any pressure on him regarding his college decision. Syracuse is truly Kiyan’s decision!
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