Carmelo Anthony’s gone. Everybody knows that. NBA scouts and journalists are positive he’s done with college.

Thing is, Anthony’s not quite sure yet.

Even after accomplishing his No. 1 college goal by leading Syracuse’s basketball team to its first national title three days ago, Anthony has yet to make up his mind about next year. He could declare for June’s NBA Draft and likely be a top-three pick, or he could return to Syracuse for his sophomore season.

‘He really isn’t even talking to people about the decision yet,’ said Troy Frazier, Anthony’s close friend. ‘I imagine we’ll cool off from (the championship) and maybe start thinking about it next week.’

Anthony has to make up his mind by May 12, the deadline to declare. If he doesn’t sign with an agent, he could withdraw his name any time before June 19 — exactly a week before the draft — and still retain his college eligibility.

‘He probably won’t decide until close to the deadline,’ SU assistant coach Troy Weaver said. ‘But when he makes up his mind, that will probably be it. He’s the type of kid that will stick with whatever decision he makes.’

For now, Anthony’s prepared for whichever choice he makes. He’s already registered for the Fall 2003 semester, Weaver said, should he decide to return. Along with the rest of the Orangemen, Anthony will begin working out again next week.

Because his status as a top pick is cemented, Anthony would need little preparation for the draft if he chooses to declare. He won’t participate in any pre-draft camps, Frazier said. His only workouts would come individually with teams interested in selecting him.

‘He’s not even thinking about what agent or what team or any of that yet,’ Frazier said. ‘He really hasn’t made up his mind. He doesn’t know yet. People just assume he’s already declared.’

Maybe because Anthony averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman and earned the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. He could hardly be hotter.

‘If it was possible for his draft status to get higher than it was before the tournament, then it did,’ said one NBA scout who’s seen Anthony play several times this season. ‘He’s proved everything in college. Leaving makes sense.’

Anthony considered entering the draft after his senior year of high school at Oak Hill Academy, but once he attained a qualifying test score, he opted for college. At points during this season, he said he was leaning toward returning to Syracuse for another year.

‘A national title might change that,’ Frazier said. ‘I think at this point he should go. But it’s not up to me. And since he hasn’t mentioned the draft or anything yet, he might be planning to surprise some people.’

‘He might have accomplished everything he wants to on the basketball court,’ Weaver said, ‘but he might not necessarily want to leave college as a person. Whenever he goes, he’ll be a top pick. He knows he doesn’t have to rush anything.

‘There’s a lot of pressure on him right now. He’s going to take it easy for a few weeks before really trying to make a decision.’

Published on April 9, 2003 at 12:00 pm