As the 2024-25 high school basketball season approaches, all eyes will be on AJ Dybantsa and Kiyan Anthony. Both players have already made significant strides in their young careers, and their performances at the SLAM Summer Classic are just the beginning
For Dybantsa, this season represents his final opportunity to showcase his skills before making the leap to college basketball, while Anthony will continue to develop and prepare for his own journey.
The SLAM Summer Classic Vol 6 served as a platform for these young prospects to shine, not only as athletes but as personalities who can capture the attention of a global audience. As they move forward in their careers, moments like these will continue to define their paths to success.
The future looks bright for this young basketball phenom. With his skill set, work ethic, and support system, Kiyan has all the tools to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
While it remains to be seen how his career will unfold, there is no doubt that Kiyan Carmelo Anthony is a name that basketball fans will be hearing for years to come.
Whether he follows in his father’s footsteps to the NBA or blazes his own trail, Kiyan has the potential to become one of the most exciting young players in the game. His journey is only just beginning, but the world is already watching.
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SLAM Summer Classic Vol 6: Kiyan Anthony’s Viral Moment
In August, the SLAM Summer Classic Vol 6 brought together some of the most talented high school basketball prospects from the class of 2025, including AJ Dybantsa and Kiyan Anthony.1
Both players have made names for themselves as rising stars in the world of high school basketball, but at the event, they went viral for more than just their on-court performances.
A unique combination of basketball prowess, off-court camaraderie, and a display of personality made their presence felt on social media, captivating fans worldwide.
The Dunk Challenge: Dybantsa and Anthony Team Up
One of the highlights of the SLAM Summer Classic was the dunk challenge, where AJ Dybantsa and Kiyan Anthony joined forces to showcase their athleticism.
Dybantsa, known for his incredible vertical leap and powerful finishes at the rim, teamed up with Anthony, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, to deliver an exciting performance.
Their chemistry on the court was evident, as the two prospects fed off each other’s energy, pulling off a series of jaw-dropping dunks that left the crowd in awe.
Dybantsa’s dunking ability, particularly his hang time and explosiveness, is a hallmark of his game. His partnership with Anthony in the dunk contest highlighted not just their individual skills but their ability to entertain and connect with an audience.
The dunk challenge added another dimension to their basketball résumés, showing that these young athletes aren’t just future stars—they’re also showmen who understand the importance of capturing the crowd’s attention.
Reclassification to 2025: The Road Ahead for Dybantsa
- Originally a member of the 2026 recruiting class, AJ Dybantsa made the decision to reclassify to the 2025 class.
- This move was a strategic one, allowing him to accelerate his path to college basketball and the eventual goal of playing in the NBA.
- Reclassifying can often be a challenging decision for young athletes, as it places them against older, more experienced competition. However, Dybantsa has shown that he’s more than capable of handling the pressure.
- With his reclassification, Dybantsa’s recruitment has become one of the most highly-anticipated decisions in the 2025 class.
- He has drawn interest from nearly every major college basketball program in the country, with top-tier schools vying for his commitment.
- As he prepares to make his college decision, he has a series of official visits lined up over the next few months, where he will weigh his options and consider the best path for his development.
- The expectation is that Dybantsa will announce his college decision in February, giving fans and analysts plenty of time to speculate about where he’ll land.
- Whether he chooses a traditional powerhouse or a rising program, his decision will undoubtedly have a major impact on college basketball.
Kiyan Anthony: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
While AJ Dybantsa has made a name for himself as one of the top players in the 2025 class, Kiyan Anthony is following closely behind, carving out his own path in the basketball world.2
As the son of 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan has grown up with the spotlight on him, but he’s handled the pressure with poise and confidence.
Kiyan is a skilled guard with a high basketball IQ, inherited in part from his father’s influence. He has a smooth shooting stroke, excellent court vision, and a knack for making plays in transition.
While his game differs from his father’s—Carmelo was known for his scoring ability in isolation—Kiyan is more of a facilitator who thrives in creating opportunities for his teammates.
The SLAM Summer Classic was another opportunity for Kiyan to showcase his development, and he did not disappoint. His performance, both in the dunk contest and during the game, highlighted his growing skill set and potential. As he continues to refine his game, Kiyan is expected to be a key player in the 2025 class, and his recruitment process will also be one to watch closely.
MY 6️⃣!! #agtg pic.twitter.com/mA0h9EYBuX
— Kiyan Anthony (@kiyananthony) July 25, 2024
The Importance of Showcasing Personality in Modern Basketball
In today’s world, being a successful basketball player is about more than just performing on the court. Athletes are now expected to build personal brands, connect with fans, and engage on social media.
