(La Porte, IN) - A former NBA superstar was in La Porte last night to watch his son compete against some of the best college prep basketball teams in the nation.
Carmelo Anthony was seated in a designated area close to the rim on the opposite side of the court from the front doors at the hallowed Civic Auditorium.
His son, Kiyan, is a member of the Long Island Lutheran High School team, which played against La Lumiere to open the third annual La Porte Invitational televised on ESPNU.
His 6’4” junior son is a shooting guard and one of the highest-recruited players in the nation.
Anthony said he went to the game to support his son, his school, and the other teams in the invitational.
“Just kind of being a proud parent. Just coming out to support the kids. That’s what it’s about,” he said.
Anthony grew up in New York City and retired after the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, spending most of his illustrious career with the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks.
He ultimately played 20 NBA seasons and scored over 20 points a game annually until his last five, but he still had productive years in the league.
Nowadays though, Anthony said his focus is on being the best father he can be.
“I’m trying to be a dad. That’s what I’m trying to be. That’s all. Trying to be a good dad. That’s it,” he said.
Right now, Anthony said, he wants his son to enjoy his life as it is right now and, even though he's encouraged by his son’s level of play, only time will tell if he reaches the NBA.
“It’s still early for these guys. I’d rather them enjoy this moment here first. We got a long way to go,” he said.
At halftime, Anthony went outside, which did not go unrecognized by his teenage fans who waited for his return in hopes of getting his autograph.
“He’s like one of my favorite players of all time,” said Isaac Seifert, a sophomore at New Prairie High School.
Seifert and about a dozen other children rushed toward Anthony when he came back inside the building, signing autographs for several of his fans before returning courtside to watch the second half.
No. 11 ranked team La Lumiere, trailing by double digits at halftime, cut the lead to two points in the third quarter, but No. 2 ranked Long Island Lutheran proved too much and won the game by nearly 20 points.
