SYRACUSE, N.Y. — He led the 2003 Syracuse men’s basketball team to its only NCAA Tournament championship and will address the Syracuse University (SU) Class of 2025 on its graduation day.
SU has selected Carmelo Anthony to deliver the commencement address on May 11 in the JMA Wireless Dome.
A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 (as announced Wednesday afternoon), he played one season (2002-2003) for the Orange men’s basketball program — helping to lead the team to its first NCAA Championship over the Kansas Jayhawks. For his performance, Anthony was named the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
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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,” SU Chancellor Kent Syverud said in the university’s announcement. “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.”
Anthony made a $3 million donation that kick-started the construction of the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, which was completed in time for the 2009-10 NCAA season.
In 2017, Anthony received the Chancellor’s Medal for Philanthropy, which is awarded to individuals in honor of their extraordinary contributions to SU, to their areas of expertise and/or to the community.
“I’m excited to be returning to the Dome to celebrate the amazing achievements of these graduates,” Anthony said in the SU announcement. “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!”
Anthony’s son, Kiyan Anthony, will soon wear an Orange jersey, following in his father’s footsteps as a member of the Orange men’s basketball program, starting this fall.
