Kiyan Anthony wanted to honor his father’s legendary championship legacy at Syracuse. His new tattoo recreating that historic 2003 newspaper front page seemed like the perfect tribute. But when basketball fans saw the finished artwork, the reaction wasn’t what anyone expected.
Instead of celebrating the meaningful gesture, social media erupted with criticism about the tattoo’s execution, leaving many questioning whether good intentions were enough.
How Does Kiyan Anthony’s New Syracuse Tattoo Honor Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy?
Basketball fans got their first look at Kiyan’s new tattoo when @inkednba posted it on Instagram this week. The artwork covers most of his left arm and was done by tattoo artist Steve Wiebe, who’s known for his sports-themed designs.
The tattoo recreates the iconic Syracuse Post-Standard newspaper from March 2003, but with a personal twist that makes it all about Kiyan. Where the original paper said “CHAMPS” after Syracuse won the NCAA title, his version reads “LEGACY” in bold letters across the top.
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The most striking change is on the front page photo. Instead of showing his father Carmelo Anthony celebrating, it features Kiyan himself in his high school uniform. It’s a clear message that he’s ready to write his own chapter in Syracuse basketball history.
That 2003 championship game was special because Carmelo led Syracuse past Kansas 81-78 as just a freshman to claim the school’s only national title. He dominated the Final Four and took home Most Outstanding Player honors, forever cementing his place in college basketball lore.
This isn’t Kiyan’s first meaningful tattoo tribute to family members. He previously got artwork honoring his mother, La La Anthony. That earlier piece featured her portrait with a heartfelt message about her constant support and sacrifices for his basketball career.
Why Are Fans Criticizing the Tattoo’s Artwork Quality?
However, some fans weren’t impressed with how the tattoo actually turned out, despite loving the idea behind it. Many basketball followers quickly pointed out problems with the artwork quality and questioned the tattoo artist’s skills on the portrait work.
A user noted, “He really shouldn’t have rushed it. It’s a c grade Tatoo if that.”
Another user said, “Someone needs to get this man a new artist.”
A user commented: “Bench the Tattoo artist. All that money. Melo’s face looks off.”
A user observed, “All that money and you couldn’t have found a better artist to do a portrait of your pops? You can’t just go to any artist for portraits lmao.”
A user remarked: “Lowkey with all the money he has… he could of paid more money to have a better artist do that tattoo.”
However, one user offered a balanced perspective, saying, “Awesome idea. Awful execution.”
While the tattoo’s concept honors family legacy, many fans believe the execution fell short of expectations for such a meaningful tribute. Despite the criticism, Kiyan’s commitment to Syracuse shows his determination to build upon the Anthony name in college basketball.
