I had a chance to see Carmelo Anthony play a few times his freshman year at Syracuse. I actually saw him up close (15-20 feet away) while he was in town playing Michigan State. Well it’s been a few years since he led the Orange to the NCAA National Championship and I’m not sure if there’s any player who has improved more than Anthony both on and off the court.
I’ll admit, I was never a big fan. But as of late, I’m very impressed with him both as a player and a person. From all reports and watching Team USA play in Vegas this week, the guy is on a mission. He’s passing, shooting, driving and best of all, conducting himself in a professional manner.
The next time you watch him play, examine him when he catches the ball (facing up to the goal) either in the corner or on the wing and watch his jab-step. It’s one of the best I have ever seen. Alex English had a great jab-step. When English would face up, he’d get his defender moving backwards with a quick right-foot jab, creating his space and pull back for his jumper. I know, I know, but what about Michael Jordan’s jab-step you are asking? Yes, MJ had an awesome jab-step, but Carmelo and English were forwards, 6′8″ and 6′9″ respectfully.
Chris Mannix of SI.com has a good piece on Anthony. Here’s KikiVandeweghe on Anthony.
“In my opinion, he’s the best post player on this team,” said Vandeweghe. “And he just keeps getting better. He’s the kind of kid who if you tell him something once, he learns it right away.”
But probably the most important part of his attitude, as mentioned in this article is the way he is approaching each game with Team USA.
“We all always know where everybody is at on the court,” Anthony said. “We are all superstars on the team so there isn’t a need for anybody to be selfish.”
Keep it rolling Melo, keep it rolling!
PLAY THE RIGHT WAY!
