Carmelo Anthony had the distinction of being Syracuse University’s 2025 commencement speaker.
The hallowed grounds of Syracuse is familiar territory to Anthony. In 2003, he led the Orange to the NCAA title as a freshman. It remains the school’s only Men’s championship.
Donning an academic gown and regalia, “Melo” reminisced about his college days.
“This building was the launchpad to my life,” Anthony said.
“Your path won’t be a straight line,” Anthony said to the 6,930 new Syracuse graduates in the JMA Wireless Dome. “And that’s OK. When I left for the NBA, I thought basketball would be my whole story. But life had other plans. I found myself drawn to other passions. … I was more than just an athlete. And so are you, more than just your major. You don’t have to fit in a box.”
“You can have multiple careers, you can change directions, you can evolve again and again as long as you keep chasing what sets your soul on fire,” Anthony said.
Concluding his speech, he spoke of his son, Kiyan, who will begin his career at Syracuse next season.
“My son is now a student at Syracuse,” Anthony said/. “Watching him walk the same walls, wear the same colors is one of the proudest moments of my life.
“It’s not just about following in my footsteps. It’s about watching him create his own story. That’s the power of family. That’s the power of legacy. And it reminds me that the seeds you plant today can grow far beyond what you’ve ever imagined.”
