Kiyan Anthony Sought Starting Role With Syracuse

The sophomore guard aims for a leadership position after a busy offseason of physical training.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball

Kiyan Anthony Sought Starting Role With Syracuse

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Sophomore Kiyan Anthony expects to secure a starting role for the Syracuse basketball team this season. The guard has prepared for an increased workload after adding 15 pounds of muscle during his offseason training.

Why it matters

The coaching staff hopes the team can overcome last year's sub-.500 finish by prioritizing offensive efficiency. The program is shifting its strategy to utilize more off-the-ball screens and increase catch-and-shoot 3-point opportunities.

Kiyan Anthony averaged 8 points per game last season and ranked 114th out of 121 ACC rotation players in effective field-goal percentage. The team as a whole shot 31.2 percent from the 3-point line throughout the previous campaign.

The players

Kiyan Anthony

He is a sophomore basketball player at Syracuse who averaged 8 points per game during his freshman season.

Gerry McNamara

He serves as the head coach of the Syracuse basketball team and is overseeing the team's offensive transition.

The details

Coaching staff are instructing players to minimize dribbling and focus on high-percentage catch-and-shoot attempts. Anthony, who arrived in Syracuse as a freshman last year, is working to improve his efficiency after his previous output ranked near the bottom of the conference rotation.

Last year the Syracuse team finished with a sub-.500 record.
October 13, 2026, marks the scheduled exhibition game against UConn.

Season Trajectory

This pivot toward a high-volume catch-and-shoot offense represents a major tactical adjustment intended to change the team's standing in the ACC. Success for Anthony in a starting role is critical to shifting the program's narrative after a disappointing sub-.500 finish last year.

Anthony's transition to a starting role suggests a major shift in the perimeter rotation that will dictate the team's spacing strategy. His ability to increase his efficiency will be a key metric for fans tracking the team's offensive output against early-season opponents.

The takeaway

Anthony is betting on his physical development and the coaching staff's new offensive structure to elevate his performance. Success depends on the team's ability to trade excessive dribbling for better shot selection.