I guess it was just a matter of time... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/college/news/2003/04/24/anthony_draft_ap/ SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Syracuse freshman Carmelo Anthony, who led the Orangemen to their first national championship, will make himself eligible for the NBA draft. Anthony said Thursday he will forego his final three years at Syracuse to play in the NBA. Anthony delayed making the decision until after the season, preferring to focus on winning the national title. He led the Orangemen in scoring, averaging 22 points, and broke Lawrence Moten's freshman scoring record and Derrick Coleman's freshman rebounding mark. Anthony had a career-best 33 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in Syracuse's victory over Texas in the national semifinals in New Orleans earlier this month. He scored 20 points as Syracuse beat Kansas in the title game and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four -- just the third freshman to earn that honor. "I'm here in front of you today to announce that I will not be coming back next year," Anthony said at a news conference. "I will be moving on, moving on to the pros." Anthony said he reached his decision after talking with his mother and coach Jim Boeheim. "It was a tough decision for me to make," said Anthony, who began crying as he spoke. Boeheim agreed with Anthony's decision and said his star player is ready for the next level. "This is a very happy day for Syracuse basketball, and a sad one, too," Boeheim said. "The guy sitting here has done more for Syracuse basketball than any player we've ever recruited or that's ever played here. To lead his team to a national championship as a freshman is truly a historic moment in college basketball. I'm very thankful that he was here with us."
I would not bet against him. Because of his already fundamental stroke I have little doubt he will be better than Lebron next year--even if Lebron catches him down the line.
