One of the biggest concerns any coach can have is managing the son of a superstar.
The spotlight is bigger. The expectations are louder. And sometimes the player can become more trouble than he’s worth.
That’s why Gerry McNamara‘s comments about Kiyan Anthony should make Syracuse fans feel really good.
“He’s a really coachable, loving kid.”
That was McNamara’s description during his appearance on Cuse Sports Talk.
Then he doubled down.
“When I push him, he looks at me straight in the eyes. That’s what I love about the kid.”
All really good signs, considering his benching last season became a massive story.
“He’s coachable, and he’s obviously very talented offensively.”
For a coach, that’s about as strong an endorsement as you’ll hear.
Because McNamara isn’t doing empty pleasantries. We’ve seen him take aim at critics of his roster, doubters of his players, and concerned fans who call up sports radio stations.
G-Mac is shooting with abandon, just like as a player. So you tend to get a brutal honesty when he speaks.
This is the son of Carmelo Anthony, we’re talking about. One of the greatest players in Syracuse history. A Hall of Famer. A national champion. One of the most recognizable basketball players of his generation.
The stereotype of his son would be easy to create: entitled, overhyped, protected.
Yet McNamara paints the opposite picture. A player who wants coaching. A player who welcomes accountability.
McNamara’s comments also line up with what Carmelo himself has said throughout the process. Rather than shielding his son from adversity, Melo has repeatedly talked about growth, patience, and learning through setbacks.
The result appears to be a young player who understands the work required to reach his potential.
The son of Syracuse’s most iconic player sounds like one of its most coachable.
And that’s a foundation worth getting excited about.
