Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony reflected on his basketball beginnings, sharing he was born in Portland, Oregon, while his father, Greg Anthony, was with the Trail Blazers. “I was in New York by the time I was two years old,” he told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, highlighting the role the city played in his development.
Anthony spoke about his first real encounter with New York basketball culture at Dyckman Park in middle school. He described playing in an “unlimited” division as intimidating and admitted he didn’t perform well, but it was the first time he truly felt like he was stepping out of his comfort zone and immersing himself in the city’s basketball scene.
He acknowledged that New York point guards played a significant role in inspiring his game.
“Sebastian Telfair, for sure. And Kemba Walker. Kemba would probably be my favorite; I’m a big Kemba believer and have a lot of respect for him. Obviously, I’ve got love for Kenny Smith and Kenny Anderson,” remarked the Bucks guard.
Cole Anthony on forging his own path
Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony dribbles the ball during a game between the Bucks and the Washington Wizards on October 22, 2025 at Fiserv Forum / Image Credit: @Bucks_Take on Twitter
Although he grew up around the NBA because of his father, Anthony stressed the importance of forging his own path. He explained that his father gave him plenty of freedom to shape his own journey and build his own team, noting that he continues to stay connected with young players in the city.
Anthony also reflected on how his loyalties as a basketball supporter evolved throughout his youth.
“I was a Knicks fan for the longest time. But then I saw them get blasted by the Pistons by about 40 points, and I just stopped being a fan… I became a huge KD fan,” Anthony added.
Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) dribbles as Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony (50) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Anthony also highlighted how challenging and intense it was to compete against teams from his hometown.
“I try to tap back in with the kids in the city today. We are the Mecca of basketball… whenever we see the Knicks, it’s smoke. It’s real smoke.”
Now with the Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony has played in 33 games this season, averaging 6.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while logging 15.2 minutes per contest.