Carmelo Anthony ‘loves’ the 2012-13 Syracuse team

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Carmelo Anthony shoots

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Former Syracuse star and current Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was back on The Hill on Tuesday night, as the Knicks lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in preseason play, 98-90. Anthony led the Knicks with 23 points in the loss. Here’s what he had to say after the game.

Q. How did you feel being back at the Carrier Dome?

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Anthony was back in the Dome on Monday

A. Great. First half was a little slow for us. Third quarter, we came out and the fans got into it. It was a lot more excitement in the third quarter. We kind of made it a game. Overall, it was just great to be back playing in the Dome once again with all the memories I have.

Q. Did you have a chance to catch up with Jim Boeheim?

A. I went to practice yesterday. We talked. Nothing major. I was with him all summer. There isn’t too much we haven’t said to each other. We talked about this year’s team. We talked about old times.

» Related: What if Carmelo had returned to Syracuse?

Q. What did it mean to you to have so many fans come out and support you?

A. It was big. It was a good turnout. A lot of fans came to support the Knicks, support me tonight. I did want to play. My juices got flowing out there in the third quarter. The competitiveness came out. I told Woody (Coach Mike Woodson), ‘Please don’t take me out.” At the end of the day it’s preseason. We need you. But it was fun. Just to try make that comeback in the third quarter. Get back in front of this crowd, show them I really appreciate them coming out and supporting us.

Q. It seemed like you really wanted to take the first shot of the game.

A. Coach Woody drew a perfect play up. He said he was giving me the first shot. We got out to a pretty good start. But overall, it was to give something back to the fans for coming out and showing their support. Me being back here, playing another game, it brings back so many different memories.

Q. This is your first loss at the Carrier Dome dating back to your college days.

A. Yeah. It’s over with now. My streak is over. I know in this building, being 17-0 from my college days. But it was a fun game. At this point, it’s not about the wins and losses, it’s what we take from the game, just getting better. Having some fun out there.

» Related: Can Anthony sacrafice for the Knicks?

Q. Did you like what you saw yesterday from the SU basketball team’s practice?

A. I love it. I love the team. I told Boeheim that. I told coach (Mike Hopkins) Hop that. We, I say we like I’m still up here, we have a lot of potential from what I saw in practice yesterday. On paper, we have a lot of potential.

Q. How do you feel about Syracuse going to the ACC?

A. I try not to think about it. I don’t like thinking about that. That don’t sound right. For basketball, it would definitely be bigger. It’s always good to see Duke play, Syracuse and North Carolina play. I wish we had a chance to play them back when I was here. Hopefully, it’ll turn out for the better for everyone. Hopefully Syracuse keeps the games in the Garden, keeps the Georgetown rivalry going.

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About Corey Mallonee 50 Articles
In addition to his editing duties, Corey covers the Syracuse football and basketball beat. He has previously worked in the book publishing industry and currently contributes to Syracuse University’s bE Magazine. Originally from Bangor, ME, Corey graduated from Syracuse University in 2007. Follow him on Twitter @CoreyMallonee.