Carmelo Anthony to deliver SU’s 2025 commencement address
Carmelo Anthony will deliver Syracuse University's 2025 graduation commencement address, the university announced Tuesday. Meghan Hendricks | Senior Staff Photographer
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Carmelo Anthony will deliver Syracuse’s 2025 commencement address during graduation in the JMA Wireless Dome on May 11, the University announced Tuesday. Anthony led the Orange to their lone men’s basketball NCAA Championship in 2003 before embarking on a 19-year NBA career, leading to his Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 election on Wednesday. Anthony’s son, Kiyan, 247Sports’ 36th-ranked class of 2025 recruit, will be a freshman on SU’s men’s basketball team next season.
“Carmelo Anthony played a pivotal role in one of the most storied moments in Syracuse University history,” Chancellor Kent Syverud said in a press release. “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.”
Anthony averaged 22.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game as a freshman and was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player after SU defeated Kansas 81-78 in the National Championship. Anthony’s No. 15 jersey was retired by Syracuse in 2013. Following one collegiate season, Anthony declared for the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected No. 3 overall by the Denver Nuggets.
Across his storied NBA career, Anthony had stints with the Nuggets (2003-11), New York Knicks (2011-17), Oklahoma City Thunder (2017-18), Houston Rockets (2018-19), Portland Trail Blazers (2019-21) and Los Angeles Lakers (2021-22). He scored 28,289 points (22.5 per game) through his career, the 10th highest total in league history. Though Anthony never won an NBA title, he was a three-time medal winner with USA Basketball.
“I’m excited to be returning to the Dome to celebrate the amazing achievements of these graduates,” Carmelo Anthony said in SU’s press release. “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!”
