Cole Anthony

Cole Anthony's Biography

Cole Hinton Anthony, born on May 15, 2000, is a distinguished talent in the basketball world. As an American professional player who has gained significant administrative and practical ground in various basketball spheres, Anthony signifies youth, talent, and progressive basketball skills.

Current standing as a player for Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA) has gained him the necessary exposure and experience in professional basketball. Before rising to professional participation in basketball, he played college basketball and represented the North Carolina Tar Heels. Equipped with a height of 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) and a preferable weight of 185 pounds (84 kilograms), Anthony perfectly suits the competitive standards for his position as a point guard.

Anthony’s pathway to professional basketball builds upon the legacy of his father, Greg Anthony, who played 11 seasons in NBA. The young Anthony’s life began in Manhattan, New York, where he attended Archbishop Molloy High School. His final year was transferred to Oak Hill Academy, known for being rich in basketball programs. Anthony outshined his peers and gained top rankings as a five-star recruit and the best point guard in his class of 2019. His prolific performance in his senior year earned him USA Today All-USA first team honors and prestigious recognition as the most valuable player (MVP) in the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit.

Despite Anthony’s injury that kept him away from the game for six weeks during his freshman season at North Carolina, his remarkable performance gained him All-ACC third-team accolades. His leadership skills were evident when he led the United States to acquire a gold medal, and he was subsequently named to the all-tournament team at the FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship in Ontario in 2018.

Born in Portland, Oregon, during his father’s tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, Anthony grew up and spend his early life in Manhattan, where his family moved when he was a toddler. Despite being raised within his family’s wealth, Anthony learned from his parent’s insistence on hard work and strong values. His expression elucidates the influence, “They don’t hand anything to me in life. What they do hand to me is knowledge,” reflecting his commitment to learning and personal growth.

In his continuous development as a basketball player, Anthony initially showed interest in baseball, a sport his father initially believed he would pursue. However, in his fifth-grade, he opted for the basketball, which has since been his journey. His interest in competitive play was boosted by being coached by Steve Harris and his childhood interactions with older opponents during pick-up matches. His basketball development was prominent, earning him a spot in the 2013 Nickelodeon documentary, “Little Ballers,” directed by his mother, showcasing his New York-based AAU team, New Heights.

Anthony’s high school career was marked with several outstanding performances, including leading his team to the CHSAA Class AA city championship finals in his sophomore season. He was named Defensive Player of the Year after leading all players in steals at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). On multiple occasions, he was recognized as All-CHSAA Class AA first team, USA Today All-USA third team, and MaxPreps Junior All-American third team.

Anthony’s senior year playing for the Oak Hill Academy was phenomenal. He averaged a triple-double season, leading the team to a 31-5 record, becoming the school’s first player to do so. His achievements during these times made him Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year and the MVP for prestigious high school all-star games.

Upon entering the College scene, Anthony was recognized as the top point guard in his class and the second-best player in the class by ESPN rankings. His performance in North Carolina was exemplary, leading to him declaring for the 2020 NBA draft and being selected by the Orlando Magic. In his first NBA season, Anthony recorded two game-winning three-point buzzer-beaters and became the first Magic rookie to score 30-plus points since 2014.

Despite some injuries and suspensions, Anthony’s performance during his initial periods with NBA still shines brightly. His contribution to the USA basketball team during championships made him a part of the all-tournament team. Growing up in a family entrenched in the sports, entertainment, law, and politics has shaped Anthony’s world-view. His father, being an NBA player, and his mother, a filmmaker and author, have enriched Anthony’s exposure to various aspects of life, giving him a solid foundation to excel in his basketball career. Cole Anthony, with his impressive talent in basketball, stands out in his generation as a player to watch out for his potential future contributions to the NBA.