An NBA prospect quietly brimming with potential serves Melo and beyond. Kiyan Anthony is one year out of college and probably four years (or less) away from the NBA. He hasn't even chosen his school yet. But Carmelo Anthony's son is already dominating the youth scene. From 40-point games to easy three-point challenges, Kiyan has the talent to one day put on his father's “three-on-head” celebration. He might even embarrass a few seasoned pros like Shaquille O'Neal.

Between college tours and high school, the Long Island Lutheran student owned the 2024 Peach Jam in Augusta, South Carolina. It was in this game that Kiyan went from being Melo's son to a highly anticipated NBA prospect. The fame came immediately.

He no longer had to date his father to be recognized. He was shopping in Augusta and was overwhelmed when locals noticed him. Kiyan was hanging out at the Culture Kings store completing her 10-shot challenge.

Over time documented Kiyan's trip behind the scenes at Peach Jam as he accepted this challenge. As the name suggests, you can win free sneakers on the house if you make 10 consecutive free throws. This is the guy who just scored 40 points in an EYBL 17U game. For the 17-year-old, it's child's play.

After the first five shots he had a handful of spectators. In the next half, he realized he had a whole gallery. The pressure of being watched made Kiyan think, “I have to take this shot, no way.” And so he did, won his free sneakers and was thrilled when he realized how many people were watching and recording him.

Someone who would thrive under that pressure was Shaquille O'Neal during the 19 seasons he spent in the NBA. But he couldn't do what Kiyan just did – make a free throw count.

Melo's son could embarrass Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal remains one of the most agile big men in NBA history when he was in the low post. But it is a known fact that he struggled from the line. He made 11,252 attempts over the course of his career, including 5,317, and has a career free throw rate of 52%. And he's only made one 3-pointer in 19 years. His free throw shooting was so notorious that his opponents developed an entire strategy: “Hack-a-Shaq” to get him to the free throw line and watch him crash and burn.

In comparison, Carmelo Anthony ranks 17th on the all-time free throw list with a rate of 81% and is one of the league's top ten scorers. However, keep in mind that Shaq is tied for 9th all-time points leader with 28,596 career points. Melo's 28,289 career points keep him in 10th place by a narrow margin.

If Melo had more minutes in his final seasons, he would have easily overtaken Shaq. But if Shaq had made even half of his missed free throws, he himself would have been higher on the list. On an average day, Melo was a better point scorer than Shaq. Now it's his son who shows off his skills. However, as Kiyan continues to gain popularity and attention, Melo is not immune to the pressure.