Syracuse men’s basketball freshman Kiyan Anthony signed an NIL deal with Jordan Brand, Nike announced Monday. Kiyan — son of Syracuse legend Carmelo — was one of four athletes signed by Jordan Brand for their “Class of 2025″, along with Duke’s Cameron and Cayden Boozer and UConn’s Sarah Strong.
“To be part of the Jordan Brand family, to me, means carrying on a legacy,” Kiyan said, via Nike’s press release. “I want my legacy to be more than just basketball. I want it to be on and off the court, giving back to the community, doing everything I can to uphold my last name and carry the torch.”
Carmelo was Jordan Brand’s first signature athlete over 20 years ago, releasing the Jordan Melo 1.5 in 2004. Carmelo met Michael Jordan during the Jordan Brand Classic in 2002, where he led all players in points with 27. Kiyan scored 26 in the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic, taking home the MVP award.
Kiyan has shown promise in his short time with the Orange. He currently averages 13.8 points a game on 52% shooting from the field. He scored 18 and 19 points in the two games he started while Syracuse guard J.J. Starling dealt with an injury. The Orange lost to No. 3 Houston 78-74 in overtime Monday. Kiyan had 10 points and two steals in 24 minutes off the bench with Carmelo and his mother, La La, watching courtside.
“Let me tell you about (Kiyan), he’s a lot like his daddy,” Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said, via Alejandro Compean on X. “That boy can score that ball, he’s good.”
Kiyan, along with the Boozer twins, are the first men’s college basketball players who have an NIL deal with Jordan Brand.
