Ranking the freshman seasons of former number one high school recruits: 1. Carmelo Anthony
Freshman stats: 22.2 ppg, 10 rpg, 45.3 fg%
Carmelo Anthony had one of the best one and done years in college basketball history. Although he was considered by most as the second-best high school player in the nation in 2002, behind only Ama’re Stoudemire, the extremely athletic big man jumped straight to the NBA.
There was a strong belief that Anthony would do the same. However, he decided to go the college route and went on to crush just about everyone who played against Syracuse that season.
With a record of 30-5, Syracuse went on to nab a number three seed in the NCAA Tournament. It wasn’t easy but Anthony led them to a National Championship as a freshman. Amongst those wins, were some close calls, including a one-point win against Auburn and a three-point championship victory over Kansas.
Good luck stopping Anthony that season. He was a consensus All-American, made the Big East All-Freshman team, and to be candid, should have won Player of the Year. Anthony dropped 22.2 points a night and 10 boards.
You simply can’t discuss the best freshman seasons of all time without mentioning Anthony’s name.