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Kiyan Anthony, the son of Syracuse basketball legend and NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, will return to Syracuse University for his sophomore year. Anthony, who averaged over eight points per game in his freshman season, missed the final two games due to an undisclosed injury. The announcement of his return comes as Syracuse's basketball program transitions under new head coach Gerry McNamara.
Anthony played in 29 games for the Orange during the 2025-26 season, showcasing his scoring potential with 11 double-digit performances, including a career-high 19 points against Delaware State. Despite a promising start, his role diminished during Atlantic Coast Conference play, averaging 15.9 minutes across 16 games. Anthony's return is seen as a crucial step in maintaining team continuity amid several player transfers.
The decision to stay was influenced by his father Carmelo's trust in McNamara's plans for player development. McNamara, a former teammate of Carmelo Anthony and a 2003 national champion, took over the program after the departure of former head coach Adrian Autry. Syracuse hopes to build on the return of both Anthony and fellow sophomore Sadiq White, who averaged 6.1 points and 3.3 rebounds last season.
As the Orange prepare for the upcoming season, McNamara's focus will be on retaining talent and navigating the transfer portal. With Anthony and White back in the lineup, Syracuse aims for a strong sophomore surge and a successful start to the McNamara era.