Syracuse Media Day – After a short Q&A with Head Coach Adrian Autry and a team photo, media members dispersed in every direction.
A large group of writers headed towards Sophomore Donnie Freeman and Senior J.J. Starling. The two returnees averaged nearly 30 points per game last season. Several other columnists made their way towards highly touted Freshman Sadiq White. And Sophomore Tyler Betsey and Junior Naithan George answered questions from beneath the hoop.
But nothing compared to the media frenzy created on the Orange baseline. Found in the middle of the unorganized semi-circle, crammed with long microphones and bright cameras, stood Freshman Kiyan Anthony. Despite the commotion, Anthony looked comfortable and confident. One-by-one, he listened intently to the question, and produced a thoughtful response.
Unsurprisingly, Anthony was pressed with many questions relating to his father and the role he played in Kyren’s decision to enroll at Syracuse. The 5-star earned interest from many dominant programs, but ultimately chose SU over USC. Anthony spoke on his fond memories coming to Syracuse as a kid. Kiyan noted his father jersey’s retirement in 2013 and recent NBA Hall of Fame introduction where he learned how meaningful Syracuse was to Carmelo. With that in mind, it was near impossible to picture Kiyan wearing anything other than Orange.
But one thing was made clear: Kiyan is hungry to create his own Syracuse story. He does not want to be known as “Carmelo’s kid” any longer. In his opening statements, Coach Autry pointed out Anthony’s unique mindset: “One thing that I was really impressed with is that Kiyan wanted to forge his own way. He is really dead set on that. He is his own person”.
But Anthony’s ability to blaze his own path does not mean forgetting his last name or father’s legacy. Rather, Kiyan is further motivated to bring the Orange back to where his father left it: at the top of the college basketball world. “Seeing my dad’s name on the banner and walls, it definitely motivates me to come in everyday and work harder. He set the platform for this program and I have to follow it” stated Anthony.
Despite the heightened attention surrounding Anthony, his teammates could not think more highly of him. When asked about the young guard, words like “tough” and “hard working” were frequent in their answers. Upperclassmen J.J. Starling and Bryce Zephir have taken the newcomer under their wing, while Sadiq White has already formed a tight knit bond with Anthony.
Less than 30 minutes after the conclusion of SU’s media day, with just a few scattered reporters left in the silent gym, Anthony returned to the court to practice his corner jumper. Facing his father’s 2003 championship banner, Kiyan Anthony drilled 10 straight 3-pointers.
