By the end of 2022, Kiyan wasn’t among ESPN’s top 100 players in the class of 2025, but now he is the number one player in New York! That’s the journey of the son of NBA icon Carmelo Anthony and ex-wife La La Anthony. The couple decided to part ways in 2021 but have been co-parenting their son in his hooping journey. They were once again in attendance as the 18-year-old continued to seize the day with his magical performance.
“@kiyananthony MVP of THE THRONE!!!!!!!” Proud mom La La shared her son’s recent enormous achievement in the Throne Basketball tournament. In the final against the Allen Eagles, Kiyan dropped an impressive 25 points with 5 rebounds. Not to forget his effective shooting 9-15 from the FG, which earned him the MVP accolade in the tournament. The NBA Players Association and Gold Level Sports and Entertainment sponsored. The Crusaders’ forward had his parents in attendance and even gave his crown to his mother.
The BMF star shared those glimpses on her Instagram story as well. In one such moment, Kiyan Anthony gave his trophy and placed his crown on his mother’s head. A touching gesture from the 18-year-old! Lutheran High School competed against seven other teams, and the Crusaders earned the spot after beating Highland (VA) 56-55 in the elimination round. The Syracuse commit seems to have moved passed his McDonald’s All-American snub, which even his father thought was surprising.
This annual event showcases the best high school basketball talent in the United States, as only twelve players make the coveted game. “I think he deserved to make it, no bias. I think he really put the work in and really deserved to be a McDonald’s All-American.” With Kiyan currently being #32, no player ranked outside of the Top 30 made it this year based on ESPN’s rankings. On his podcast, the 10x All-Star also wanted the rules and communication for the young generations.
“You’re talking about a kid who played Freshman Basketball his Freshman year to becoming the #1 player in the State of New York. That should mean something in itself being the #1 player in the State of New York itself.” Despite the snub, Melo’s son kept his composure and answered his critics with his performance, which led him to the Throne.
Looking back at Carmelo Anthony’s son’s performance at the Throne Basketball tournament
One of the biggest high school national championships in America, Kiyan Anthony left no stone unturned. The Long Island Lutheran Crusaders dueled11 against the Highland Hawks in the quarterfinals on March 28. The forward played for 25 minutes and contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists. It was not his best performance as teammate Dylan Mingo dropped 18 points, three assists, four steals, and five rebounds. Meanwhile, James Nigel added 11 points, four assists, three steals, and one block.
Syndication: The News-Press 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. , EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xAmandaxInscore/ThexNews-PressxUSAxTodayxNetwork-Floridax USATSI_22163996
It was enough for the Crusaders to secure a narrow 56-55 victory over Nate Ament’s Highland Hawks. Ament put on an impressive display, scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and three steals. Carmelo Anthony’s son also balled out in the semifinals with a stellar 17-point performance, leading the Crusaders to a decisive 83-56 victory over the Bears. In that game, it started with a seven-point first quarter lead that expanded to a 31-point advantage by the fourth quarter.
The 6-foot-5 guard is already showing glimpses of what we can see from him at Syracuse. Despite the huge decision for the future, the 18-year-old continues to perform for his high school. Plus, he keeps on adding accolades even though he missed out on the All-American game.
The post Carmelo Anthony & Ex-Wife La La Witness Kiyan’s MVP Reign Seemingly Soothing Sting From McDonald’s All-American Snub appeared first on EssentiallySports.