Kiyan Anthony’s Rollercoaster Freshman Year at Syracuse Analyzed
Kiyan Anthony, son of legendary Syracuse player Carmelo Anthony, has experienced a tumultuous freshman year with the Syracuse Orange. As he navigates the challenges of NCAA basketball, various analysts have weighed in on his potential and future trajectory in the sport.
Kiyan Anthony’s Freshman Season Overview
At just 18 years old, Kiyan has shown flashes of talent but also faced considerable ups and downs throughout the season. Currently, he is averaging 8.8 points per game and has struggled with consistency in his performances, particularly as Syracuse entered the more competitive phases of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play.
Key Performances
- Notable 18-point games against Northeastern and Drexel.
- Career-high of 19 points in a game against Delaware State.
Despite these highlights, he has encountered difficulties, such as failing to score against teams like Boston College, Pitt, and Notre Dame. Analysts Terrence Oglesby and Seth Greenberg have noted that Anthony’s talent could be overshadowed by unrealistic expectations stemming from his father’s legacy.
Potential and Areas for Improvement
ESPN’s analysts believe Anthony possesses the skill set necessary for professional basketball, but face crucial growth ahead. They emphasize the importance of developing defensive strategies, as he has struggled with aspects like closing out on shooters and managing screens.
- Strengths:
- Good at getting to the free-throw line.
- Ability to finish strong around the rim.
- Areas to improve:
- Defensive techniques and awareness.
- 3-point shooting consistency (currently at 24.6%).
Advice for Kiyan Anthony’s Future
Both Oglesby and Greenberg have suggested that another year at Syracuse could benefit Anthony. They argue that additional time in college could improve his physical readiness and refine his skills before attempting to enter the NBA draft.
With potential opportunities arising from upcoming graduations and player departures, Anthony could see increased playing time and responsibility next season. This might allow him to elevate his game, potentially bringing his scoring average to between 15 and 17 points per game.
The NBA Landscape
Looking ahead, Oglesby pointed out that the current NBA draft class is exceptionally strong, which could influence Anthony’s decision to remain in college for another year. He believes a weaker draft year could offer a better opportunity for Kiyan to enter the league when he is fully prepared.
In conclusion, while Kiyan Anthony’s freshman year has been a rollercoaster ride, his journey is just beginning. With patience and hard work, he has the potential to carve out his own legacy and make a successful transition to professional basketball.
