Congratulations to Carmelo Anthony for being named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He deserves the honor.

Anthony and Syracuse are forever linked by his magical freshman year that culminated in Syracuse University’s only NCAA championship in men’s basketball in 2003.

We remember him as a kid, kind of skinny in the arms, with a sweet shooting stroke and already an aura of greatness. It was a little bit crushing to see him go to the NBA after only one year in college – but he had no more to prove after winning it all. “Melo” was ready for a bigger stage.

Anthony did not disappoint. In 19 pro seasons — thicker in the body but with the same pure shot — he played in 10 NBA All-Star games, earned six All-NBA nominations and ranks 10th all-time in scoring. He competed for Team USA in four Olympic games and owns a bronze and three gold medals.

He is still linked to Syracuse — through the campus workout facility that bears his name; his charitable gifts; the commitment of his son, Kiyan, to play for the Orange next season; and his selection as commencement speaker this year.

Carmelo Anthony’s college playing career was lightning in a bottle — and he backed it up with a long and fruitful pro career. He belongs with the giants of the game in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

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