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NBA Wednesday, November 18, 2020 Bristol, Connecticut, USA First of all, with my dad, he gave me knowledge. Just taught me to be my best. He still works around the game Q. Cole, what were your emotions like when you to this day. Everything I've been through to this point, just learned the Magic were selecting you? to this point. I'm ten times better than he ever was right now. COLE ANTHONY: I had just a flurry of emotions come out. I mean, mainly happiness. I was crying tears of joy. Most of my goals are team goals. One of my few personal Shoot, it just tears of joy, it was sadness. A struggle. This goals is a little competition between my dad where I want year was a struggle, I can't even lie. It was a rough year. to be a better NBA player. Just literally like every emotion, I went through that in a short period of time. Spike is family right there. I've known him my whole life. I used to be over at his house when I was a kid. Me and his Now it's just sheer bliss, and I'm excited to be part of a kids would hang out, and they were all close to my dad. great organization. So I'm glad they were able to come over here and join in with all of us. Q. Just a quick question: Looking forward on how you're moving forward, I know you did have some Q. Cole, congrats on your big night. My question is injuries, but there isn't a Summer League. How about the movie Little Ballers. In the movie you were prepared do you feel coming here to Orlando and with all these big NBA stars at the time, and now really being able to understand the NBA side of this you're not sharing a screen with them. You're sharing game? the biggest basketball stage with them. How does this feel that it kind of came full circle for you, and what are COLE ANTHONY: Look, I ain't never been more prepared your expectations going into the NBA? for a moment in my life. I'm ready to step up to the NBA. I'm ready to go. It's just not a matter of me being cocky. COLE ANTHONY: I really wasn't around the NBA players It's just a matter of I've put in a lot of hard work. I'm ready that much. There was a few like Amar'e Stoudemire. I to go. wasn't really around the NBA guys, but just seeing it on the big screen and being associated with them back during Q. I'm also a Tar Heel, so I'm super excited you're that time, when I was a little kid who had that kind of talent. coming to Orlando because I get to cover you. So being able to get to this point right now and being at the same level as them is exciting. COLE ANTHONY: That's awesome. Q. What are your expectations going into the NBA now Q. Cole, congratulations on your selection and that you're going to be sharing a big stage with all congratulations on being taken by the . these people? Of course, we know about your father's history in the NBA. Kind of a two-part question: Can you talk to me COLE ANTHONY: My expectations are it's going to be about how your father's mentorship has helped tough. Everyone is super skilled. Everyone is talented. prepare you for this moment? And can you give us a So it comes down to the little things that separate you. So little information on Spike Lee and how he got involved I'll try to focus in on those and (inaudible). in what you have going on right now? Q. Cole, congratulations. Just wanted to get your COLE ANTHONY: Yeah, first off, my dad is very thoughts. This is a guard-scoring league, and you can knowledgeable. He has a bunch of knowledge about definitely score the ball. How do you think that you'll basketball. He's an 11-year vet. Still works around the immediately impact the league with your ability to put league today. Speaking of questions for Spike, here he is the ball in the basket? right here. They were just talking about you. My guy. COLE ANTHONY: I'm at a new level, and I'll do what I

103040-2-1043 2020-11-19 04:03:00 GMT Page 1 of 2 know I can do. In terms of what I know I can do on the [Nikola] Vucevic. Markelle obviously with the ball. He's floor, nothing's going to change. It's going to be hard. I'm very talented. I've done my research on the team. not expecting anything to be handed to me. I know I have to work for it. I'll do whatever I can do to prepare myself for This is one of my picks I had in the back of my head and that moment. thought I hope they pick me. God is good. God works in many ways. This just feels like a moment of truth. I'm just Q. Congratulations, Cole. It sounds like you were super excited and happy to be drafted by them. born to be in the NBA. When you heard your name selected, did it live up to what you expected? FastScripts by ASAP Sports

COLE ANTHONY: I mean, these last couple days coming into it, the moment (inaudible). I treated it like it was a normal day. I went to the gym this morning, did a few hours of training. Everything just came full circle. When they called my name at the last minute, it started to feel real, and that's when all the emotions came out.

Q. First, welcome to Orlando. Glad to have you here. How do you see yourself fitting in with in the backcourt?

COLE ANTHONY: I think Markelle is super, super skilled in his game. His struggles, I think the worst is behind, and he's going to keep getting better. We can complement each other.

Q. Congratulations, Cole. Looking at Coach [Steve] Clifford, have you spoken to him, and has he asked you certain things that he would like to see you work on?

COLE ANTHONY: I personally just spoke to him a little bit ago after I got drafted. I was on the phone with him, and he said he's watched a few of my games. He said tonight he's going to watch a bunch more of my games and we're going to talk about it tomorrow. We're going to really have an intelligent conversation about my game. I'm super excited about it.

Q. And has Coach [Roy] Williams spoken to you yet?

COLE ANTHONY: I got a call -- he's the first one that called me. I had a good call with him. He said he yelled at the screen when he saw my name called. I'm happy he's happy. He's my guy.

Q. I'm just wondering what your thoughts are on being drafted by Orlando, and what do you know about the Magic?

COLE ANTHONY: I know that -- let's see. I know that one of my best friends is there. He was my best friend. We played back when I was a freshman in high school. He's been my best friend since then. I'm super excited. Let's see. Some good pieces. They've got

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