Guard Marco Anthony came to the University of Virginia from San Antonio, Texas, where he starred for four years at Holmes High School. The 6’4”, 228-pound Anthony was a unanimous all-conference first-team selection each of his final three seasons at Holmes, averaging 19.3 points per game as a sophomore, 20 points per game as a junior, and 25.5 points per game as a senior.
While his Virginia classmate, Francesco Badocchi, redshirts this season, Anthony has played in eight games so far for the Hoos. Granted he is not playing the minutes he was used to at Holmes, but Anthony has played double-digit minutes in two UVA wins. His best performance in a Cavalier uniform came on December 19, when he scored five points, corralled three rebounds, dished out two assists and nabbed two steals in 16 minutes in a blowout win over Savannah State.
Following Savannah State, I caught up with the Virginia true freshman for our latest “Quick Take” feature.
How would you describe your adjustment to major college basketball?
“I feel great,” Anthony said. “It’s been tough, but just taking everything as learning lessons. That’s really been big for me in keeping a positive attitude towards everything. That’s been huge.”
Who on the team have you looked to and learned the most from?
“Dev for sure,” Anthony said. “His progression throughout the years and just everything he tells me about always being ready and always keeping a positive attitude because you never know when coach is gonna need you and call you. Be ready for that moment.”
How is your relationship with your classmate, Francesco Badocchi?
“I’m pretty sure me and Frankie are related,” Anthony said with a laugh. “We’re brothers. I’m yin, he’s yang. From the first day we met, it’s just been great.”
What has UVA been like for you so far, particularly since you came to Charlottesville all the way from San Antonio, Texas?
“It’s been really fun, getting new friends and just a new atmosphere,” Anthony said. “Actually got to see snow for the first time over here. That was pretty cool.”
Finally, what is Coach Bennett’s message to you this year?
“Coach Bennett has just been telling me, never get discouraged and always be ready ‘cause I just never know,” Anthony said. “Always be ready for the moment. When it comes, it comes. And just learn. Keep learning.”
