Syracuse Benches Kiyan Anthony, Highlighting Struggles
In a challenging moment for Kiyan Anthony, the freshman at Syracuse University, he experienced his first benching of the season during a 72-59 defeat to No. 18 Virginia. Head coach Adrian Autry confirmed that the decision to sit Anthony was his own, emphasizing it was not due to any injury concerns.
Kiyan Anthony’s Freshman Season Struggles
Kiyan Anthony has faced ups and downs throughout his freshman campaign. Currently, he averages 8.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 41.6, across 23 games. His playing time has been approximately 19.3 minutes per game. The recent benching marks a significant moment in what has already been a tumultuous year for the young athlete.
Carmelo Anthony’s Reaction
Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan’s father and a Syracuse basketball legend, has expressed mixed feelings about the team’s performance. He publicly commented on Syracuse’s struggles, including an intense loss to No. 14 North Carolina, where he shared his frustration on social media. Nevertheless, he showed support for his son after Kiyan’s benching, stating, “He’ll be good! THEY SAY it’s part of the journey. A little adversity don’t hurt.”
Coach Autry’s Perspective
Autry remains focused on the team’s overall performance, asserting that Kiyan’s benching was entirely for tactical reasons. “It’s no narratives about any of this stuff,” he stated. He wants to prioritize what he believes is best for the Syracuse Orange as they navigate a difficult season.
Syracuse’s Current Standing
Following their loss to Virginia, Syracuse has experienced significant struggles, losing six of their last seven games. Their current record stands at 13-11, placing them in the lower half of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) standings. The Orange will be looking to turn things around in their upcoming game against California.
- Next Game: Wednesday against California
- Recent Loss: 72-59 to No. 18 Virginia
- Kiyan’s Stats: 8.9 points per game, 41.6% shooting
- Current Record: 13-11
Syracuse fans and analysts are watching closely to see how Kiyan Anthony responds to this setback and what the future holds for both him and the team as they continue their season.
