Syracuse and NBA Legend Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement from basketball on Monday after a 19-year career in the NBA. The former No. 3 pick overall from 2003 NBA Draft He starred during his first season with the Orange program and helped lead the school to the 2003 National Championship.
“I remember the days when I had nothing, just a ball on the field and dreaming of something else,” Anthony said in a video announcing his retirement. “But basketball was my outlet, my goal was strong, my communities, the cities I proudly represented, and the fans who supported me along the way. I am forever grateful to those people and places, because they made me Carmelo Anthony.
“But now it’s time for me to say goodbye — to the stadium where I made my name, to the game that gave me purpose and pride. But this bittersweet goodbye NBAI am excited about what the future holds for me. When people ask what I think my legacy is what comes to mind, neither my accomplishments on the court, nor awards or praise come to mind, because my story has always been about more than just basketball.”
Anthony was named a Big Four MVP following his performance in wins over Texas in the Final Four and Kansas in the NCAA Championship Game. Anthony scored 33 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a win over the Longhorns and then added 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists against Kansas to give the Orange their first national championship.
During the 2002-2003 season with the Orange, Anthony averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. His 10 rebounds as a 6-foot-8 forward led the nation. He was named the National Freshman of the Year by various media outlets during his only season of college basketball.
Here are the top one-time seasons and college players before they left for the NBA, which officially adopted the “one-and-done” rule in 2005 that requires prospects to play one year in college to be eligible (or be at least 19 years old) ) for the project.
1. Anthony Davis, Kentucky
2011-12 Statistics: 14.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 4.7 BPG, 1.3 APG
Davis left Kentucky as the greatest shot blocker in college basketball history. In his only season with the Wildcats, Davis blocked 186 total shots as an 18-year-old and helped lead Kentucky to a national championship. During Kentucky’s run to the Final Four, Davis blocked 29 shots in six games. He went on to be the #1 pick overall in the 2012 NBA Draft and is remembered as one of the greatest players in Kentucky history.
2. Zion Williamson, Duke
Statistics for 2018-19: 22.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.8 BPG
One of the most decorated college basketball players of the 21st century, Williamson was known for his high-flying airs and powerful blocks during his only season at Duke. There was some talk of Williamson missing the end of the season after his shoe exploded after being planted in a home game against North Carolina. Despite the knee injury, Williamson returned and led Duke to the Elite Eight as they failed to reach the Final Four.
3. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse
2002-03 Statistics: 22.2 PPG, 10 RPG, 2.2 APG
Anthony’s legacy in college basketball will be remembered as the player who helped Syracuse and longtime coach Jim Boeheim win the school’s first national championship. Anthony had one of the best scores in college basketball as a freshman and had a nearly triple-double in the championship game against Kansas. His college career can sometimes be overlooked due to the success he has had at the NBA and Olympic levels, but he is still considered a great all-time college basketball player.
2007-08 stats: 26.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 1.2 APG
Beasley changed college basketball with his unique skills of size and power. He led the nation in rebounding and was third in scoring while shooting 54% from the floor and 40% from 3-point range. Beasley finished the season with 28 double-doubles in 33 games and scored more than 30 points in nearly half of them.
5. Kevin Durant, Texas
2006-07 Statistics: 25.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 1.3 APG
Before becoming one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, Durant had a very successful season with the Longhorns. He was awarded the Naismith Award and became the first freshman to win the National Association of Basketball Coaches Award for Player of the Year. Texas, as the No. 4 seed in the 2007 NCAA Tournament, fell to USC in the Round of 32 to end his college career.
6. Jalil Okafor Duke
Statistics for 2014-2015: 17.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.4 BPG
Okafor’s NBA career never quite lived up to the hype he received during his time at Duke, but while there he seemed like the next big thing. Okafor headed up Duke’s star recruiting class that season and helped the Blue Devils win Mike Krzyzewski’s last school national championship. Okafor’s pure strength in college seemed like it would translate directly to the NBA. He routinely beat bigger, stronger defenders and would have been an ideal running back to the basket in the non-modern NBA.
7. Derrick Rose, Memphis
2007-08 stats: 14.9 PPG, 4.7 APG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG
With Rose winning the point, the Tigers started the season 26-0 and reached the National Championship game before falling to Kansas. Memphis led by three seconds before Mario Chalmers buried a three-pointer to send the game into overtime where the Tigers eventually fell, ending their season at 38-2. According to the NCAA, this season was officially vacated due to rule violations including the SAT controversy with Rose.
2006-07 Statistics: 15.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.5 BPG
Oden helped lead Ohio State to its first NCAA Tournament title appearance since 1962, but fell short to defend Florida. Oden is one of the best shot blockers in Big Ten history and became the first freshman to win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors. Oden’s career in the NBA has been plagued by injuries, but his only season with the Buckeyes will be remembered for the potential he demonstrated.
9. Tra Young, Oklahoma
2017-18 stats: 27.4 PPG, 8.7 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.7 SPG
Young is one of the most exciting players in college basketball history despite his Oklahoma team’s lack of success. He became the first and only player in NCAA history to lead the nation in points and assists. His flashy passing and unlimited range have provided college basketball fans with a must-see TV.
10. Lonzo Ball, University of California
2016-2017 Statistics: 14.6 PPG, 7.6 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG
Ball changed the landscape of college basketball and was a true social media star. After a successful high school career in Southern California’s Chino Hills, Ball chose to stay close to home and attend UCLA where he led the team to a Sweet 16 appearance. Like Young, his flashy passing and deep basketball collection captivated basketball fans across the country.