Carmelo Anthony Delivers Powerful Commencement Speech At Syracuse University

A homecoming of sorts to Syracuse with this one, the ceremony being graced by an address from the Class of 2025 commencement speaker, the NBA great Carmelo Anthony. In his address to the graduates, the NBA legend touched on education, community, and legacy. His speech weighed heavy on the hearts of many social media users, who would end up sharing and appreciating it mainstream.

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Giving weight to his words from his experiences, he led Syracuse to the NCAA championship in 2003, after which he enjoyed a celebrated NBA career. “What’s the point of success, if you’re not using it to uplift others?” was one of the more memorable lines. People connected with the rawness and candor of his message, and more importantly, because the message appeared genuinely coming from his heart.

Reaction came in almost immediately and was exceedingly positive on the speech. @0.wen1 had commented, “No ChatGPT, no script—just class and life experience.” @mrjosephenglishclass added, “That was from the heart. You can’t deny it.” Even @-_beautifullisa1, the Senator-glam, was touched and considered it a “wonderful speech” before diving into a mini-debate on whether everyone should just be forced to go to college.

Along the way, many looked back in memory. @mylesfeldman9 said, “Man, I wish Melo said this to my face. Bro just spoke for all of us. Fing legend,” and @aromano14 called him their “favorite athlete of all time.” The love was not just coming from basketball fans; @barbiefunkyfaceb joked, “Public speaking is your new job now,” suggesting Anthony should go on a motivational tour.

Maybe the best thing about the message was that it didn’t stay within the confines of basketball. @silasi_27 put it well: “Well spoken, nothing but facts. Great message from a real one.” As longtime followers of his career, @stylophonicdoll added, “I will always admire Carmelo since a kid.”

Some longtime Syracuse grads were reminded of their glory days. @kevingny entered with, “Couldn’t have picked a better year to graduate. Go Orange 🍊,” while others appreciated Anthony’s humility. @ajmsports20 registered that it was “such a real and down-to-earth message,” inferring that sometimes the best speeches come from people who have actually lived their lessons.

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Carmelo Anthony coming back to Syracuse was far more than just a homecoming; it gave another big window to see the lingering impact an athlete can have off the field. Judging by the incoming reactions, years will not damper the resounding voice of those words, at least for those graduates (and the Internet). No notes required, just respect.