Louisville basketball: The biggest threats to Jordan Nwora for ACC POY

Cole Anthony – G

North Carolina

Rated as a consensus top five player by every major recruiting rankings site across the country, Cole Anthony very well could be the 2019-2020 version of Zion Williamson in the ACC. While his game is a complete 180 from Zion’s, Anthony has a flashy game and pro pedigree and will be the best player on one of the best team’s in America, which should lead him to be a top three pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. That alone will likely lead to national media galore as a freshman.

Anthony was one of the best players in the country last year as a senior at Oak Hill Academy, averaging 18 points, 9.8 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 2.3 steals per game while shooting 36.6 percent from deep.

With the cameras on at the McDonald’s All-American game, Anthony put on a show and was named the 2019 MVP.

Anthony will be the primary scorer and distributor for North Carolina as a true freshman and could help the Tar Heels to an even better season in 2019 than they had last year behind number seven overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Coby White.

Like White, Anthony thrives in transition and has incredible court vision and a high IQ – making the right play just about every time. He’s an even better scorer than Coby White, and maybe even more athletic. I would expect him to likely lead the Tar Heels in scoring and passing in 2019 with a plethora of weapons at his disposal.

Anthony will dazzle audiences with his flashy dunks, freakish athleticism and hops (only 6’3) just like Zion – but his game will feature far more finesse in the mid-range and deep shooting departments.

Even with the ACC’s recent run of freshmen winning the player of the year award – unless Anthony and North Carolina replicate what Duke did last season I think there are a few veterans who will have more deserving claims to the award in 2019.