When fans hear the last name Anthony echoing through NBA arenas, two standout names usually come to mind: Carmelo Anthony, the legendary scoring machine, and Cole Anthony, the high-energy guard. Because they share an iconic surname and a prominent presence in professional basketball, many casual observers assume they are father and son or close blood relatives. The reality is quite different.
Carmelo Anthony and Cole Anthony are not actually related. The confusion stems from a mix of shared basketball royalty, New York roots, and a common family tree connection that points elsewhere. Cole Anthony is the son of former NBA player Greg Anthony, not Carmelo. Clearing up this mix-up requires looking at their actual backgrounds, their respective family lineages, and how their paths cross in the basketball world.
The Root of the Confusion: Names, New York, and Basketball
The sports world is full of players with shared surnames who turn out to be cousins, brothers, or sons. When Cole Anthony emerged as a star recruit in New York City and later played in the NBA, internet searches naturally flooded with queries linking him to Carmelo.
Carmelo Anthony spent some of the most defining years of his career in New York as the centerpiece of the Knicks, cementing his status as a cultural and athletic icon in the city. Around that same time, Cole was growing up in Manhattan, dominating local high school circuits like Archbishop Molloy, and building his own reputation as an elite guard. Share a last name, share a city renowned for basketball, and fans naturally connect the dots. Yet, their familial lines run on entirely separate tracks.
Who is Cole Anthony Actually Related To?
To understand Cole Anthony's basketball pedigree, you have to look at his actual father, Greg Anthony. Greg was a tough, defensive-minded point guard who carved out an 11-year career in the NBA, playing for teams like the New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Vancouver Grizzlies. Before his professional career, Greg won an NCAA National Championship in 1990 with the UNLV Runnin' Rebels.
Cole’s mother, Crystal McCrary, is an accomplished author, filmmaker, and attorney. Growing up in a household with a former NBA player father gave Cole an early blueprint for what it takes to reach the highest level. His athleticism, competitive drive, and understanding of the point guard position are direct reflections of his upbringing under Greg Anthony, rather than any mentorship from Carmelo.
Carmelo Anthony's Actual Family and Legacy
Carmelo Anthony comes from a different lineage entirely. Born in Brooklyn, New York, before moving to Baltimore at a young age, Carmelo carved out a 19-year NBA career as one of the most lethal triple-threat scorers in basketball history.
While Carmelo has a son named Kiyan Anthony, who has pursued his own high-level basketball career as a highly-touted prospect, Carmelo does not have any familial relation to Greg or Cole Anthony. The shared surname is simply a coincidence in a league populated by hundreds of athletes.
Shared Spaces in Pro Basketball
Even though they aren't related, Cole and Carmelo inhabit the same tight-knit ecosystem of professional basketball. They share an appreciation for New York hoops culture, and both have experienced the unique pressure cooker of playing in major media markets.
Furthermore, both Anthonys have navigated the transition eras of modern basketball. Carmelo transitioned from a traditional superstar scorer to an elder statesman and media personality, while Cole continues to build his identity as a spark plug in backcourts, known for his explosive athleticism and vocal personality on and off the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cole Anthony and Carmelo Anthony brothers?
No, they are not brothers. They belong to entirely different families and share only a surname.
Who is Cole Anthony's actual father?
Cole Anthony's father is Greg Anthony, a former NBA point guard and NCAA champion who played 11 seasons in the league.
Did Carmelo Anthony mentor Cole Anthony?
There is no public record of a formal mentorship between Carmelo Anthony and Cole Anthony. Cole developed his game under the guidance of his father, Greg, and elite local trainers in New York.
Do Cole and Carmelo play the same position?
No. Carmelo Anthony was primarily a small forward known for elite scoring, while Cole Anthony plays as a point guard focusing on playmaking, driving, and backcourt energy.
