UNC Basketball Alumni: Cole Anthony hits buzzer beater to beat Minnesota

Orlando Magic rookie guard Cole Anthony hit a buzzer beater on Wednesday night to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves and end a six-game skid

Former UNC Basketball point guard Cole Anthony is getting the chance to make an impact for the Orlando Magic early on in his NBA career.

With Markelle Fultz suffering a season-ending injury, Anthony stepped in as the starting point guard after the Magic selected him as a lottery pick No. 15 overall. And on Wednesday night, Anthony made that impact.

Minnesota had a two-point lead and was at the foul line with just over three seconds left in Wednesday’s Magic-Timberwolves game, having the chance to extend their lead. But after a miss on the second attempt, Anthony grabbed the rebound and sprinted down the court to put up a long three-point attempt. The shot went in as the buzzer sounded, giving him a buzzer beater and the Magic a 97-96 win.

Check out Anthony’s shot here:

The buzzer-beater is the first for Anthony in his short NBA career and now the hope is that it builds some more confidence for the point guard.

Anthony finished the game with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists while making all three of his three-point shots in 28 minutes played to help the Magic end a six-game skid. The Magic return to the court on Friday as they travel to take on the Indiana Pacers.

Even with the new opportunity to be the starter, Anthony is averaging just 10.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 32 percent from the floor. He’s only shooting 22 percent from the free throw line but is still adjusting to the NBA level. Getting him some confidence could go a long way into boosting his game and improving.

For more on Anthony and other former UNC Basketball players in the NBA, please check back with Keeping It Heel.