“Yes, you’re my best friend and I love that we have that.” La La Anthony’s words about her son Kiyan prove how special their bond is. It is a bond formed on trust, love, and that kind of connection that only the tightest of families have with one another. But when asked recently what she’s most proud of about Kiyan, La La didn’t refer to his basketball career or his skyrocketing value. Instead, she offered up something much deeper—something that might surprise you.
In a recent interview on the Syracuse Orange Sports YouTube channel, La La couldn’t stop gushing about her son’s humbleness. “Just how humble and kind he is,” she said when asked what makes her proud as a mother. She then added that Kiyan keeps himself grounded despite the hype that comes with being him. “He doesn’t get caught up in the hoopla of who he is or the talk of who he is whether it is positive or negative. He is just consistently and authentically him.”
For La La, it’s not about awards or accolades—it’s about Kiyan’s integrity. “Of course, I want him to be an incredible basketball player and have this incredible legacy. But I just want him to be a great person,” she explained.
Kiyan is undeniably talented. A four-star recruit, he’s among the country’s best high school basketball players in the class of 2025. And with his $1.1 million NIL valuation, he’s already turning heads. But despite media and public expectations, Kiyan remains humble. When he decided on Syracuse University — the same institution at which his father, Carmelo Anthony, played—he had declared that it was never about whom the building was named. It was about the connections he formed with the coaches and the principles the program embodied.
“My dad’s name on the facility is special, but I want to go in there and create my own name,” Kiyan said, stressing his desire to forge his own path. This was not about filling his dad’s shoes. It was about stepping into his own and making a mark of his own.
Kiyan’s humility extends beyond basketball. In addition to his time as an athlete, he is a co-owner of a fashion brand, One Way Clothing. Also Kiyan has displayed admirable perseverance, guiding his high school team to significant triumphs following an injury. But all the while, Kiyan has kept his eye on his individual development, and, in the words of his mom La La, that’s what makes him unique.
And when asked about his skills on the court, La La couldn’t help but express her pride once again. “I think you are getting a very efficient, all-around player,” she said, explaining that Kiyan is the kind of teammate who makes everyone around him better. “He’s not a selfish player at all. He’s always looking to make those around him better.” For La La, Kiyan’s unselfishness, both on and off the court, is what makes him truly remarkable.
La La Anthony’s star-studded support cheering for Kiyan Anthony
And of course, La La’s support for Kiyan goes far beyond words. In that same interview, she revealed that she’s “so excited” to watch Kiyan at Syracuse. And it seems she’ll be bringing a few famous friends along for the ride. “Kim (Kardashian) is one of my best friends. Ciara is one of my best friends. He sent their kids coats. Kelly Rowland. It’s great, we’re just trying to build up the energy and excitement,” said La La. Insisting that she and her famous friends would be there rooting for Kiyan. “Trust me, we’ll all be there. We will all be there watching him play.”
July 18, 2024; North Augusta, S.C., USA; Team Melo’s Kiyan Anthony (7), son of NBA star Carmelo Anthony, looks to pass during the Team Melo and Georgia Stars game at the Nike Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activities Center. The Georgia Stars won 64-63. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Network
This support isn’t new. Whether she’s celebrating Kiyan’s MVP win at the Hoophall Classic or sharing his accomplishments with her followers on social media. La La has always been Kiyan’s No. 1 cheerleader. And you can tell she’s been wise to all of his milestones, and she’ll be there next to him whatever new journey lies ahead.
However, the future is bright for Kiyan Anthony. He has the skills, the motivation and a mother who’s committed to his success — not only as a basketball player, but as a human being. As he heads up to Syracuse to play, Kiyan is not just following in his father’s footsteps. But also carrying the love and values imparted by his family with him.
And there with La La leading the charge and her ring of friends all around. The world will undoubtedly bear witness to Kiyan’s journey in both his life and career. But as La La would remind, it’s not the titles the trophies — it’s about the amazing young man Kiyan has transformed into. For her, that’s the part that’s most impressive of all.
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