UNC Tar Heels freshman point guard Cole Anthony has finally announced that he will be declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft.
Anthony was one of college basketball's top freshman this season and it had been expected all year that he would be a one-and-done player despite a historically bad season for the Tar Heels.
"I am excited to announce the next step in my journey and declare for the 2020 NBA Draft," Anthony wrote on social media. "While no one truly knows what the next few months look like, I'm ready for whatever God has in store."
The five-star recruit is ranked as the 12th best draft prospect according to ESPN.com, and most mock drafts have Anthony being drafted in the Top 10.
Anthony averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 22 games before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. He missed 11 games from Dec. 15 to Jan. 27 due to a knee injury but was still named to the All-ACC third team and All-Freshman team.
With Anthony out, the Tar Heels went 4-7.
"Throughout my time at UNC, I was humbled, challenged and always proud to be a Tar Heel," Anthony continued. "I want to thank Coach (Roy) Williams and the entire coaching staff for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime and pushing me every day."
UNC showed promise when Anthony returned but was blown out by Syracuse in the second round of the ACC Tournament which was cut short the following round.
Anthony, the son of former NBA player Greg Anthony held off on his decision due to COVID-19.
"I'm so incredibly grateful for my family, who made countless sacrifices so that I can pursue my dreams," Anthony wrote. "There was not a single day that they doubted my ability and words can't describe what that meant to me."
Anthony's 18.5 points per game is second all-time in program history for a UNC freshman. Tyler Hansbrough averaged 18.9 in 2005-06.