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Joe Ingles 'reUnited' with 'elite scorer' Cole Anthony
Orlando Magic teammates Cole Anthony (#50) and Joe Ingles (#7) watch on during a game against the New York Knicks at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, on February 15, 2024 (AEST). The pair will reunite in NBL27 after Anthony signed with Melbourne United. Photo: Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Former NBA first-round draft pick Cole Anthony has signed with Melbourne United for NBL27
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One-and-done college basketball star, six-season NBA veteran and “elite scorer” Cole Anthony is Melbourne United’s new point guard.
The 26-year-old American is the son of former NBA star Greg Anthony, who went to the 1994 NBA Finals with the New York Knicks.
“Cole is an elite scorer, elite competitor, and I think he's going to have a big impact here in the NBL," United teammate and retired NBA legend Joe Ingles said.
"I think a point guard in this league is very important, and we've got a hell of a local point guard with Shea Ili, so adding in Cole with his pace, his ability to score at a high level, it's going to be a handful for other teams.
"We've got a really unselfish team, and I think he adds to that.
"He's going to command so much attention from the defence, and that's going to open things up for everyone on the court with him.
"He's a great guy, he's got a big personality, and I think United fans are going to love him."
Anthony, who signed with United today, played just one season for the North Carolina Tar Heels in 2019-20 before being drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 14th pick of the 2020 draft.
He and Ingles were teammates in Orlando during the 2023-24 season.
"I'm super excited to begin this journey with Melbourne United," Anthony said.
"This is a great opportunity to continue growing as a player and compete for a championship.
"I'm ready to get to work and can't wait to represent the club and meet the fans!"
It’s an absolute validation of new head coach Jacob Chance’s reputation in the US that Anthony would decide to sign a one-year deal in Australia while on the cusp of his prime.
Chance took over from Australian Boomers associate head coach Dean Vickerman, who left the club for Japan’s B.League.
Anthony completes Melbourne United NBL27 roster.
"In this last spot, we wanted an elite guard with the ability to help lead our offence with his scoring ability, who makes his teammates better, while also being a really good person off the court, and Cole Anthony checks every one of those boxes," Chance said.
"His pace of play, his strength finishing around the rim, his vision, his versatility playing off the ball as a shooter, his willingness to get down in a stance and defend, all of that makes him the perfect guard for this team.
"In my conversations with him, it's been very clear that his primary focus is winning, and I'm confident that his best basketball is still ahead of him, so coming to the NBL we expect him to elevate his game to a new level, in turn lifting everyone around him.
"This is a huge moment for our club. I already can't wait to see him in a United jersey inside John Cain Arena."
Anthony has averaged 12.0 points (41.9%), 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 355 regular season games. In 12 playoff games, he put up 3.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Anthony has earned USD $35.2M playing for the Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2025-26.
In his only college season, the famous college basketball commentator Dick Vitale would have described him as a “Diaper Dandy”. In 22 games as a freshman, he averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
He was named to the All-ACC Third Team and the All-ACC Freshman Team.
Anthony is a graduate of Oak Hill Academy, renowned for nurturing NBA-level stars:
- Carmelo Anthony: 10-time NBA All-Star, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, NCAA champion
- Kevin Durant: NBA MVP, two-time NBA champion, four-time Olympic gold medallist
- Rajon Rondo: Two-time NBA champion, four-time All-Star
- Brandon Jennings: High school superstar, NBA first-round pick
- Josh Smith: 15-year NBA career, All-Defensive selection
- Ty Lawson: NCAA champion, longtime NBA point guard
- Stephen Jackson: NBA champion with the Spurs in 2003
- Michael Beasley: No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick (2008)
- Rodney White: No. 9 overall NBA Draft pick (2001)
- Ron Mercer: Lottery pick, Kentucky national champion
- Jerry Stackhouse: Two-time NBA All-Star
- Monta Ellis: NBA Most Improved Player (2007)
- DeSagana Diop: 13 NBA seasons
- Patrick Patterson: 11 NBA seasons
- Dion Waiters: No. 4 overall NBA Draft pick
- Quinn Cook: Two-time NBA champion
- Sindarius Thornwell: SEC Player of the Year before NBA career
- Cole Anthony: First-round NBA Draft pick
- Austin Rivers: McDonald’s All-American, 11+ NBA seasons
Anthony’s per-36 NBA numbers will be a frightening read for rival NBL point guards heading into 2026-27:
- 18.1 points
- 6.2 rebounds
- 5.7 assists
- 1.0 steals
- 0.6 blocks
- 2.8 turnovers
- 41.9% field goals
- 34.3% three-point shooting
- 84.1% free throws
And NBL fans won’t have to wait long for a marquee match-up. Melbourne United host six-time MVP Bryce Cotton’s Adelaide 36ers on September 19, 2026 – 7.30pm – at John Cain Arena.
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