50 Facts About Cole Anthony

Early Life and Family Background

Cole Anthony's journey to the NBA is deeply rooted in his early life and family background. His upbringing played a significant role in shaping the person and player he is today.

1. Birthplace: Cole Anthony was born in Portland, Oregon.
2. Father's Influence: His father, Greg Anthony, played 11 seasons in the NBA.
3. Early Life: Cole's umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck at birth, affecting his heart rate but not leading to further complications.
4. Family Move: As a toddler, Cole's family moved to Manhattan, where he grew up in a penthouse.
5. Hard-Working Values: Despite coming from a wealthy family, Cole's parents instilled hard-working values in him, emphasizing knowledge over material possessions.

Transition to Basketball

Cole's initial foray into sports wasn't basketball. However, his passion for the game soon became evident, leading to a dedicated pursuit of excellence.

6. Initial Sport: Cole first played baseball, a sport his father initially thought he would pursue, but he decided to focus on basketball in fifth grade.
7. Private Trainers: In his childhood, Cole worked with private basketball trainers and played pick-up games at local parks, seeking out older opponents.
8. Coach Steve Harris: From a young age, Cole was coached by Steve Harris, who mentored NBA player Kemba Walker and was a prominent Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) figure in New York.
9. Appearance in Little Ballers: When he was 11 years old, Cole appeared in the 2013 Nickelodeon documentary film "Little Ballers," which featured his New York-based AAU team, New Heights.

High School Career

Cole's high school career was marked by impressive performances and significant achievements, setting the stage for his future success.

10. High School Career: Cole attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood, New York, where he played basketball for his first three years.
11. Freshman Phenom: He was the first freshman to immediately start at point guard for Molloy.
12. Coach's Praise: Christ the King Regional High School head coach Joe Arbitello called Cole "the best point guard I've seen since Stephon Marbury at that age."
13. High School Stats: During his time at Molloy, Cole averaged 16.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
14. All-Catholic Recognition: He garnered All-Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Class AA second team recognition.
15. Sophomore Season: As a sophomore, Cole led Molloy to the CHSAA Class AA city championship finals, where his team was upset by Cardinal Hayes High School.
16. Season-High Points: He recorded a season-high 31 points in a win over Iona Prep in December 2016.
17. All-CHSAA First Team: In his sophomore year, Cole averaged 20.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game and was named to the All-CHSAA Class AA first team with teammate Moses Brown.
18. EYBL Performance: In June 2017, Cole played for the PSA Cardinals at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) and was named Defensive Player of the Year after leading all players in steals.
19. Junior Season: During his junior season, Cole and Moses Brown formed one of the top duos in high school basketball and Molloy's history. He averaged a league-high 23.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

Senior Year and College Decision

Cole's senior year brought new challenges and opportunities, culminating in his decision to play college basketball at a prestigious program.

20. Transfer to Oak Hill: On July 28, 2018, Cole announced that he would transfer to Oak Hill Academy for his senior year.
21. Oak Hill Legacy: At Oak Hill, Cole became the first player in school history to average a triple-double, leading the team to a 31–5 record with averages of 18.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
22. GEICO High School Nationals: He led his team to the semifinals of the GEICO High School Nationals.
23. College Career: Cole played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
24. Freshman Season: Despite missing six weeks due to injury, Cole earned third-team All-ACC accolades in his freshman season.

NBA Journey

Cole's transition to the NBA marked the beginning of a new chapter in his basketball career, filled with challenges and triumphs.

25. NBA Draft: On April 17, 2020, Cole declared for the 2020 NBA draft.
26. Draft Position: He was drafted 15th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2020 NBA draft.
27. NBA Debut: Cole made his NBA debut on November 27, 2020.
28. Current Team: He currently plays for the Orlando Magic.
29. Position: Cole plays the point guard position.
30. Height and Weight: Listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 185 pounds.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond basketball, Cole is deeply committed to giving back to his community and making a positive impact.

31. Ethnicity and Heritage: Cole carries African-American roots and was influenced by his surroundings in Harlem, New York.
32. Family Values: His parents emphasized compassion and service, instilling strong moral values in him.
33. Community Involvement: Cole is dedicated to giving back through his “50 Ways Foundation” and community initiatives.
34. Personal Motto: His personal motto, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” reflects his belief in the power of kindness and support.
35. Charitable Work: He supports youth with mentorship, basketball clinics, and financial literacy workshops.
36. Community Impact: His efforts extend to underserved communities in Orlando and Harlem, providing game tickets, school lunches, and holiday assistance to families in need.

Achievements and Recognition

Cole's hard work and dedication have earned him numerous awards and recognition both on and off the court.

37. Awards and Honors: Cole received the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award in 2022 and the 2023-2024 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award.
38. Career Stats: As of the 2023-2024 season, Cole averages 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
39. Career Highlights: He has made at least $10,348,200 playing professional basketball and made $3,613,680 in 2023.
40. Social Media Presence: Cole is active on Twitter (@The_ColeAnthony) and Instagram (@the_cole.anthony).

Education and Leadership

Cole's educational background and leadership roles have also played a significant part in his development as a player and person.

41. Education: He attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York, Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, and the University of North Carolina.
42. College Achievements: During his time at UNC, Cole was recognized for his academic achievements as well as his athletic prowess.
43. Injury History: Cole has faced injuries during his career, including an ankle injury during his senior year at Oak Hill.
44. Leadership Roles: He has held leadership roles both on and off the court, serving as a team captain during his high school years.
45. Mental Preparation: Cole emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, often speaking about his routines and strategies for staying focused under pressure.

Future Prospects

Cole Anthony's future in basketball and beyond looks promising, with many more milestones to achieve and communities to impact.

46. Community Recognition: His dedication to giving back has earned him recognition within the basketball community and beyond.
47. Philanthropic Efforts: The 50 Ways Foundation, established by Cole, aims to support youth through various initiatives, including basketball clinics and financial literacy workshops.
48. Role Models: Cole cites his father, Greg Anthony, and other influential figures in his life as role models who have shaped his approach to basketball and community service.
49. Career Milestones: Cole has achieved several milestones in his young career, including becoming the first player in Oak Hill Academy history to average a triple-double.
50. Future Prospects: With his continued dedication to both basketball and community service, Cole Anthony is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of sports and beyond.

Cole Anthony: A Rising Star On and Off the Court

Cole Anthony isn't just a talented basketball player; he's a dedicated individual making a difference. From his early days in Manhattan to his current role with the Orlando Magic, Cole's journey is marked by hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to giving back. His impressive stats, leadership roles, and community involvement highlight his multifaceted impact. Whether it's through his "50 Ways Foundation" or his on-court performances, Cole continues to inspire. His story shows that success isn't just about talent but also about character and dedication. As he moves forward, Cole Anthony is set to leave a lasting legacy in both basketball and community service. Keep an eye on this rising star; he's just getting started.