Syracuse Basketball: Carmelo Anthony to deliver commencement, 'a full-circle moment'

Melo is heading back to the Hill for something positively beautiful.

I'm getting a little sentimental here, because it's been nearly 25 years since I graduated from Syracuse University. Yes, I'm old. I'm a proud alum and will always bleed Orange.

Acclaimed broadcast journalist Ted Koppel delivered the commencement address to my class in the spring of 2000, and that was all kinds of awesome, particularly since I graduated from SU with a degree in broadcast journalism.

As cool as that was, the class of 2025 is receiving one heck of a commencement speaker. Word broke on Tuesday that Syracuse basketball legend and long-time NBA star Carmelo Anthony will deliver SU's commencement address on Sunday, May 11, at 9:30 am from the JMA Wireless Dome.

Simply amazing.

It's also delightful due to the timing, as Melo's son, 2025 four-star shooting guard Kiyan Anthony, will attend the 'Cuse and suit up for Syracuse basketball beginning next season.

A Syracuse basketball icon will address graduating students.

In a press release from SU Athletics, Carmelo Anthony said, "I'm excited to be returning to the Dome to celebrate the amazing achievements of these graduates. 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!"

Melo's tenure in Central New York needs no introduction. In his one season playing for the Orange, he was an All-American and national freshman of the year, serving as a key contributor as Syracuse basketball captured the program's first and only national championship in 2003.

As a pro, Anthony was a 10-time NBA All-Star, he's currently No. 10 on the league's all-time scoring list, and he won three Olympic gold medals with USA Basketball. Anthony is also a finalist in the class of 2025 for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

"Carmelo Anthony played a pivotal role in one of the most storied moments in Syracuse University history," Chancellor Kent Syverud said in the media statement. "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."

To reiterate, I'm beyond ecstatic that Anthony will deliver the commencement address to SU's graduating class of 2025.

Candidly, I wish I could be there to listen in.