Like Father, Like Son: Cole Anthony to Honor His Dad by Wearing Iconic No. 50 Jersey Just as Greg Anthony Did in 2002.
In a full-circle moment that resonates deeply with fans of the game and lovers of basketball legacy, Cole Anthony is set to wear jersey No. 50 this coming NBA season—a number that holds both personal and symbolic weight. The number is a tribute to his father, Greg Anthony, who famously donned the same digits in the twilight of his NBA career back in 2002. While on the surface this may seem like a simple nod from son to father, the gesture carries a profound emotional resonance that reflects on the enduring bond between generations of basketball players, the legacy of family in the sport, and the pride that comes with honoring one’s roots.
Cole Anthony, currently carving out his place in the league with the Orlando Magic, has already demonstrated flashes of brilliance on the court. A gritty scorer, capable distributor, and emotional spark plug, Cole has shown the drive and passion that have made him a fan favorite in Orlando. However, beyond his on-court performances, it’s his quiet gestures—like this jersey number change—that speak volumes about the kind of man and athlete he is striving to become.
For Greg Anthony, a tenacious point guard best known for his time with the New York Knicks and later a respected NBA analyst, No. 50 represented a fresh chapter when he wore it in 2002. It was at the tail end of his career, but still a proud moment. His legacy was not about gaudy numbers or flashy accolades, but rather about perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to doing the hard work—qualities that Cole has inherited in spades. When Greg wore No. 50, it wasn’t about standing out—it was about making a statement: I belong. I’ve earned this. That same message echoes now through Cole’s decision.
This type of homage isn’t unprecedented in sports, but it is always special. Numbers in professional sports aren’t just identifiers—they’re stories, moments, and memories stitched into the fabric of the jersey. For Cole, wearing No. 50 isn’t about stepping into his father’s shadow; it’s about standing beside it. It’s about carrying the name forward, while acknowledging the path that helped him reach the hardwood floors of the NBA.
Cole’s basketball journey was never going to be just about himself. From a young age, his surname carried expectations—some heavy, some inspiring. Growing up watching his father commentate games, hearing stories from his dad’s days battling at Madison Square Garden, and seeing firsthand the kind of discipline it took to last in the NBA, Cole was absorbing lessons that would eventually shape his own game. He knew it wasn’t just about making it to the NBA. It was about making a mark.
Wearing No. 50 now becomes a subtle reminder every time he steps on the court: of his upbringing, his roots, and the standard his father set. But it’s also a declaration that this number, once his father’s, now belongs to a new chapter of the Anthony basketball lineage. Greg’s number becomes Cole’s canvas—a new story unfolding with every pass, every drive, every buzzer-beater.
The move also has ripple effects in the Magic locker room and beyond. Teammates will notice. Coaches will recognize the deeper meaning. Fans, especially those old enough to remember Greg Anthony’s playing days, will see the beautiful continuity. And for those who are new to the game, this act will prompt curiosity, leading them to connect the dots between eras, between generations, between styles of play.
What makes this even more touching is the era of basketball we are in. The league is increasingly populated with second-generation stars: Steph Curry, Gary Payton II, Jalen Brunson, and Klay Thompson, to name a few. These players not only carry the weight of their own dreams but also the history and expectations tied to their last names. They are redefining what it means to be “the son of a former NBA player,” not as an unfair burden, but as a platform for greatness. Cole Anthony belongs in that conversation. His game, while different from his father’s, exhibits the same fight, the same will to compete, and now, the same jersey number.
The number itself, 50, isn’t the most common in the NBA. It has graced legends like David Robinson, but it’s not typically worn by guards. That’s part of what makes Cole’s choice so unique. It’s a break from the norm, a way of making the statement that his legacy won’t conform to expectations, but will instead redefine them. He isn’t trying to be the next anyone—he’s focused on being the best version of himself, while staying grounded in the values passed down to him.
Behind the scenes, you can imagine the conversation between father and son. Maybe it was casual. Maybe it was full of emotion. Maybe Greg downplayed it, urging Cole to do what felt right for his journey. But regardless of how the decision was made, it’s safe to assume there’s pride—deep, quiet, immense pride—on Greg’s part. Not just because his son made it to the NBA, but because he chose to honor him in such a meaningful, enduring way.
In the broader cultural context, these kinds of gestures matter. Sports are one of the few arenas where legacy is on full display, generation after generation. And when an athlete takes a moment to recognize the shoulders upon which they stand, it transcends the game. It becomes a story of family, of gratitude, and of continuity.
Cole Anthony’s choice also sends a message to young athletes watching him: never forget where you come from. In an age where branding, social media, and personal recognition dominate the sports landscape, this is a gesture of humility. It’s a way of saying, “I didn’t get here alone.” It teaches that greatness doesn’t emerge in a vacuum—it’s built on mentorship, on sacrifice, on the people who paved the way before us.
Orlando fans will surely embrace this moment. They’ve already embraced Cole’s fiery playstyle and leadership qualities. Now, they have a deeper connection to his story. When he steps on the court wearing No. 50, fans won’t just see a number. They’ll see a young man honoring his family. They’ll see history in motion. They’ll see two generations of Anthony men who, in their own ways, left their mark on the game.
As the season unfolds, No. 50 will take on new meaning with every game. It will become not just a symbol of the past, but a statement about the future. Cole Anthony is not here to replicate what his father did—he’s here to elevate it, to build on it, to carry it forward with pride and purpose.
There may come a day, decades from now, when another Anthony emerges—perhaps a third generation—with dreams of making it to the league. Maybe that young player will look at No. 50 and see not just their grandfather’s and father’s legacy, but an opportunity to carry it even further. But for now, this moment belongs to Cole. A young star, wearing a familiar number, with familiar determination, stepping into a season full of possibility and pride.
Sometimes, it’s not the loudest moments that speak the most. Sometimes, it’s the quiet tributes—the subtle nods, the chosen numbers—that carry the deepest meaning. Cole Anthony wearing No. 50 is one of those moments. It’s a reminder that the game is more than stats and highlights. It’s about connection. It’s about legacy. And above all, it’s about family.
