Carmelo Anthony (Photo by N. Scott Trimble)
Carmelo Anthony, one of Syracuse University’s most prolific former student-athletes, will deliver the University’s 2025 Commencement address on Sunday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m. at the JMA Wireless Dome. Anthony’s return to campus is especially profound as his son, Kiyan Anthony, will soon wear the Orange jersey, following in his father’s footsteps as a member of the Orange men’s basketball program.
The basketball legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 finalist played one season for the Orange men’s basketball program helping to lead the team to its first NCAA Championship in a thrilling victory over the Kansas Jayhawks. For his stunning performance, he was named the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player. After Syracuse, he went on to play 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association, earning accolades such as 10-time NBA All-Star and six-time All-NBA Team member. The four-time Olympian for U.S. basketball won three Olympic gold medals and a bronze medal. Beyond his time on the court, Anthony is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and media personality with his podcast “7PM in Brooklyn.”
“Carmelo Anthony played a pivotal role in one of the most storied moments in Syracuse University history,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “His exceptional talent, relentless work ethic and athletic excellence are matched by his unwavering commitment to giving back, especially in creating opportunities for young people and aspiring student-athletes. We are honored to welcome Carmelo back to campus to inspire and share his journey with our graduates, their families and the entire University community at this year’s Commencement ceremony.”
“I’m excited to be returning to the Dome to celebrate the amazing achievements of these graduates,” says Carmelo Anthony. “This is a full-circle moment, and serves as a powerful reminder of how education, resilience and a supportive community can empower you to achieve your dreams. Go Orange!”
A top high school recruit with an already impressive talent, he quickly became a standout player at Syracuse. Anthony was a consensus All-American, averaging 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game, helping lead Syracuse to a 30-5 overall record. He was honored as National Freshman of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association, Basketball Times, Sporting News and ESPN.com. He was a unanimous selection for Big East Conference Freshman of the Year and was Big East Conference Rookie of the Week a record 10 times, among other accolades.
With his history-making year at Syracuse, it did not take long for NBA teams to recognize his immense potential. He declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected as the third overall pick by the Denver Nuggets. His prowess and talent set him up as one of the league’s premier scorers. During his time with the Nuggets (2003–2011), he consistently led the team to the playoffs and achieved numerous accolades. In 2011, he was traded to the New York Knicks, where his abilities continued to raise the bar, scoring a career-high 62 points in a single game, a record for both the Knicks and Madison Square Garden.
His career continued with playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers. Over 19 seasons in the NBA, he earned 10 All-Star selections, a scoring title in 2013 and a place on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. His NBA legacy has been solidified as a fan favorite and with his scoring abilities—ranking among the top 10 all-time leading scorers in the NBA.
On the international stage, Anthony’s popularity went global as a four-time Olympian. Anthony joined United States basketball, winning three Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016) and one bronze (2004).
Off the court, Anthony has continuously given back to provide opportunities for the next generation. Along with his support of youth and family programs and community initiatives, Anthony made a lead gift that kick-started the construction of the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, which was completed in time for the 2009-10 NCAA season. The 54,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility features two full-practice courts, a strength and conditioning room, state-of-the art athletic training suite, offices for both coaching staffs, and complete locker room facilities.
In 2017, Anthony received the Chancellor’s Medal for Philanthropy, which is awarded to individuals in honor of their extraordinary contributions to the University, to their areas of expertise and/or to the community.
Anthony, who retired from the NBA in 2023, has ventured into several entrepreneurial projects. These include the launch of his global estate brand, VII(N) The Seventh Estate; his lifestyle brand STAYME7O, which celebrates his well-known mantra and mindset; and his global, multi-platform content company Creative 7. In his latest project with Creative 7, he executive produces and co-hosts “7pm in Brooklyn,” a top-charting digital series surrounding all things hoops and culture.
