Cole Hilton Anthony Bio
Cole Hilton Anthony (born May 15, 2000) is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously played for the Orlando Magic from 2020 to 2025 and currently serves as a free agent. Listed at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and 185 pounds (84 kilograms), he plays the point guard position. Anthony is the son of Greg Anthony, who played 11 seasons in the NBA, and he grew up in Manhattan, New York before becoming one of the top high school recruits in the country.
Early Life and Background
Anthony was born in Portland, Oregon, where his father, Greg Anthony, was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. His umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck at birth, affecting his heart rate at the time but not leading to further complications. As a toddler, Anthony’s family moved to Manhattan, where he grew up in a penthouse. Despite coming from a wealthy family, his parents insisted on raising him with hard-working values. He later commented, “They don’t hand anything to me in life. What they do hand to me is knowledge.”
Anthony first played baseball, a sport his father initially thought he would pursue, but decided to focus on basketball in fifth grade. In his childhood, he worked with private basketball trainers and played pick-up games at local parks, seeking out older opponents. From a young age, Anthony was coached by Steve Harris, who mentored NBA player Kemba Walker and was a prominent Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) figure in New York. When he was 11 years old, he appeared in Little Ballers, a 2013 Nickelodeon documentary film directed by his mother, Crystal McCrary. The film featured Anthony’s New York-based AAU team, New Heights.
Path to Basketball
Anthony attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood, New York for his first three years of high school. He was the first freshman to immediately start at point guard for Molloy. Christ the King Regional High School head coach Joe Arbitello called Anthony “the best point guard I’ve seen since Stephon Marbury at that age.” As a sophomore, he led Molloy to the CHSAA Class AA city championship finals and averaged 20.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, earning All-CHSAA Class AA first team honors.
On July 28, 2018, Anthony announced his transfer to Oak Hill Academy for his senior year. He led his team to the semifinals of the GEICO High School Nationals and averaged 18.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, guiding Oak Hill to a 31–5 record. He became the first player in school history to average a triple-double. Anthony was named MVP of three prestigious high school all-star games: the McDonald’s All-American Game, the Jordan Brand Classic, and the Nike Hoop Summit. He was recognized as Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year for his success in both basketball and academics.
Cole Hilton Anthony Career
College Career (2019–2020)
Anthony was considered one of the top recruits in the 2019 class since his sophomore season in high school. On April 23, 2019, he committed to play college basketball for North Carolina. By the end of his high school career, he was a consensus five-star recruit, top-five player, and the number one point guard in his class. ESPN ranked him as the second-best player in the class.
On November 6, 2019, in his regular-season debut for North Carolina, Anthony had 34 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in a 76–65 victory over Notre Dame. During the game, he surpassed the program record for most points in a freshman season debut, previously held by Rashad McCants since 2002, and set the ACC record for points in a freshman season debut. On December 17, Anthony was expected to miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery for a partially torn meniscus in his right knee. He returned on February 1, 2020, leading all scorers with 26 points against Boston College.
Orlando Magic (2020–2025)
Anthony was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 15th pick of the first round of the 2020 NBA draft. On November 21, 2020, the Magic announced that they had signed Anthony. On January 20, 2021, he posted a game-winning, buzzer-beating three-pointer in a 97–96 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On May 1, 2021, he recorded a career-high 26 points along with another game-winning three-pointer with 0.1 seconds remaining to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies.
On May 16, 2021, Anthony became the first Magic rookie to score 30-plus points since Victor Oladipo tallied 30 on February 21, 2014. It was the fifth-highest-scoring performance by a rookie in team history. During the first few months of the 2021–22 NBA season, Anthony was discussed as a Most Improved Player award candidate. On October 23, 2023, he signed a three-year, $39 million extension with the Magic. On April 15, 2025, Anthony scored a team-high 26 points in a 120–95 play-in tournament win over the Atlanta Hawks that gave the Magic the seventh seed in the NBA playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks (2025–2026)
On June 15, 2025, Anthony was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a multi-team deal. Before appearing in a game for the Grizzlies, he was waived after a contract buyout agreement on July 12, 2025. On July 16, 2025, Anthony signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He made 35 appearances off the bench for Milwaukee during the 2025–26 NBA season, averaging 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Playing Style and Strengths
Anthony is known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills as a point guard. His three-point shooting and ability to create his own shot have been standout features throughout his career. He has demonstrated a knack for making clutch shots, including multiple game-winning buzzer-beaters during his time with Orlando. His basketball IQ and court vision allow him to run an offense effectively while also contributing on the glass for his position.
Notable Events and Milestones
Anthony’s career has been marked by several memorable moments. His 34-point debut at North Carolina set conference records, and his rookie season with the Magic featured multiple game-winning shots. His triple-double average at Oak Hill Academy made him the first player in school history to achieve that feat. He represented the United States at the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship, winning a gold medal and earning all-tournament team honors.
Cole Hilton Anthony Career Wins
Anthony’s career highlights include a gold medal at the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship and numerous high school accolades. In college, he earned third-team All-ACC and ACC All-Freshman Team honors during his lone season at North Carolina.
NBA Highlights
During his time with the Orlando Magic, Anthony showed consistent improvement over five seasons. He recorded a career-high 26 points multiple times and became known for his clutch performances in close games. His rookie season included four 20-plus-point games and two game-winning three-point buzzer-beaters. His best statistical season came in the 2021-22 campaign before injuries interrupted his momentum.
Other Achievements
Anthony’s youth career was distinguished by exceptional achievements. He was named MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit in 2019. He was recognized as Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year and earned USA Today All-USA first team honors. His performance at the FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship in 2018 resulted in a gold medal and all-tournament team recognition.
Cole Hilton Anthony Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Anthony comes from a distinguished basketball family. His father, Greg Anthony, was a member of the 1989–90 UNLV national championship team and played in the NBA for 11 seasons before becoming an analyst and broadcaster for NBA TV and Turner Sports. His mother, Crystal McCrary, worked as a lawyer before becoming an author and filmmaker. His stepfather, Raymond McGuire, is a Wall Street banking executive who ran in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City.
Personal Life
Anthony grew up in Manhattan, New York, in an environment that valued both athletics and education. His family’s basketball connections provided him with unique opportunities and mentorship from an early age. Despite the family’s success, his parents emphasized hard work and personal responsibility in his upbringing. He maintains an active presence on social media with his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NBA season marked Anthony’s fifth season with the Orlando Magic. He continued to be a key contributor off the bench, providing scoring and playmaking ability. His performance in the play-in tournament was particularly notable, as he scored 26 points in a decisive victory over the Atlanta Hawks that secured the Magic’s playoff berth as the seventh seed. His strong finish to the season demonstrated his ability to elevate his play when it mattered most.
Following the season, Anthony was involved in a significant roster movement. He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in June 2025 but reached a contract buyout agreement and was waived before appearing in a game. He subsequently signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in July 2025, joining a franchise with championship aspirations. His transition to Milwaukee represented a new chapter in his career as he looked to contribute to a team with established veterans and playoff experience.