Cole Anthony is an American professional basketball player who plays as a point guard for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA).<\/p>
**Collegiate Career (North Carolina Tar Heels)**
\nCole Anthony attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played one season for the Tar Heels. As a highly touted freshman, he was expected to be a key player for North Carolina. He made an immediate impact, notably recording a triple-double in his collegiate debut against Notre Dame, with 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, setting a new ACC record for points by a freshman in a debut. Despite facing a knee injury that sidelined him for several weeks, Anthony returned to finish his freshman season strong. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game during his collegiate career. Although the Tar Heels had a challenging season, Cole Anthony’s individual performances consistently showcased his scoring ability, athleticism, and potential as a future NBA player. He declared for the NBA draft after his freshman year, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.<\/p>
**NBA Draft**
\nCole Anthony was selected as the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. The 2020 NBA Draft was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Anthony was considered one of the top point guard prospects in his draft class, known for his offensive versatility, ability to create his own shot, and strong rebounding for his position. His selection by the Magic marked a significant step in his professional career, joining a team looking to build its young roster.<\/p>
**Professional Career and News**
\nSince joining the Orlando Magic, Cole Anthony has established himself as a dynamic point guard known for his clutch shooting and energetic play. In his rookie season (2020-2021), he quickly earned a starting spot, especially after the Magic traded several veteran players. He hit multiple game-winning or game-tying shots, demonstrating his composure in high-pressure situations. His performance led to him being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.<\/p>
In subsequent seasons, Anthony continued to develop, improving his playmaking ability and shooting efficiency. He has frequently been one of the Magic’s primary ball-handlers and scorers, showcasing his ability to drive to the basket, hit pull-up jumpers, and distribute the ball. His on-court leadership, despite his young age, has been a consistent topic in the news. He has also been praised for his competitive spirit and willingness to embrace challenges. News surrounding Cole Anthony often highlights his growth as a player and his impact on the Magic’s rebuilding efforts, with analysts frequently discussing his potential to become a cornerstone piece for the franchise. Injuries have occasionally impacted his availability, but he has consistently bounced back, demonstrating resilience.<\/p>
**Personal Data**
\nCole Anthony was born on May 15, 2000, in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in New York City. He comes from a prominent basketball family; his father is Greg Anthony, a former NBA player and current basketball analyst, and his mother is Crystal McCrary, a lawyer, author, and film producer. Cole attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York, before transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia for his senior year, where he was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the country. His upbringing in a basketball-centric environment, combined with his natural talent and hard work, has significantly contributed to his success. He is known for his dedication to the game and his strong work ethic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":48129,"template":"","categories":[1],"class_list":["post-48128","nba-player","type-nba-player","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n