Events like the SLAM Summer Classic provide an opportunity for young players like AJ Dybantsa and Kiyan Anthony to not only display their basketball talent but also show their personalities.
The viral moments from the event, whether it’s dunking or singing along to popular songs, help humanize these players and make them more relatable to fans.
In an era where social media presence is almost as important as on-court performance, being able to connect with fans in this way can significantly impact a player’s marketability and future opportunities.
For Dybantsa and Anthony, their ability to balance elite-level basketball with moments of fun and personality bodes well for their future careers. As they continue to develop as players, their off-court personas will only enhance their appeal, both to fans and to potential college programs or professional teams.
Also Read: Kiyan Anthony: Fans Reaction on Carmelo Anthony’s Son Receiving Multiple Offers
Kiyan Carmelo Anthony: Bio
The Emerging Basketball Talent
Kiyan Carmelo Anthony, born on March 7, 2007, is a rising star in the world of basketball. He is the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony and television personality La La Anthony.3
Growing up in a household where basketball and media prominence were constant, Kiyan has steadily built a name for himself as a promising young talent in the sport.
With a natural affinity for basketball, Kiyan primarily plays the shooting guard position, and his journey as an athlete has already captivated the attention of basketball enthusiasts and scouts alike. In this article, we will explore his early life, influences, skills, and future prospects in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Kiyan Carmelo Anthony has had basketball in his DNA since birth.
His father, Carmelo Anthony, is a former NBA star with an illustrious career, and his mother, La La Anthony, is a well-known television personality and actress. Kiyan’s parents played influential roles in shaping his personality, combining the discipline of athletics with the confidence required for the spotlight.
Kiyan grew up watching his father dominate on the basketball court, from winning an NCAA championship with Syracuse University to becoming a perennial NBA All-Star and one of the league’s all-time leading scorers.
Observing Carmelo’s dedication and work ethic, Kiyan naturally gravitated toward basketball from a young age.
Kiyan Carmelo Anthony: Career
The Role of La La Anthony in Kiyan’s Development
While much of the focus is on Carmelo’s impact on Kiyan’s basketball career, La La Anthony has also played an integral role in his upbringing.
As a television personality and actress, La La has provided Kiyan with an understanding of life in the public eye. Her experience with media and fame has equipped Kiyan with the poise and confidence needed to handle the pressures of being in the spotlight.
La La’s commitment to raising a well-rounded individual can be seen in Kiyan’s approach to his personal and professional life. She has ensured that Kiyan balances academics with athletics, fostering a sense of responsibility that will serve him well as he continues to grow in both aspects.
Rising Through the High School Basketball Ranks
- Kiyan currently attends Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, New York, one of the most prestigious high school basketball programs in the country.
- Christ the King has a long history of producing top-tier basketball talent, including NBA players such as Lamar Odom, Speedy Claxton, and Erick Barkley.
- Kiyan’s decision to attend Christ the King places him in an environment where he can sharpen his skills while competing against some of the best high school players in the nation.
- As a shooting guard, Kiyan has demonstrated an impressive ability to shoot from beyond the arc, making him a threat on offense. His basketball IQ, footwork, and defensive instincts have also set him apart from his peers.
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- Although still early in his high school career, Kiyan has shown signs that he could develop into a complete player with a well-rounded skill set.
- To reach the next level, Kiyan understands the importance of hard work and dedication. With access to some of the best training resources through his father’s connections, Kiyan has been able to work with elite trainers who focus on developing his shooting, ball-handling, strength, and conditioning.
- He also regularly engages in training sessions with Carmelo, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship from a former NBA superstar.
- In addition to on-court training, Kiyan places a strong emphasis on nutrition, physical fitness, and mental conditioning. Understanding the demands of the game at higher levels, he takes a disciplined approach to his overall development as an athlete.
Comparisons to NBA Prospects
Kiyan’s performances at the high school level have naturally led to comparisons with other top young talents in the country.
As a member of the Class of 2025, Kiyan has emerged as one of the most talked-about prospects in his class. While his ranking among his peers may fluctuate, there is no denying his potential to play at the collegiate level and possibly beyond.
His style of play has drawn comparisons to NBA shooting guards who excel in scoring from the perimeter and creating their own shots. With his height, currently around 6’5”, and his quick release, Kiyan has the potential to develop into a lethal offensive weapon.
If he continues to refine his game, particularly on the defensive end, he could carve out a niche for himself as a two-way player.
Also Read: Who Is Kiyan Anthony? Carmelo Anthony’s Son Career, Work Ethic And More
