Cole Anthony

Draft Notes

Cole Anthony is one of the bigger names in the 2020 NBA Draft and was once considered a likely top 5 pick. However, after a rough freshman season at UNC his stock has dipped and he’s looking more like a late lottery to mid first round selection in October.

Strengths

Whether it’s creating space for his shot, creating for teammates or scoring in the lane he makes the game look easy, like he’s playing one step ahead of everyone else on the court. He’s got all of the intangibles you want in a point guard including super high BBIQ, leadership qualities, play-making ability and toughness.

He’s also a surprisingly bouncy athlete who can put defenders on a poster. And he’s a great ball handler who can drive and finish with either hand. His quickness with the dribble allows him to get into the lane and draw a second defender and he’s a slick passer who knows when to deliver the ball. He excels at operating in half court sets and he’s also a threat in transition, showing great vision and pass-ahead ability.

Anthony is a committed and tough defender who drops into his stance and gets after the ball handler, using his extremely quick feet and great overall quickness to stay in front of his man.

He’s a solid rebounder for a guard thanks to his leaping ability, good strength and great feel for the game/timing.

Weaknesses

Anthony has good but not great size and is lacking ideal length with an under 6-4 wingspan.

Although he projects as a good outside shooter his three point shooting is still a work in progress, as he lacks consistency and has a low, slow release. Cole has the work ethic and natural ability to be a very good shooter in time but at this point in his young career he’s not consistent enough from outside.

An older freshman and might be farther along in his development (less upside) than some of the other pg prospects.

He’s been turning the ball over at a high rate and needs to do a better job of playing within himself and cutting down on the careless mistakes.

Comparisons

• he’s like a high-flying version of Derek Fisher
• Jerryd Bayless
• shades of Kemba Walker

Draft Projection

Lottery Pick in the 2020 NBA Draft

2020 Point Guards

1. LaMelo Ball – 6-7 – USA
2. Tyrese Haliburton – 6-5 – Iowa State
3. Killian Hayes – 6-5 – France
4. Kira Lewis – 6-3 – Alabama
5. Tyrell Terry – 6-1 – Stanford
6. Cole Anthony – 6-2 – UNC
7. Grant Riller – 6-3 – Charleston
8. Theo Maledon – 6-5 – France
9. Malachi Flynn – 6-2 – San Diego St.
10. Devon Dotson – 6-2 – Kansas
11. Ty-Shon Alexander – 6-4 – Creighton
12. Nico Mannion – 6-2 – Arizona
13. Payton Pritchard – 6-2 – Oregon
14. Yam Madar – 6-3 – Israel
15. Abdoulaye N-Doye – 6-7 – France
16. Ashton Hagans – 6-3 – Kentucky
17. Cassius Winston – 6-1 – Michigan State
18. Tre Jones – 6-1 – Duke
19. Markus Howard – 5-11 – Marquette