TicketsCINCINNATI -- Entering your first year of college can be daunting. New buildings, new people and having to learn a whole new way of life may seem like a formidable test.
For Cincinnati men's basketball guard CJ Anthony, transitioning to college from high school has been smooth, thanks to his teammates.
"All these guys are my big brothers and they always check on me," said Anthony. "It has never felt like I have left home. Cincinnati is my second home and could possibly be the first."
Anthony had a decorated high school career. He earned State Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior and won the state title as a junior. Anthony gave credit to all the people around him for these accolades.
"I play basketball and they usually just come," said Anthony. "I think it's big for the people around me, I never do work by myself. When I come into the gym, there's usually someone there. In the past, it was always my pops and trainers, never just me. Whenever I achieve something, it's for all of us."
Like a typical freshman, Anthony's first few weeks on campus have been filled with studying and learning about his new campus.
"I told everyone that this is the most learning I have ever had in my life," said Anthony.
On the court, Anthony has one of the best teachers on campus: Wes Miller. Miller is in his first season as the Bearcats' head coach after 10 years at UNC Greensboro and leaving as the winningest coach in program history.
"The main thing is that he makes us get better every day," said Anthony. "He cares about us on and off the court. He treats us like real adults and like one of his own. We appreciate that."
Anthony says Coach Miller has the team working on "dropping pennies," and preparing for the first game of the season.
"Dropping pennies is what Coach calls them," said Anthony. "I think that's what we focus on: energy, effort, and focus. I feel like those are the things we work on everyday regardless of the drills or competition."
Anthony is Central Ohio's all-time leading scorer with 2,395 points, and that keeps him confident when going into a new season with a new team.
"Right now my role is not really scoring," said Anthony. "If the coach needs me to, I'll do that. But, right now, my job is learning different roles and schemes and keeping that in my back pocket."
Anthony played his final year of high school at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut before coming to Cincinnati, which helped him mentally prepare for his freshman year.
"That first year got me together," explained Anthony. "I went through my ups and downs...being away from home and being by myself a couple times."
Anthony, now with the team for a couple months, said he had never felt like he wasn't one of the guys.
"Being the younger guy, you are always energetic and happy, and the team takes that energy and uses it in a positive way," explained Anthony. "I love that aspect of it. Coach Miller does an excellent job teaching and it doesn't ever feel like I am a freshman. I'm just one of the guys."
Cincinnati will open its season at home against Evansville on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Anthony and his teammates are excited for the season and his future in Clifton.
"We are focused, ready to go, and ready to make championships."
For Cincinnati men's basketball guard CJ Anthony, transitioning to college from high school has been smooth, thanks to his teammates.
"All these guys are my big brothers and they always check on me," said Anthony. "It has never felt like I have left home. Cincinnati is my second home and could possibly be the first."
Anthony had a decorated high school career. He earned State Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior and won the state title as a junior. Anthony gave credit to all the people around him for these accolades.
"I play basketball and they usually just come," said Anthony. "I think it's big for the people around me, I never do work by myself. When I come into the gym, there's usually someone there. In the past, it was always my pops and trainers, never just me. Whenever I achieve something, it's for all of us."
Like a typical freshman, Anthony's first few weeks on campus have been filled with studying and learning about his new campus.
"I told everyone that this is the most learning I have ever had in my life," said Anthony.
On the court, Anthony has one of the best teachers on campus: Wes Miller. Miller is in his first season as the Bearcats' head coach after 10 years at UNC Greensboro and leaving as the winningest coach in program history.
"The main thing is that he makes us get better every day," said Anthony. "He cares about us on and off the court. He treats us like real adults and like one of his own. We appreciate that."
Anthony says Coach Miller has the team working on "dropping pennies," and preparing for the first game of the season.
"Dropping pennies is what Coach calls them," said Anthony. "I think that's what we focus on: energy, effort, and focus. I feel like those are the things we work on everyday regardless of the drills or competition."
Anthony is Central Ohio's all-time leading scorer with 2,395 points, and that keeps him confident when going into a new season with a new team.
"Right now my role is not really scoring," said Anthony. "If the coach needs me to, I'll do that. But, right now, my job is learning different roles and schemes and keeping that in my back pocket."
Anthony played his final year of high school at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut before coming to Cincinnati, which helped him mentally prepare for his freshman year.
"That first year got me together," explained Anthony. "I went through my ups and downs...being away from home and being by myself a couple times."
Anthony, now with the team for a couple months, said he had never felt like he wasn't one of the guys.
"Being the younger guy, you are always energetic and happy, and the team takes that energy and uses it in a positive way," explained Anthony. "I love that aspect of it. Coach Miller does an excellent job teaching and it doesn't ever feel like I am a freshman. I'm just one of the guys."
Cincinnati will open its season at home against Evansville on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Anthony and his teammates are excited for the season and his future in Clifton.
"We are focused, ready to go, and ready to make championships."