“Carmelo and Coach Smith represent the pinnacle of what it means to lead with passion and purpose,” said Micah Kurtz, Head of School at Oak Hill Academy. And there’s no arguing that. Carmelo Anthony received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the institute on Sunday, February 2, 2025, a tribute to a true legend. The night was filled with respect and raw emotion. Even 2x NBA champ Quinn Cook, who had the honor of speaking, felt the weight of the moment.

Hardly anyone would argue how dominating Melo was since his high school days itself. After spending three years in Towson Catholic High School, he transferred to the basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy. He brought in the USA Today 2000–01 high school championship. Next season, Oak Hill boasted a 42-game winning streak, ultimately winning The Les Schwab Invitational against Mater Dei High School, California. MVP? None other than Anthony!

In fact, although Melo and LeBron James had already become friends in the 2000 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival, nothing stopped the two go against each other in full force. Oak Hill topped Bron’s St. Mary High School 72-66 in an anticipated game of the year. Completing his high school basketball career with 21.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, Melo was already a phenomenal player everyone wanted.

Carmelo Anthony had one of the most prolific careers in basketball, but an NBA championship ring never found its way onto his finger. Did that define him? Not a chance. Anthony forged his own legacy, one built on dominance, resilience, and three Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016).

Now, Oak Hill Academy has given him the recognition he more than deserves, a Lifetime Achievement Award. Even former rivals couldn’t hold back their admiration. Quinn Cook, took to Instagram to show his respect, “When ya idols become your brothers..so thankful to have been able to speak about our brotherhood for your lifetime achievement award!!”

In the tagged post was Melo reaching for a hug to Cook. Other photos in the carousel showed how the day went for the Melo and a special photo of his No. 22 jersey.

What a display of sportsmanship. Quinn Cook and Carmelo Anthony went head-to-head back in 2018, but today, Cook calls him an idol. And why wouldn’t he? Do you know just how impressive Anthony’s early days were?

Carmelo Anthony and basketball

Back in 2002–03, Carmelo Anthony dominated the college basketball arena. As a freshman at Syracuse University, he led the team to its first-ever NCAA championship, putting the program on his back. He dropped 33 points in the semifinal, earning the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. The Big East Conference named him Freshman of the Year, and it was clear, this player was different.

The Denver Nuggets knew they were getting a star when they took Carmelo Anthony with the third overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. But even they couldn’t have predicted just how quickly he’d take over the league. He started all 82 games as a rookie. And he stuffed the stat sheet with an average of 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

More importantly, he changed the Nuggets’ trajectory. With his leadership, they jumped from a 17-win team to 43 victories and a playoff berth. If not for LeBron James, Anthony might’ve been the undisputed best in his class.

After his first season, Anthony improved his game performance, averaging 28.9 points per game in 2006-07 season. That performance made him the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach 5,000 career points. In the 2008–09 season, he led the Nuggets all the way to the Western Conference Finals. But unfortunately, he didn’t have the last laugh. From that point on, he set his sights even higher and there was no turning back.