The sophomore looks to have added muscle in this recent social media photo. He also has a greater resemblance to his famous father.
The Syracuse men's basketball team has been working out together this month under first-year head coach Gerry McNamara. One player who has been making waves via a recent social media post is sophomore guard Kiyan Anthony.
As our own Brady Farkas pointed out earlier this month, the player's father -- Syracuse alum Carmelo Anthony -- has helped in Kiyan's improvement this offseason.
Kiyan Anthony's efforts have not just been focused strictly on bettering his basketball skills but also physical growth. As the social media post from Syracuse basketball's Instagram account shows, Kiyan has adopted a new hairstyle and sculpted a more muscular frame.
Syracuse fans react to Kiyan's new look
After seeing the post on Instagram, Orange fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the bigger Kiyan Anthony.
James on X wrote "This picture is NUTS! That's not Carmelo. It's Kiyan!"
Otto's Grove describe seeing the photo as:
"Legit thought that was a throwback picture of Melo in the first picture. Crazy how much Kiyan looks like his dad in that photo. (I mean, the fact it’s in the Melo Center should have tipped me off.)"
Syracuse fan Rellvolver compared the new physique of the younger Anthony to Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero.
"Kiyan looking like Paolo."
Kiyan Anthony's freshman rewind, sophomore projection
During his freshman season, Anthony used a then-smaller frame to draw contact from defenders. The hope is by adding an estimated 15 pounds of weight, his more physical stature could allow him to absorb contact easier and play with more confidence.
Last season, Anthony averaged 8.0 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. He played in 29 games but the Orange finished below .500 and missed the NCAA Tournament for a fifth consecutive season.
If Anthony is able to improve his defense along with shooting from the free throw line (62.8%), Syracuse could return to the NCAA Tournament in March. Anthony is likely to be in the team's starting lineup when the season tips off this fall.
Other Syracuse offseason news
Brady Farkas offered his take on the biggest question Gerry McNamara will have to answer in his debut season on the sideline leading the Orange.
The official numbers for this season's roster have been released. However, are some players wearing numbers that should be changed before the season tips off
We dove into why the number etiquette at Syracuse University is causing some potential future problems.
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