Former NFL MVP interrupts Kiyan Anthony’s rise despite overwhelming attention to being Carmelo Anthony’s prodigy

Kiyan Anthony, the son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, is off to a strong start to his college career at Syracuse. Kiyan helped the Orange to an impressive 3-0 record to start the season. Former NFL MVP Cam Newton explained why Carmelo’s son has already succeeded at this level.

In a recent episode of his “4th & 1” podcast, Newton opened up about how Carmelo and La La Anthony may have put their son in difficult situations growing up, despite living a privileged life. The former NFL star added that Kiyan also put in the necessary effort to succeed at the next level.

“If you didn’t think there were some things that Kiyan actually benefited from being Carmelo’s son, you’re a fool, aren’t you?” » Newton said. “It’s just my thing is, ‘Hey, skin your knee, huh? Go get cheated. Go get dunked. Okay? Cool. Get off your ass. Come on, man. Come on.’

Newton added:

“Because in the end, look, being a dog is something that comes with repetition. You can say the best about yourself all you want, but if you haven’t invested all that time in that skill or that art or that craft, I don’t worry about you, brother.”

Cam Newton also pointed out that Kiyan Anthony being snubbed from the McDonald’s All-American Game fueled the young player. He was motivated to prove his doubters wrong and certainly showed what he had in his first three games for Syracuse.

The 18-year-old guard is averaging 17.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season, while shooting 63.6 percent from the field, including 44.4 percent from beyond the arc. He hasn’t been tested against any top teams in the country yet, but he should be ready to face them later this season.

Kiyan Anthony attributes his early success to his work ethic

Speaking with Noah Love of Spectrum News earlier this week, Kiyan Anthony was asked about his early success in his first season at Syracuse. Anthony credited the work he put in with his father and coach, as well as the motivation of people who said his game wouldn’t translate.

“I think the narrative of me coming in was, ‘He’s a good scorer, but we don’t know how that will translate to the college level,’ but obviously it does,” Anthony said. “The work I’ve done in the offseason with my dad, with my coach Chris Berkley, it’s just been good.”

However, his first real test will be in conference against teams like UNC, Louisville and Duke.