Carmelo Anthony Can’t Help Being a Proud Dad — Even If It Means Stealing the Spotlight

He may have logged 19 impressive NBA seasons, ten All-Star selections, and an Olympic gold medal, but for Carmelo Anthony, his favorite title isn’t on a stat sheet — it’s Dad.

The NBA Hall of Famer recently reminded fans of that when he proudly (and hilariously) interrupted his son Kiyan Anthony’s first post-game press conference at Syracuse University, the very school where Carmelo became a legend two decades ago.

According to The Daily Orange, the 18-year-old freshman shooting guard had just finished helping Syracuse secure a victory in their home exhibition game against Pace University on Oct. 29 when he sat down for his first-ever media session as a college athlete. Cameras were rolling when his famous father unexpectedly made his presence known — loudly.

As reporters began peppering Kiyan with questions, Carmelo leaned into the frame and shouted, “F**k I’m talkin’ ‘bout!” before clapping his son on the shoulders and giving him a proud handshake. The moment drew laughter in the room and quickly went viral on social media (Bleacher Report).

Fans across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) couldn’t help but comment on the wholesome — if slightly chaotic — father-son exchange.

“Melo never let him cheat the grind because of his name… Kiy gon’ be GOOD — that’s a proud Pops,” one fan wrote on The Shade Room.
“You could see the joy when he dapped his pops up. This is why fathers matter — that affirmation means everything,” another added.

While some viewers joked that Carmelo was acting like “the drunk dad at every family reunion,” others defended his enthusiasm, calling it a natural expression of love from a man who’s seeing his son live out a shared dream.

“Melo had him in the NYC parks, not just prep gyms,” one user wrote. “He taught him to earn it.”

Indeed, that lesson has carried through. Kiyan, standing 6-foot-5, scored nine points — including a three-pointer — in that debut exhibition. And just days later, he showed even more promise, coming off the bench to post 15 points in Syracuse’s regular-season opener against Binghamton University on Nov. 3 (ESPN).

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A Legacy That Comes Full Circle

The moment between father and son carried deep symbolism. In November 2024, Kiyan officially committed to Syracuse, following in the footsteps of his father, who famously led the Orange to their first-ever NCAA championship in 2003 and earned the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player title (Sports Illustrated).

Now, the team practices in the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, a facility that bears his name — and his legacy.

Speaking to The Daily Orange after his son’s commitment, Carmelo reflected on the meaning of passing the torch:

“You talk about legacy, family dynamics, and passing things down — this is one of those moments. We’re handing him the baton,” Anthony said. “Now, whatever he does with it, that’s on him.”

Despite his father’s towering reputation, Kiyan insists he’s focused on carving out his own path.

“It’s definitely overwhelming,” he told The Daily Orange. “I’m not gonna lie and act like it’s easy. There’s a lot of pressure — but I’m learning to use that as motivation.”

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Growing Up in the Spotlight

Born to Carmelo and television personality La La Anthony, Kiyan has been in the public eye since childhood. Yet, his parents have always emphasized normalcy, discipline, and humility. In a 2023 People Magazine interview, La La revealed that even as Kiyan started attracting national recruiting attention from schools like USC and Memphis, they made sure his education came first.

“Carmelo’s a hands-on dad,” La La shared. “He wants Kiyan to know that nothing’s handed to you — you’ve got to earn it.”

That lesson seems to resonate. On and off the court, Kiyan has earned respect for his poise and maturity — even when his dad’s enthusiasm steals the mic. Fans loved how he handled the viral interruption, barely flinching before smoothly continuing his answer like a seasoned pro.

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Like Father, Like Son

The bond between Carmelo and Kiyan is one that’s been documented throughout the years — from viral clips of the pair training in New York City gyms to Carmelo’s sideline support at AAU tournaments. In 2024, ESPN’s Andscape called them “basketball’s most relatable father-son duo,” noting how Melo’s parenting blends old-school toughness with modern-day support.

Whether he’s cheering courtside, giving advice, or — as the latest clip shows — unintentionally hijacking interviews, Carmelo Anthony continues to be his son’s biggest fan.

And as Kiyan begins his collegiate journey, there’s a sense that basketball history is repeating itself — not as a shadow, but as an evolution.

Because for Carmelo Anthony, no amount of championships, records, or accolades will ever compare to the pride of being Dad.