Kiyan Anthony commits to Syracuse: Carmelo's son announces highly anticipated college decision

Anyone who watched Carmelo Anthony shine for the Nuggets and Knicks is feeling a bit older today.

Kiyan Anthony, Carmelo's 17-year-old son, announced his college decision on Friday, committing to Syracuse, the same school his father went to. The newest recruit for the Orange chose dad's alma mater over schools such as USC. 

Anthony is a well-known name thanks to his father's outstanding NBA career, which included 10 All-Star selections and more than 28,000 points, but he's a highly-touted recruit in his own right. A consensus top-40 player in the class of 2025, Anthony was chased by dozens of programs and received more than 20 offers.

Here's a look at why Anthony settled on Syracuse as he prepares to start his college career and potentially set the stage for a journey to the NBA.

MORE: Updated scouting report on Kiyan Anthony

Why did Kiyan Anthony choose Syracuse?

Anthony is keeping it in the family, following his father's footsteps to upstate New York. 

Carmelo starred for Jim Boeheim and Syracuse for one season, going one-and-done in 2008-09. He averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Orange to the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament title in the process. Anthony won tournament MVP and set an NCAA Tournament single-game record for points. 

Anthony originally narrowed his options to six in July, moving forward with Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, Syracuse, Rutgers and USC. He slashed that list to three in October, narrowing it down to Auburn, Syracuse and USC before cutting Auburn from consideration. 

MORE: SN's Preseason All-America team

Kiyan Anthony recruiting ranking

Anthony is considered a four-star recruit in the class of 2025, ranking No. 34 nationally according to 247 Sports. He is also the No. 1 player in the class from New York and the No. 6 shooting guard.

The 6-5 guard currently plays at Long Island Lutheran High School after transferring from Christ the King High School in Queens. He drew interest from dozens of colleges and received 21 known offers, though he only visited USC, Syracuse and Florida State.