Anthony excited to build on historic debut

Despite falling short of a win, Cole Anthony showed exactly why he was brought to Melbourne in his first game in a United jersey, putting together a historic performance inside John Cain Arena on Saturday night. 

Anthony held a clinic on the court, scoring 30 points on 10/21 shooting, hitting shots from every space on the floor. In just 21 minutes of action, he tallied the fifth highest scoring debut in the NBL’s 40 minute era, and is the only player in NBL history, since minutes have been tracked, to score 30 points in under 30 minutes on debut.

Speaking following the matchup, Anthony reflected on his excellent NBL debut and showed confidence for matchups to come. 

“I don't feel like we'll lose another game for a while,” Anthony said. 

“God willing, we keep people healthy. I think we're going to be a heck of a team… I think that what we showed out there tonight is our floor, and we can only go up from here.”

Coming into the game off of a calf injury, the dynamic guard still feels he has more to give in future games.

“This was kind of like the first week I went back live after doing nothing for two weeks. (I’m) still trying to get my legs under me a bit. It was a decent night, (but) I think that’s a game we should win,” he said.

“That's an elite matchup. Game one against a team that was this close to winning a championship last year, all credit to them. It's a good win, but I think we can be a lot better.” 

Displaying his signature brand of showmanship throughout the game, Anthony revelled in the atmosphere that United’s home crowd brought to John Cain. 

“The crowd was awesome tonight... They supported us the whole game, so big shout out to all the fans.”

Following his Hungry Jack’s NBL27 head coaching debut, Jacob Chance described what it was like on the sidelines for the season opener. 

“When this place gets going and we're playing the right way and we're guarding and getting stops and we can let our guys go out and show their talent in transition, this place is awesome,” Chance said.

Chance also settled any concerns related to versatile big man Sam Waardenburg’s health, after he exited the game in the fourth quarter due to cramping. 

“He’s good, it looked pretty nasty, I was a bit concerned, but he cramped up. We couldn’t get him back in there, but he’s fine,” he said.

United will next take the court as the away team in Throwdown 33, presented by AXS, inside John Cain Arena against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday 24 September from 7:30pm.

Watch it live on ESPN. 

The best way to catch every minute of what Chance and Anthony put together at John Cain this season is by becoming a Member today! 

Melbourne United’s collection of NBL27 Full Season Memberships are available NOW!

A Full Season Membership is the best value way to enjoy all remaining 13 Melbourne United home games throughout NBL27. Full season packages start from just $22.86 per game for Adults and $57.14 per game for a Family Package (2 Adult, 2 Juniors).

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