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Kiyan Anthony did not play in the Syracuse basketball team’s most recent loss to ACC rival Virginia. Many believe Carmelo Anthony played a role in head coach Adrian Autry’s decision.
The former Orange hoops star was critical of the program amid a disappointing season. Viewers believed his son’s benching was retaliation for those comments.
Carmelo Anthony voicing his concerns on Syracuse basketball👀
Can we just fire Red now? pic.twitter.com/nyTHVWsrbF
— Cardiac Cuse (@cardiac_cuse) February 3, 2026
After a loss to North Carolina last week, Anthony wrote, “SMFH” on an Instagram post referencing the game. It made immediate headlines as Syracuse fell to 13-10 on the season.
Was his son benched as a result?
Kiyan Anthony did not play vs. UVA.
“It’s no narratives about any of this stuff, man… That was just my decision that I made today.”
Adrian Autry explains why Kiyan Anthony did not see the floor against Virginia in Syracuse’s 72-59 loss. pic.twitter.com/FvrAlJtyaK
— Cuse Sports Talk (@CuseSportsTalk_) February 7, 2026
His head coach says Carmelo Anthony’s comment had no impact. It was simply a coaching decision.
“(Virginia) is a physical team, and experienced team,” he said in his postgame press conference. “That was just my decision.”
Kiyan Anthony was not injured. He’d played 16 minutes the game prior, scoring 10 points and recording a steal.
The freshman forward has played in every previous contest. He’s averaging 19 minutes per game in those appearances.
With that being said, his production has dipped of late. Anthony has shot at a clip of 30% from the field or less six of his last eight times on the court.
Autry credits his benching to that decline, not his father’s criticism.
Carmelo Anthony responded to his son’s benching.
Carmelo Anthony commented under ESPN’s Instagram post about Kiyan not playing in Syracuse’s loss to Virginia today.
“A little adversity don’t hurt.” pic.twitter.com/qDJlOgSb3Q
— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) February 8, 2026
After watching his son sit on the sidelines for the entirety of the loss, Carmelo Anthony commented online. He ensures that Kiyan Anthony will respond positively.
The former player is not the only Syracuse basketball parent to blast Adrian Autry. Tyler Betsey’s dad called the coach out after a loss to Virginia Tech.
I’m truly p—d with the way the coach is playing these guys. His sub game is bad. He has the talent. If you ask me, I blame the whole staff. They’re supposed to see the issue. They are not.
Never should have lost these last two games… START BETSEY, START BETSEY… Give him the green light!
Autry’s seat is hot. He may not survive his third year as Syracuse’s head coach.
Parents and others close to the program are angry. The Orange will have a decision to make as Autry further loses the fanbase.