Carmelo Anthony: NBA Legend And Towson Catholic Alum Retires After 19-Year Career

TOWSON - Renowned NBA player Carmelo Anthony has declared his retirement, following a magnificent 19-year career during which he became the 9th leading scorer in NBA history. Anthony's journey, packed with international Olympic contests and stints with various NBA teams, interestingly also included time at a high school in Towson.

Anthony commuted to Towson Catholic for his first three years of high school. During his time there, he garnered many of Baltimore County's top basketball awards but also faced discrimination.

Anthony arrived at Towson Catholic during the summer of 1999, having grown five inches to become a 6–5 swingman. His sophomore year statistics included an average of 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. His flourishing continued into his junior year, with Anthony almost doubling his numbers in scoring and rebounds, averaging 23 points and 10.3 rebounds.

His talent didn't go unnoticed in a region less famed for its basketball prowess. Anthony steered the school to a 26-3 record, earning the titles of Baltimore County Player of the Year, All-Metropolitan Player of the Year, and Baltimore Catholic League Player of the Year in his junior season.

Despite his victories, Anthony confessed he never felt genuinely embraced at Towson Catholic. Speaking on "All the Smoke," he told interviewers that he repeatedly faced disapproval for his braids.

"You're walking around, and the monsignor and archdiocese are looking at you like, 'You gotta take your hair out.' I'm like, 'No, I'm not doing that," Anthony said. "It was racism, and I didn't know I was part of racism at that time."

After opting to play college basketball at Syracuse University early, Anthony concluded his high school career at Oak Hill Academy, leading the team to a championship in his senior season.

In 2022, Anthony returned to Baltimore to speak before a crowd of 16- and 17-year-old incarcerated boys During a Free Minds Book Club and Writing Workshop. After speaking at length about his childhood and the struggles that helped him grow, Anthony reminded the local community that he had not forgotten his roots.

"I want people to know I'm never going to stop. I'm never going to stop caring for my people and my community. I'm never going to stop being who I am," Anthony said.