Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Kiyan Anthony (born May 29, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). As a freshman in college, Anthony led Syracuse to a 30–5 record and the school's first NCAA championship in men's basketball. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2003 NCAA Final Four and MVP of NCAA East Regional. He was also named the consensus national Freshman of the Year and was a unanimous choice as the Big East Conference Freshman of the Year. Anthony was selected with the third pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and was named the 2005 Rookie Challenge MVP.

Anthony was born in the Red Hook projects in Brooklyn, New York City.[1] His father, after whom he is named, died of cancer when Anthony was two years old.[2] When Anthony turned eight, his family moved to Baltimore, where he honed not only his athletic skills, but his survival skills.[3] Kenny Minor, one of Anthony's childhood friends, said, "from drugs, to killings, to anything you can name that goes on in the roughest parts of town, we've seen and witnessed hands on. Those are the things that teach you toughness and keep you mentally focused on your goals."[3] Sports would serve as an important diversion from the violence and drug dealing that were pervasive in the housing projects a few blocks from the homes of Anthony and his friends.[3]

Anthony commuted to Towson Catholic High School for his first three years of high school. During the summer of 2000, when he grew five inches, he made a name for himself in the area, being named The Baltimore Sun's metro player of the year in 2001, as well as Baltimore Catholic League player of the year.[4] Anthony transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia for his senior campaign. While at Oak Hill Academy, Anthony was named to the McDonald's All-American Team and won the Sprite Slam Jam dunk contest prior to the McDonald’s All-American game.[4] He was also named a USA Today First-Team All-American and a Parade First-Team All-American.