Kiyan Anthony Scores 14 Off Syracuse Bench
The son of Carmelo Anthony provided a spark for Syracuse in its season-opening win over Central Connecticut State.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball
Kiyan Anthony scored 14 points off the Syracuse bench against Central Connecticut State, shooting 6-for-10 from the floor in 18 minutes. The performance followed a 17-point game against New Haven as he has started the season in a reserve role.
Why it matters
Head coach Gerry McNamara is giving Kiyan Anthony a chance to develop after weak exhibition play, and early production from the bench adds depth to the Orange rotation. The early-season results may shape how Syracuse uses its reserves as ACC play approaches.
Kiyan Anthony shot 6-for-10 from the floor, including 1-for-2 from three-point range, and made 1-of-2 free throws against Central Connecticut State. He grabbed four rebounds and dished out one assist in 18 minutes, a sample size still limited to two games.
The players
Kiyan Anthony
Kiyan Anthony is the son of NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony and a Syracuse guard developing into a reserve role in his early college career.
Gerry McNamara
Gerry McNamara is a former Syracuse standout guard who was named the program's new head coach and previously played in the NBA.
The details
Kiyan Anthony came off the Syracuse bench in both of the team's opening games, after struggling in exhibition play. Against New Haven he scored 17 points with three rebounds and three assists before adding 14 points against Central Connecticut State.
Timeline
Kiyan Anthony scored 17 points against New Haven earlier this week.
Kiyan Anthony scored 14 points against Central Connecticut State on Thursday.
Syracuse plays Indiana in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Monday.
Syracuse plays St. John's on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Season Trajectory
Kiyan Anthony's early bench production gives Syracuse an additional scoring option as it opens a season with a nonconference slate including Indiana and St. John's. The start follows a family connection to the program that began with his father's Syracuse career.
Fantasy managers tracking Syracuse reserves should note Kiyan Anthony's 14- and 17-point outings as a sign of possible minutes. Bettors and followers can watch whether his bench role holds through the Indiana and St. John's games.
The takeaway
Kiyan Anthony's early bench scoring is worth tracking over the next few games to see whether it becomes a steady part of the Syracuse rotation. Readers following the Orange can use the Indiana and St. John's games as the next real test.
What happens next
Syracuse plays Indiana in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Monday and St. John's on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Further reading
Follow more Syracuse coverage in Basketball for updates on the Orange rotation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
