I. Offense

Pluses

Well-honed mechanics projecting for capable shooting ability at the next level(s), including from beyond the NBA three-point arc. Showing strongly staggered feet with a wide base and generating solid lift, Cole has demonstrated consistent mechanics and results regardless of distance. The ball sits relatively low on the bring-down, but he raises up with nice quickness to help compact the overall motion. Has a high-sitting guide hand but displays no involvement during the release, and demonstrates a solid follow-through motion. Release point sits at top of forehead

Unmistakably talented finisher. Not only capable of finishing through the bodies of defenders of all sizes, but will knife through the lane and seek out contact on a consistent basis. Elite maximum vertical leap drives his efficiency and catalyzes potential for body-contorting finishes: capable of utilizing up-and-unders, hitting high-floating bank shots from rough angles, hoisting on the descent, and quite plainly, dunking the crap out of the ball. Cradles the basketball well during the setup and uses his body to shield off (often larger) defenders. Finishes with both hands. Uniquely talented at elevating from both feet, one foot, and with using either foot

Talented passer with a generally pass-heavy style of attack (note: fluctuates with the flow of the game). Elite outlet passer with quick recognition of teammates and a knack for throwing ahead of his target right on the dime. Capable of one-handers off the dribble, calculated jump-passes in traffic, swing passes, hook passes out of the P&R, reactionary double-team reads

Not particularly flashy with the handle, but fundamentally sound and boasting a nice level of ambidexterity. He can slash from both directions (note: hard crossovers and behind-the-backs may currently be limited to a right-to-left motion). Periodically throws in spin-moves and windmill crossover variations to great effect; can split the pick-and-roll defense. Isn’t dependent on it but will flash hesitations and pace-changes to setup the defense

Scoring ability hits on all three levels, and this is where Cole’s upside could really shine. He has terrific speed from his first step to his last, and with his handle and functional strength, Anthony’s slashing ability could be a real worry for any defense. In the midrange, he has demonstrated the ability to stop on a dime and rise up, and will show the occasional floater. He’s comfortable from behind the arc with step-backs (nice use of preceding moves and good overall rhythm here), sidesteps, and contested shots

Catch-and-shoot proficiency projects as a positive given his consistent mechanics and affinity for scoring in the eye of close defenders

Minuses

Decision-making is still a work in progress. Usually makes the right pass, but sometimes won’t make the pass at all if he’s intent on hoisting—sometimes early in the shot clock with a low percentage opportunity. Can get overly-casual with the handle/pass from time to time

Cole’s mark on the game, especially at the high school level, was subject to periodically disappearing for stretches. At times he would look like a score-first point guard, and at others, he would defer to teammates for many minutes without being involved much at all

Not much of an offensive rebounder—less a product of natural talent and more a product of lack of engagement

Not a particularly quick release on the catch-and-shoot; when hurried, has short-armed his motion on a few occasions

Questions to Consider

Minimal evidence of a downhill 3-point hoist—given his lift and range, will this be a part of his repertoire?

Can his decision-making see noticeable improvements at the collegiate level, and in turn, will his TOV rate drop?

Haven’t seen much in the way of off-ball movement during FIBA or Oak Hill games. What is his aptitude for meaningful off-ball cutting, and can he be comfortable with less ball-dominance?

Can his defensive rebounding proficiency extend to the offensive end?

Polish: will Cole be able to consistently read the situation and respond by stringing together multiple advanced dribble-moves, and/or slowing down the game to exploit the defense?

II. Defense

Pluses

Though he is relatively inactive with his hands, when Cole is after the ball, shows very quick hands–high percentage of his strip-downs produce loose balls

When Cole engages in a turn-and-run, can produce elite-level speed. In instances when the ball-handler isn’t shifting, Cole’s lateral movement speed shows quite well

Capable of skyrocketing for defensive rebounds and reads incoming bounces at a plus-level. Snagged a high rate at Oak Hill. Has some fire in him when he wants to box out a larger body, but worth noting that this is a seldomly seen event

Generally vigilant as an off-ball defender and vocal with teammates, assuming a leadership role

Grants rim protection despite his small stature

Minuses

Underlying ability for lateral quickness is there, but not yet realized. Steps can be bit choppy with his weight placed on his toes–Cole also shows no consistent evidence of smooth transitioning from the slide to turn-and-run techniques. Once the ball-handler picks up speed, Anthony’s legs are prone to flopping about every which way as he shifts direction, and with such, he loses his center of balance

Cole does not employ an understanding of proper angling required to meet the ball-handler mid-route. Pathing could improve overall to avoid obstacles and shorten distances. Needs to work on not making contact with every incoming screen at the point of attack, as he oftentimes fully trips

Despite his capacity to thrive in and around contact on the offensive end, Cole does not illustrate any application of chest-bumps while moving laterally to hold his ground and disrupt the ball-handler. Additionally, his hands are virtually inactive mid-slide, granting the handler free dribbling and passing lanes

Over-reactive as an on-ball defender, at the handler’s will. A flash of a jab step or crossover will often force a backstep(s) from Anthony and shift his weight

Has a good nose for incoming FGAs and uses his vertical leap to get some great blocks (esp. in transition), but Cole over prioritizes this and will forgo box-outs, rebounds, and assumption of proper weak side help positioning; periodically leaves his feet unnecessarily

Gets pushed off his spots a bit too easily on this end

Versatility upside limited due to physical profile and tendencies

Questions to Consider

Can Cole tighten up his defensive posture, angling, and balance distribution to better realize his potential as an on-ball threat?

Can he mature in the way of eliminating jump-happy defensive tendencies, and realizing habit-based detriments?

Is he still growing (could benefit from more functional strength and an increase in height/length)?

III. Physical Profile & Miscellaneous

Compared to prospects of similar archetypes, should land in the A-tier athletically (approaching S)

Killer maximum vert. Likely hits 42.5-43.5” as he is able to get his head near the rim when fully engaged. First step is also top-tier

Tip-toe runner, with slight inward angling of feet (pigeon-toed)

Has a wonderfully unique ability to stutter his feet—a skip step of sorts—allowing him to simply graze the floor as he maintains his balance and scoots forward with efficiency

Clear assumption of leadership role on both ends, though does not appear to be a “Change this face!” joyous type

Looks shorter than his listed height of 6’3”, perhaps in the 6’1.5” range without shoes. Wingspan may not exceed 6’3”. Fingers look to be fairly long for height, however, and he can likely palm the ball

Has shown willingness to put his body on the line (see: slash propensity, charge-taking, skying high on the defensive glass)

IV. Archetypal Diagnosis

Offense: Lead Ball-handler

Defense: Point of Attack Defender

V. Gradient Score vs. Same-Archetype Prospects

VI. Overall Outlook

The main questions regarding Cole’s overall upside revolve around 1) his comfort and motor in a more off-ball heavy role, and 2) whether he’s able to clean up his efficiency at the point of attack on defense. While he could add some polish offensively, there are no questions about upside here given an advanced-level skill-set backed by elite explosiveness and a multi-faceted game. With his intangibles also pointing to a positive—though it would be nice to see a more consistent motor from game to game—it seems likely that Cole will deserve strong consideration at the #3-6 spots in the upcoming draft, with potential to jump all the way to the top.