Jordan Brand Signs Kiyan Anthony Among Four New NIL Athletes

Basio badr

ago 7 days

Jordan Brand has recently signed Kiyan Anthony, a freshman basketball player from Syracuse University, to its growing roster of athletes. This announcement, made by Nike on Monday, places Kiyan among four new athletes in the Jordan Brand “Class of 2025.” The roster also includes Duke’s Cameron and Cayden Boozer, as well as UConn’s Sarah Strong.

Kiyan Anthony’s Connection to the Jordan Legacy

Kiyan is the son of former Syracuse star Carmelo Anthony, who was Jordan Brand’s first signature athlete over two decades ago. Carmelo launched his own sneaker, the Jordan Melo 1.5, in 2004, solidifying the connection between the family and the iconic brand.

Quotes and Aspirations

Regarding his signing, Kiyan expressed his excitement, stating, “To be part of the Jordan Brand family means carrying on a legacy.” He aims for his impact to transcend basketball, emphasizing community involvement and honoring his family name.

Kiyan’s Performance on the Court

Kiyan has demonstrated significant potential as a player during his early season with Syracuse. So far, he averages 13.8 points per game while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 52% from the field. In two games where he stepped up as a starter due to an injury to teammate J.J. Starling, Kiyan scored 18 and 19 points in consecutive matches.

Recent Game Highlights

In a recent overtime loss to the No. 3 ranked Houston team, Kiyan contributed 10 points and two steals in 24 minutes of play. Both his father and mother, La La Anthony, were present to support him courtside.

Endorsements and Recognitions

Kiyan’s scoring ability hasn’t gone unnoticed. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson praised his skills by saying, “Let me tell you about Kiyan, he’s a lot like his daddy. That boy can score that ball; he’s good.” His standout performance in the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic, where he scored 26 points and won the MVP award, further highlights his potential.

The Significance of NIL Deals

Kiyan Anthony’s endorsement from Jordan Brand marks a significant moment in college athletics. Along with the Boozer twins, Kiyan is among the first male college basketball players to secure a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with the brand.