Carmelo Anthony: NBA A Possibility

The Syracuse basketball program is becoming more confident that Carmelo Anthony, the outstanding 6-8 swingman from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, will play at least one year of college ball for the Orangemen.

Our sources tell us that Anthony has been very direct with the Syracuse coaches in expressing his desire to play on the college level for at least one season. Remember, Oak Hill Academy coach Steve Smith told us recently:

"Carmelo went to an NBA game with our team. He was bored. He told me he was bored. He wants a chance to play in a great college atmosphere like Syracuse. The big crowds. The noise. The energy."

Smith also has been very upfront about Anthony over the past month or so. He has consistently stated that Anthony wants to play college ball. Now Carmelo has to get his academic situation taken care of and he will be ready to play for the Orangemen.

Having covered many situations like this over the past 10 years, it's likely the big pressure on Carmelo will come in the spring when the deadline for applying to the NBA draws near. Sometimes players feel the monetary pressure and give in. Carmelo will likely face that same type of pressure in March and April.