Recruiting Report: Cole Anthony (2019)
For the past five years that I’ve been covering high school basketball in Virginia, I’ve seen some very talented players come through Oak Hill. There are quite a few guys that I’ve covered who are in the pros now, and almost all of them have found success at the collegiate level and will have a chance to be pros somewhere when it’s all said and done.
With that being said, I do believe that senior point guard Cole Anthony, who transferred from Archbishop Molloy in New York, is the best player I’ve seen at Oak Hill in the past five seasons. I don’t make those statements often, but this kid is different and very special, and now he’s at a school who is known for producing high level point guards and he may just be one of the most talented ones Head Coach Steve Smith has had in his 20+ year tender in Mouth of Wilson.
“He’s a scoring point guard, which in this age in basketball is what most people like at the next few levels,” Coach Smith said. “He has the ability to shoot from deep but he can also run the team and facilitate. I’ve been at Oak Hill 34 years and we’ve had 9 point guards go on and play in the NBA, and he’s as good as any point guard we’ve had”
Oak Hill had their second scrimmage of the year against post grad powerhouse Massanutten Military Academy, and Anthony put on a show. The lead guard finished with 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting from the field, and nearly filled a triple double by dishing out 10 assists and grabbing 9 rebounds. It was a good start for the Warriors in the eyes of Anthony.
“We’re probably only about two and a half weeks into actual practice and that was just our second scrimmage, so judging how early we are into the season I thought that was a pretty good win against a pretty good team,” Anthony said. “The team looked good together and at the end of the day we got the win so I can’t complain.”
This Oak Hill group is a little different then some of them in the pass, as they have four juniors in their top eight, but they’re a talented group that will thrive playing with a playmaker like Anthony. All eyes are on him with the ball in his hands, he’s so tough to stay in front of and he can shoot from anywhere on the court, but that simply means he’s able to make the right play and get his teammates easy shots.
Anthony has already had an electric start to his OHA career.“I have a lot more talent here to fall back on and I can really pass the ball now, I love to pass the ball,” he said. “I know have guys I can pass to who can really make shots and hopefully are going to prosper just from having me on the team.”
There’s a phrase that goes around where people say “That kid can pick wherever he wants to go to school.” While that’s usually hyperbole, Anthony actually can. All of the blue bloods are recruiting him, but he isn’t looking at just the name but the fit as well.
While he wouldn’t give up much on his recruitment, he says he’s shooting for a spring time decision after the season. He’s already took official visits to Notre Dame and UNC, and he has one planned for Oregon next weekend. He’s down to a list of 12, but says he hasn’t decided where he’ll take his final two visits at. He’s looking to make an impact immediately on a national stage, which makes sense as there’s a good chance he’ll only play one year of college.
“I want to go somewhere as a freshman, I can come in and be an immediate impact and compete to go to a Final Four and win a national championship.”
As for now, it’s all about surviving on The Hill and winning the whole thing.
“It’s a big change, we’re not in the big city anymore and there’s really nothing anywhere near where we are,” he said with a chuckle. “A lot of the stuff is limited to Oak Hill, and it’s been a transition but I think it’s been a transition that’s gone well and one that I need. It’s something that will prepare me for the future and prepare me for college, and so far I’m happy with the decision.”
“I don’t want to lose a single game or scrimmage or anything while I’m here,” he continued. “I want to go undefeated, qualify for Geico and win a National Championship.”
You’ll have plenty of chances to watch Anthony and the Oak Hill Warriors throughout the year locally and on TV. Check out their schedule and don’t miss your chance to watch one of the best point guards you’ll ever see.