Kiyan Anthony Impresses in Syracuse Debut, Filling JJ Starling’s Role
Kiyan Anthony made a significant impact during his college debut for the Syracuse Orange, stepping into an unexpected role. With an early injury to fellow guard JJ Starling, Anthony showcased his skills at the JMA Wireless Dome on Monday evening.
Kiyan Anthony Shines in Syracuse Debut
The game against Binghamton ended with a resounding score of 85-47 in favor of Syracuse. Despite the absence of his father, Carmelo Anthony, who was busy as an analyst for NBC, Kiyan delivered a memorable performance. Notably, he scored 15 points and recorded three rebounds, three assists, and avoided turnovers in just 28 minutes on the court.
Stepping Up in a Crisis
JJ Starling limped off the court less than three minutes into the game due to a hamstring injury, forcing Kiyan to step up quickly. “I was like, damn man,” he remarked about his teammate’s unfortunate situation. He understood the importance of seizing the opportunity to contribute actively.
- Points Scored: 15
- Field Goal Shooting: 6-for-10
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 3
- Turnovers: 0
Coach Adrian Autry praised Anthony’s performance, particularly his defensive contributions, stating he brought “a lot of energy” to the team. Anthony settled into the game after an initial struggle, ultimately finding his rhythm to help lead the Orange to victory.
An Exciting Future
While Anthony is not the highest-ranked recruit for Syracuse, his fame surpasses that of many other talented players. With over 1.1 million Instagram followers, his popularity is noteworthy. He has been featured in campaigns alongside NFL stars and recently graced the cover of SLAM magazine with his father.
As the season progresses, Kiyan Anthony may see increased playing time while Starling recovers. Coach Autry suggested that Starling’s return could be imminent, offering optimism for the team’s upcoming games, including a matchup against Delaware State on Saturday.
Fans, including Kiyan’s mother, La La, expressed excitement during his debut. The atmosphere in the dome reflected the anticipation surrounding his performance, solidifying his place in Syracuse basketball lore.
