Coach Boeheim and Weaver Quotes
Carmelo Anthony's NBA Draft declaration
Thursday, April 24, 2003
Manley Field House, Syracuse, N.Y.
Head coach Jim Boeheim
On Carmelo Anthony's decision to enter the NBA Draft:
"It's a happy day for Syracuse basketball, but a sad one, too. He has done more for Syracuse basketball than any player we've ever recruited and has ever played here. In my mind, this is the right decision. As much as we would like to have him here, he is ready to play at the next level. You have to move on and I never tried to talk him out of it. Win or lose the National Championship, I would still say that this is the right decision. The fact that this was a tough decision shows you the type of person he is."
On what Anthony has brought to the program:
"He has proven it on the court as much as any player we've ever had, and to lead his team to a National Championship, as a freshman, is truly a historic moment in college basketball. I think everybody is aware of that and I am very thankful he was here with us. If we had lost in the 'Sweet 16', I would have been very happy."
On what Anthony has given to the game of college basketball:
"Off the court he is as good an ambassador for the game of college basketball and for Syracuse University as anyone could hope to be and I am very proud that I had the opportunity to coach him this year."
On his personal relationship with Anthony:
"He means a lot to me personally and a lot to this basketball program and this community. We are very happy that he was here."
On what the team will miss most without Anthony:
"We will miss his leadership, as well as his ability next year."
On Carmelo's character:
"He's a rare guy; he is still on campus working out with his teammates and going to class and attending community events. Most guys would have a press conference and leave town the same day. Carmelo is rare in that regard."
Assistant coach Troy Weaver
On Anthony's Decision:
"We never talked about one, two, or three years. He got everything done that you need to get done. We never talked about it all year; we just talked about staying in the moment and that's why he was able to perform and be the teammate and the kind of person he was. I think if we had lost in the 'Sweet 16' we wouldn't be having this press conference.
"It's tough for me; he's been like a son to me."
