Cole Anthony wants to honor the family name by wearing the No. 50
Orlando Magic first-round pick Cole Anthony chose to wear the No. 50 as his jersey number this season to honor his father, Greg, who wore that number throughout much of his 11-year NBA career.
Cole wore No. 2 during his lone season at North Carolina after arriving at Chapel Hill as a top-five recruit. He was unable to wear 50 in college because the program retired it to honor former three-time All-American Tyler Hansbrough.
His father also wore No. 2 during his NBA career.
On Friday, Anthony said that he was honored to keep his family name alive with his jersey number but first had a little bit of fun with his father, who retired in 2002.
“I’m just trying to keep that boy Greg’s name alive, he’s kinda fading right now. He’s trending downward,” Anthony jokingly said. “No, but it means a lot just to be able to wear the same number that my father was able to wear. I’m happy about it, happy I was able to wear it at the highest level possible. Hopefully, I can bring a little energy back to the Anthony name.”
Cole had a rather disappointing season with the Tar Heels after battling through an injury that limited him to 22 games played but he is eager to get to work with the Magic. He took part in his first practice on Friday and had the opportunity to play at point guard during stretches.
He previously said he has never been as prepared as he is now with the Magic and he, along with the rest of the NBA, will have a chance to show off his game when the preseason kicks off on Dec. 11 against the Atlanta Hawks.
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