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 Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He is a point guard listed at 6'2" and 185 pounds. Prior to his professional career, Anthony played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: Program Record

In 2002, Rashad McCants held the program record for most points in a freshman season debut, but Cole Anthony surpassed that record on November 6, 2019.

February 21, 2014: Victor Oladipo Scores 30

On February 21, 2014, Victor Oladipo scored 30 points against the New York Knicks, the last time a Magic rookie had achieved that feat until Cole Anthony did so on May 16, 2021.

June 2017: Named 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: MVP Award with PSA Cardinals

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: ACC Record

In 2018, RJ Barrett held the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record for points in a freshman season debut, but Cole Anthony surpassed that 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 five assists in a 76–65 victory over Notre Dame. He also surpassed the program record for most points in a freshman season debut and set the ACC record for points in a freshman season debut.

2019: Oak Hill Academy Season

In 2019, Cole Anthony led Oak Hill Academy to a 31-5 record, averaging 18.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, becoming the first player in school history to average a triple-double. He was named MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game, Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic.

January 20, 2021: Game-Winning Shot Against Timberwolves

On January 20, 2021, Cole Anthony scored 13 points, including a game-winning, buzzer-beating three-pointer in a 97–96 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

May 1, 2021: Game-Winning Shot Against Grizzlies

On May 1, 2021, Cole Anthony posted a career-high 26 points and made a game-winning three-pointer with 0.1 seconds remaining to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies.

May 16, 2021: First Magic Rookie to Score 30+ Points

On May 16, 2021, Cole Anthony became the first Magic rookie to score 30-plus points since Victor Oladipo in 2014, tallying 30 points against the New York Knicks.

2021: Most Improved Player Candidate

During the first few months of the 2021–22 NBA season, Cole Anthony was considered as a candidate for the Most Improved Player award.

April 15, 2025: Play-In Tournament Win

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.