While Carmelo Anthony Hurts for Kiyan, $220 Billion Giant Slammed for Disrespect to “Mecca of Basketball”

“I want to be known on the court for getting buckets, winning, and helping my teammates.” This is the mindset of Kiyan Anthony and has to be if you are the son of Carmelo Anthony. And this is paying him off too! Kiyan has been making waves this season, proving why he’s the top-ranked high school player in New York. But just as things were falling into place, an injury took him off the court for over two months. Bad timing? Absolutely. It might have just cost him one of the biggest honors in high school basketball.

Reason? We all know The McDonald’s All-American Game is a big deal. It’s not just about bragging rights—it puts young stars in the national spotlight. Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan’s father, knows this better than anyone. Back in 2002, he dominated the game, setting the stage for his legendary career. Moreover, Melo himself is repping the new meal for the $220.41B fast-food restaurant chain (as per Macrotrends)! So it’s surprising that his son is not included in the list. And Kiyan had every reason to follow in his footsteps. So why wasn’t he selected?

His exclusion has left people frustrated. Interestingly, even Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., was disappointed. He took to X(formerly Twitter), saying, “Wait. Kiyan Anthony is the number one ranked player in New York? The ‘Mecca of Basketball’ AND HE DON’T GET TO BE A MCDONALD’S ALL-AMERICAN!?!?! Bruh smh. wtf.” And honestly, he’s got a point.

Wait. Kiyan Anthony is the number one ranked player in New York? The “Mecca of Basketball”

AND HE DONT GET TO BE A MCDONALDS ALL AMERICAN!?!?!

Bruh smh. wtf.

— O’Shea Jackson Jr (@OsheaJacksonJr) March 14, 2025

New York is known for producing basketball legends—Kareem, Stephon Marbury, and even Melo himself. If Kiyan is the best in the state, how is he not on that list?

Carmelo didn’t stay quiet, either. “They jerked us,” he said, making it clear he believed Kiyan earned that spot. But here’s the thing—this setback doesn’t define him. If anything, it’s fuel. The best way to respond? Outplay, outshine and out-dunk the guys who made the roster. And knowing Kiyan, he just might.

This is a developing story…

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