Brief Introduction of Cole Anthony
Cole Hilton Anthony is a dynamic American professional basketball player, currently serving as a point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born into a family with a rich basketball legacy, he is the son of former NBA player and current analyst, Greg Anthony. Anthony quickly established himself as a top-tier talent during his high school career, earning consensus five-star recruit status and numerous accolades. After a standout, albeit injury-shortened, freshman season with the North Carolina Tar Heels, he declared for the 2020 NBA Draft. Selected 15th overall by the Orlando Magic, he spent his initial professional years with the team before joining the Bucks. Known for his explosive scoring, playmaking abilities, and confident demeanor on the court, Anthony has become a prominent figure in the league.
Cole Anthony Overview
| Full Name | Cole Hilton Anthony |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 2000 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 25 |
| Birthplace | Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Father: Greg Anthony, Mother: Crystal McCrary, Stepfather: Raymond McGuire |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $10 million (as of 2024) |
Early Life and Education of Cole Anthony
Cole Anthony was born in Portland, Oregon, during the time his father, Greg Anthony, was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. He moved to Manhattan, New York, as a toddler and grew up in a well-off household. Despite the family’s wealth, his parents, Greg Anthony and Crystal McCrary, emphasized the values of hard work and did not simply hand him things. Anthony has stated that his parents provided him with knowledge and a strong work ethic. Initially drawn to baseball, a sport his father thought he might pursue, Cole shifted his focus to basketball in the fifth grade. He began honing his skills with private trainers and sought out challenging competition by playing against older opponents. For his first three years of high school, Anthony attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York, where he made an immediate impact, becoming the first freshman to start at point guard. For his senior year, he transferred to the renowned Oak Hill Academy in Virginia to further develop his basketball career.
Cole Anthony’s Career
Anthony’s basketball journey was marked by excellence from an early stage. At Archbishop Molloy, he was a standout player, earning accolades such as All-CHSAA Class AA first team honors. His game reached new heights during his senior year at Oak Hill Academy, where he famously became the first player in the school’s history to average a triple-double, with 18.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. This stellar performance earned him the title of Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year and MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit. A consensus five-star recruit, he was widely regarded as the top point guard in the 2019 class.
For his college career, Anthony committed to the University of North Carolina. He made a historic debut for the Tar Heels, scoring 34 points with 11 rebounds and five assists, setting records for the most points by a UNC freshman in their first game and the most points in a freshman debut in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). His freshman season was interrupted by a right knee injury that required surgery, causing him to miss 11 games. Despite the setback, he finished the season with impressive averages of 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, earning selections to the third-team All-ACC and the ACC All-Freshman Team. Following his lone season at UNC, Anthony declared for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Cole Anthony was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he quickly made a name for himself with his clutch performances, including multiple game-winning shots. He spent several seasons with the Magic, developing his game and becoming a key contributor. In October 2023, the Magic signed him to a three-year, $39 million contract extension. Later, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he continues his professional career. Anthony has also represented his country on the international stage, winning a gold medal with the USA U18 National Team at the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.
Cole Anthony Personal Life & Family
Cole Anthony comes from a highly accomplished family. His father, Greg Anthony, is a former NBA point guard who played for 11 seasons with various teams, including the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers, and was part of the 1990 UNLV national championship team. Post-retirement, Greg has become a prominent basketball analyst for television. Cole’s mother, Crystal McCrary, is a successful lawyer, author, and filmmaker. She worked as an entertainment lawyer before pursuing a creative career, authoring best-selling novels and producing television shows and films. His parents are divorced, and his stepfather is Raymond McGuire, a Wall Street banking executive and a former candidate for mayor of New York City. Cole is the oldest of five siblings and is known to be a dedicated big brother. He has a sister named Ella and a younger brother named Leo, among others. He was raised with a strong emphasis on hard work and giving back to the community, values which he embodies through his foundation.
Awards and Achievements of Cole Anthony
- NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award (October 2024)
- Third-team All-ACC (2020)
- ACC All-Freshman Team (2020)
- McDonald’s All-American Game MVP (2019)
- Jordan Brand Classic MVP (2019)
- Nike Hoop Summit MVP (2019)
- Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year (2019)
- USA Today All-USA first team (2019)
- FIBA Americas U18 Championship Gold Medal (2018)
- FIBA Americas U18 Championship All-Tournament Team (2018)
- Nike EYBL MVP (2018)
Cole Anthony Net Worth and Income
As of 2024, Cole Anthony’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His primary source of income is his NBA salary. After his initial rookie scale contract, he signed a significant three-year, $39.1 million extension with the Orlando Magic in 2023. His contract with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2025-26 season is valued at $2,667,947. Over his career, he has signed contracts totaling over $57 million. In addition to his on-court earnings, Anthony’s net worth is supplemented by various endorsement deals with brands such as Master & Dynamic, Tissot, and Armani Beauty, although the specific earnings from these partnerships are not publicly disclosed.
Legacy and Influence
Despite being in the early stages of his career, Cole Anthony is building a legacy centered on dynamic skill, relentless competitiveness, and a strong commitment to community service. He has actively worked to carve out his own identity, moving beyond the shadow of being “Greg Anthony’s son” to being a respected player in his own right. His influence extends off the court through his 50 Ways Foundation, which focuses on empowering youth through mentorship, resources, and new experiences. His work with the foundation, including hosting financial literacy workshops and basketball clinics, has been recognized by the NBA, highlighting his dedication to making a positive impact. On the court, he is known for his confident play and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, inspiring younger players who admire his skill and work ethic.
Interesting Facts about Cole Anthony
- At birth, his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, which momentarily affected his heart rate but resulted in no further complications.
- He was the first player in the history of the prestigious Oak Hill Academy basketball program to average a triple-double for a season.
- Before focusing on basketball in the fifth grade, he played baseball.
- His mother, Crystal McCrary, is a New York Times best-selling author.
- He has a foundation called the “50 Ways Foundation” aimed at supporting youth.
- He set a record for the most points scored by a UNC freshman in their debut game with 34 points.
Controversies
In December 2022, Cole Anthony was suspended for one game by the NBA. The reason for the suspension was not detailed in the provided search results. There have also been online discussions and articles questioning the accuracy of his widely reported high school statistics from Oak Hill Academy, with some suggesting discrepancies in the recorded numbers for points, rebounds, and assists across different sources.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (the_cole.anthony) – Follower count not publicly available.
- Twitter – Follower count not publicly available.
- YouTube – Subscriber count not publicly available.
Final Words about Cole Anthony
Cole Anthony’s journey in the world of basketball is a compelling narrative of talent meeting determination. From being a highly-touted high school prodigy to a key player in the NBA, he has consistently proven his ability to perform at the highest levels. His career, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks, continues on an upward trajectory, marked by electrifying plays and a growing maturity in his game. Beyond his athletic achievements, Anthony is actively shaping a legacy of philanthropy and community leadership. His work through the 50 Ways Foundation demonstrates a commitment to using his platform for positive change. As he continues to evolve both as a player and an individual, Cole Anthony remains a significant and inspiring figure in professional sports, carrying on his family’s impressive legacy while forging his own distinct and impactful path.