Syracuse men’s basketball freshman Kiyan Anthony is making waves by signing an NIL deal with Jordan Brand. It’s a pretty big moment in his young career.
Kiyan, son of Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony, now finds himself in the company of an elite group in Jordan Brand’s “Class of 2025.” The announcement says a lot about Kiyan’s potential on the court, but you can tell he’s got bigger dreams than just basketball.
Kiyan Anthony Joins the Jordan Brand Family
On Monday, Nike shared that Kiyan Anthony, along with Duke’s Cameron and Cayden Boozer and UConn’s Sarah Strong, has joined Jordan Brand’s “Class of 2025.” It’s a pretty prestigious endorsement—Jordan Brand’s got a reputation for excellence and basketball legacy.
In the official press release, Kiyan talked about how joining the Jordan Brand family means carrying on a legacy. He mentioned wanting to make an impact both on and off the court, to honor his last name, and to give back to the community. You get the feeling he means it.
Legacy of Carmelo Anthony
Kiyan’s dad, Carmelo Anthony, was actually Jordan Brand’s first signature athlete over two decades ago. Carmelo’s journey with the brand kicked off in 2002 during the Jordan Brand Classic—he led all players with 27 points.
He later released the Jordan Melo 1.5 in 2004, cementing his spot in the brand’s history. Kiyan’s own performance at the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic—26 points and MVP honors—feels like a nod to his dad’s early days, doesn’t it?
Performance on the Court
Kiyan Anthony’s time with the Syracuse Orange has already shown plenty of promise. He’s averaging 13.8 points per game and shooting 52% from the field, which is impressive for a freshman.
He’s stepped up big, too—scoring 18 and 19 points in games where he filled in for the injured J.J. Starling. The kid’s got game.
Notable Game Against Houston
In a tight matchup against No. 3 Houston, Syracuse narrowly lost 78-74 in overtime. Kiyan put up 10 points and grabbed two steals in 24 minutes off the bench, with Carmelo and La La Anthony watching from courtside.
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson even praised Kiyan’s scoring ability, saying he *can score that ball* and is *a lot like his daddy*. That’s high praise coming from an opposing coach.
Impact of NIL Deals in College Basketball
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have changed the game in college sports. Players can now land endorsements and start building their own brands while still in school.
Kiyan Anthony and the Boozer twins are among the first men’s college basketball players to sign an NIL deal with Jordan Brand. It’s not just about money—these deals boost their visibility and marketability, too.
Future Implications for Athletes
With NIL deals becoming more common, college athletes have a real shot at turning their time on campus into big opportunities. For Kiyan, signing with Jordan Brand is a huge step in building his own brand and making an impact beyond basketball.
It also shows what’s possible for future athletes—these partnerships could shape not just their careers, but their legacies.
Looking Ahead
Kiyan Anthony’s journey is just getting started. His early accomplishments—and the nod from Jordan Brand—hint at a future that could be pretty exciting.
He’s sharpening his skills on the court. Off it, he’s already building a name for himself, and honestly, it’s hard not to wonder if he’ll end up making a real mark in basketball, just like his dad.
For more details on Kiyan Anthony’s NIL deal with Jordan Brand, read the full article on Syracuse.com.
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