UNC basketball, Cole Anthony

After weeks of deliberation, UNC freshman point guard Cole Anthony announced Friday on Twitter that he will enter his name into the 2020 NBA Draft–a decision widely expected when he arrived in Chapel Hill last year as one of the nation’s top high-school players.

A partially-torn meniscus midway through last season cost Anthony 11 games, but he still earned Third Team All-ACC honors after averaging 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

The New York City native has also been in the news recently for his efforts to help out those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, efforts that led him to delay his draft decision until now.

“Throughout my time at UNC I was humbled, challenged and always proud to be a Tar Heel,” Anthony said, in a statement released by the university. “I want to thank Coach Williams and the entire coaching staff for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime and pushing me every day. Thank you Tar Heel Nation for embracing me with open arms from the moment I stepped on campus and sticking by us through a tough season. My teammates – my brothers – we were together in the trenches. You made me better every day and helped me grow as a basketball player and as a man.”

Anthony scored a career-high 34 points in UNC’s season-opening win over Notre Dame and claimed both the ACC Freshman and Player of the Week honors. His season scoring average is the second-highest in school history for a freshman.

“I truly enjoyed coaching Cole this year and it will be fun to watch him play in the NBA,” head coach Roy Williams said. “It was unfortunate for Cole and our team that he missed those 11 games due to injury. He had some spectacular moments as a Tar Heel and showed the potential I feel will make him very successful in the NBA. He has our complete support going forward and I will be one of his biggest fans. It was a pleasure to coach him, and getting to know his family was fantastic, as well. He loves the game of basketball as much as any player I’ve ever coached and he will continue striving to be the absolute best player he can be. He will always be a Tar Heel.”

Photo via Todd Melet

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