Carmelo Kiyan Anthony (born May 29, 1984), nicknamed “Melo”, is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). After a successful high school career at Towson Catholic High School and Oak Hill Academy, Anthony attended Syracuse University for college where he led the Orangemen to their first National Championship in 2003.
When Anthony turned eight, his family moved to Baltimore, where he learned not only his athletic skills, but his survival skills. Sports would serve as an important diversion from the violence and drug dealing that were pervasive in the housing projects a few blocks from the homes of Anthony and his friends.
Melo attended Towson Catholic High School in Towson, Maryland for his first three years of high school.
During the summer of 2000, Anthony grew five inches into the frame of a 6-5 swingman. He suddenly became one of the area’s top players and made a name for himself in the area, being named The Baltimore Sun’s metro player of the year in 2001, as well as Baltimore Catholic League player of the year
In Baltimore, Anthony hosts an annual 3-on-3 tournament, known as “Melo’s H.O.O.D. Movement 3 on 3 Challenge (Holding Our Own Destiny)” and is helping fund the revitalization of a local community center for local youth. Anthony opened “The Carmelo Anthony Youth Development Center” in Baltimore on December 14, 2006 where many basketball games are held.
In 2004, Anthony became engaged to La La Valasquez. Their son, Kiyan Carmelo Anthony, was born on March 7, 2007. Anthony and La La were married July 10, 2010.
