Cole Anthony's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Cole Anthony. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Cole Anthony is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. He played college basketball for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Primarily a point guard, Anthony is listed at 6 feet 2 inches and 185 pounds. His career has been marked by his skills in the point guard position, leading him to professional recognition in the NBA.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Rashad McCants' Freshman Record

In 2002, Rashad McCants set the program record for most points in a freshman season debut before Cole Anthony surpassed it in 2019.

February 21, 2014: Victor Oladipo's 30-Point Game

On February 21, 2014, Victor Oladipo tallied 30 points against the New York Knicks. This was the last time a Magic rookie scored 30-plus points before Cole Anthony's performance on May 16, 2021.

June 2017: Nike EYBL Defensive Player of the Year

In June 2017, Cole Anthony 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.

July 2018: Nike EYBL MVP Award

In July 2018, Cole Anthony won the most valuable player (MVP) award with the PSA Cardinals in the Nike EYBL after averaging 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists over 16 games.

2018: FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship

In 2018, Cole Anthony led the United States to a gold medal at the FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship in St. Catharines, Ontario, and was named to the all-tournament team.

2018: RJ Barrett's ACC Freshman Record

In 2018, RJ Barrett set the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record for points in a freshman season debut. Cole Anthony surpassed this record on November 6, 2019.

November 6, 2019: Regular-Season Debut for North Carolina

On November 6, 2019, in his regular-season debut for North Carolina, Cole Anthony scored 34 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, leading his team to a 76-65 victory over Notre Dame. He surpassed the program record for most points in a freshman season debut.

2019: Averaged Triple-Double at Oak Hill Academy

In 2019, Cole Anthony averaged 18.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game at Oak Hill Academy, leading his team to a 31-5 record, and became the first player in school history to average a triple-double. He earned spots on the USA Today All-USA first team and MaxPreps All-American third team and was named MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game, Nike Hoop Summit, and Jordan Brand Classic. He was also recognized as Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year for his success in basketball and academics.

2019: Five-Star Recruit

In 2019, Cole Anthony was rated as a consensus five-star recruit and the best point guard in the 2019 class. As a senior, he earned USA Today All-USA first team honors and was named MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit. In his freshman season at North Carolina, Anthony earned third-team All-ACC accolades despite missing six weeks due to injury.

February 1, 2020: Return from Knee Injury

On February 1, 2020, Cole Anthony returned from a knee injury in a game against Boston College, scoring 26 points and making 14 free throws.

May 16, 2021: 30-Point Game

On May 16, 2021, Cole Anthony became the first Magic rookie to score 30-plus points since Victor Oladipo in 2014, with 30 points against the New York Knicks, marking the fifth-highest-scoring performance by a rookie in team history.

2021: Most Improved Player Candidate

During the first few months of the 2021-22 NBA season, Cole Anthony was discussed as a potential Most Improved Player award candidate.

April 15, 2025: Play-in Tournament Win Over Hawks

On April 15, 2025, Cole Anthony scored a team-high 26 points in a 120–95 play-in tournament win over the Atlanta Hawks, securing the seventh seed in the NBA playoffs for the Magic.