All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: Strong Start to Cole Anthony's Fourth NBA Season

Former UNC basketball guard Cole Anthony led the Magic in scoring in their season-opening win.
Matt Giles|
Former UNC basketball guard Cole Anthony (Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports)

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Not only did Cole Anthony record a game-high 20 points in the Orlando Magic's season-opening 116-86 home victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, but the UNC basketball product's eight rebounds also tied former Duke basketball one-and-done Wendell Carter Jr. for the most on the team.

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Anthony, who went No. 15 overall to the Magic at the 2020 NBA Draft following his productive one-and-done campaign in Chapel Hill, shot 8-for-12 from the field, 1-for-2 beyond the arc, and 3-for-3 at the line across his 24 minutes off the bench. He added two assists.

Now in his fourth NBA season, all with the Magic, the 23-year-old former five-star recruit has never averaged less than 12 points per game.

That's despite playing a reserve role last season after being a full-time starter as a sophomore in the league.

He and the Magic, who finished 34-48 last season and have not reached the NBA Playoffs since before Cole Anthony's arrival, look to build on their 1-0 start (they lost their first five games last year) when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on the road at 10 p.m. ET Friday.

Meanwhile, the other former UNC basketball player in the Magic-Rockets game, Houston Rockets wing Reggie Bullock, received 11 minutes off the bench. The 32-year-old, in his debut with the Rockets, tallied three points, one rebound, one steal, and one block.

Nine Former UNC Players Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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