UNC Basketball Alumni: Cole Anthony getting back on track

After missing two months of the season due to injury, the former UNC basketball standout seems to be getting back on track with the Orlando Magic.

In early February, Cole Anthony suffered a non-displaced fracture of the right first lib. The injury forced the former UNC basketball guard to miss nearly two months of the regular season.

Prior to his injury, Anthony earned his way into the Orlando Magic’s starting rotation. Like most rookies, Anthony definitely had his up and down moments, but showed flashes of how good he could be.

At the beginning of April, Anthony returned to the court, and the Magic decided to ease him back into the mix. For his first five games back, Anthony came off the bench, eventually working his way back into the starting rotation.

Although the Magic as a whole have not been playing well, Anthony has been a bright spot for the struggling franchise.

Overall, Anthony has averaged 13.6 points per game while shooting 41.9% from the floor during the month of April. The rookie guard has scored in double-figures in all but one of the Magic’s contests this month.

In six starts since returning to the starting lineup on April 16, Anthony has averaged 15.8 points per game while shooting 43% overall. The former Tar Heel has also recorded 6.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per contest over that span.

One important stat to note is Anthony’s ability to limit turnovers. Since his return from injury, Anthony’s turnover numbers are down, as he’s averaged just 1.4 turnovers per game over the past 11. To put that number into perspective, the former Tar Heel averaged at least two turnovers per game over the month-and-a-half prior to his injury.

Tar Heel fans saw many flashes of what Anthony is capable of doing on a basketball court. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his time in Chapel Hill — one of many factors that went into his and the UNC basketball program’s struggles during his lone year on campus.

Fortunately, it appears as if Anthony is developing nicely during his first season in the NBA. Missing an extended period of time due to injury could greatly impact a player, especially a rookie, but it seems as if Anthony has been able to make a very smooth transition back into the mix.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding Cole Anthony, and the UNC basketball program.