It’s always a huge win for a struggling program to land top recruits, and Syracuse just pulled off something special! They secured commitments from two four-star prospects, athletic power forward Sadiq White and shooting guard Kiyan Anthony, the son of Orange legend Carmelo Anthony. But does that solve their issues on and off the court? Or does it only increase them?
You see, this Thursday, Syracuse made a bold statement by launching a massive $50 million fundraising campaign called “Champion ’CUSE.” While the initiative covers multiple areas of improvement, the biggest focus is on NIL, meaning Syracuse is gearing up to attract top talent and build a roster capable of competing for championships once again!
But with Syracuse’s season spiraling downward, sitting at a disappointing 5-11 record in a weak ACC, serious doubts are creeping in. Can they really generate $50 million in the next three years? More importantly, can they convince top recruits like Kiyan Anthony to stick around when the team’s lack of quality becomes more evident with every passing game?
Brent Axe and Chris Carlson of the Syracuse Orange sports on syracuse.com YouTube channel discussed the issue of Kiyan possibly leaving the Orange due to their quality. Chris Carlson calmed down the never of the fans by saying that Kiyan is going nowhere, he says, “Then there’s the son of the all-time great whose legacy is tied to the school and it would look terrible if he went somewhere else and uh yeah he’s not going anywhere else”
Kiyan Anthony of Long Island Lutheran makes a pass against Link Academy in the second semifinal matchup in the City of Palms Classic on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers.
This all but puts to rest any doubts about Kiyan Anthony second-guessing his commitment to Syracuse. The 17-year-old sharpshooter had offers from powerhouse programs like Auburn and USC, teams with stacked rosters and much better chances of winning right away. But instead of chasing the easy path, he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and build his own legacy in Orange. If he turned down those big-time programs before, there’s no reason to believe he’ll back out now!
Kiyan Anthony isn’t just making noise on the court, he’s cashing in off it too! With an NIL valuation of $726,000, the young star isn’t just following in his dad’s footsteps; he’s stepping into the same tax bracket as Carmelo Anthony himself.
Kiyan Anthony and his NIL deals!
According to On3, he’s landed four major endorsement deals, including partnerships with Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, Nerf, and PSD Underwear. But the most impressive? One Way Clothing! His very own clothing line!
Kiyan also made history by becoming the youngest basketball player to sign with PSD Underwear, joining an elite roster featuring NBA stars like Ja Morant, Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, and even Bronny James. “It’s more than just a partnership,” . “It’s a collaboration that represents my style and my love of basketball. Together, we’re going to redefine what it means to be comfortable and confident both on and off the court.” He said while expressing his delight over signing the deal with the premium brand!
Kiyan’s ultimate dream? To land an NIL deal with none other than Jordan Brand, just like his legendary father did during his NBA career. “I want an NIL deal with Jordan, cause my pops signed with Jordan. I feel like that will be fire,” he said, with the confidence of someone who is itching to get that full circle moment where both dad and son rock the Jumpman logo together!
While Kiyan Anthony continues to make waves both on and off the court, his commitment to Syracuse remains unwavering, even amidst the program’s struggles. His burgeoning legacy and NIL success only add to the intrigue, making his future with the Orange one to watch as the team aims to turn things around.
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