SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As the 2025-26 NCAA basketball season enters its critical final stretch, Kiyan Anthony, the 6-foot-5 freshman guard and son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, remains at the center of national attention. Following a week of significant highs and lows, the Syracuse Orange standout is navigating the pressures of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play while solidifying his role in the rotation.
Resilience After Benchings: The SMU Comeback
On February 14, 2026, Anthony faced a pivotal moment in his young collegiate career. After being benched during a difficult outing against Virginia, the freshman responded by leading Syracuse to a thrilling 79-78 comeback victory over SMU. Anthony provided a vital second-half spark, finishing with 13 points and hitting several “big, big shots” down the stretch to secure the win.
In a move to maintain focus amid the scrutiny, Anthony reportedly deleted his social media accounts—including Instagram, where he boasts 1.1 million followers—to “block out the noise” following the Virginia game. “The freshman responded when called upon,” noted analysts, highlighting his maturity in handling fluctuating playing time under the Syracuse coaching staff.
Tough Road Test at Duke
The momentum from the SMU win faced a harsh reality check on Monday, February 16, 2026, when Syracuse traveled to Durham to face No. 3 Duke. The Blue Devils, led by star Cameron Boozer’s 22 points, routed the Orange 101-64. Despite the team’s struggles in the 37-point loss, Anthony continues to be a focal point of the Syracuse offense. Public insights from draft analysts suggest Anthony has shown flashes of an “elite offensive bag,” maintaining impressive efficiency earlier in the season with shooting splits near 63% from the field and 44% from three-point range.
Carmelo Anthony’s Support and Program Outlook
The season has not been without controversy. Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony recently voiced his displeasure regarding the program’s recent losing streaks and overall trajectory. However, the elder Anthony has remained a steadfast presence for his son, transitioning from program icon to supportive father. Former Syracuse guard Eric Devendorf recently emphasized on the “Orange Zone” podcast that the program “can ill-afford to lose Kiyan Anthony,” citing his importance to the team’s future recruiting and on-court identity.
Kiyan Anthony: Player Profile and Stats
- Height: 6’5″ (1.96 m)
- Weight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Class: Freshman (Class of 2025 recruit)
- Current Team: Syracuse Orange (15-12, 6-8 ACC)
- Age: 18 (Born March 7, 2007)
As of February 21, 2026, Syracuse sits at 15-12 overall. With the ACC Tournament approaching, the focus remains on whether Anthony can maintain his scoring efficiency and help the Orange secure a postseason berth. Despite the “uncertain role” mentioned by some outlets, his ability to provide a scoring spark off the bench or in the starting lineup remains Syracuse’s most compelling storyline this spring.