Not in the NBA: Carmelo Anthony admits Big 10 arena was the toughest venue he ever had to play in

Long before he made it to the NBA, Carmelo Anthony was considered to be one of the best players in the nation. There was even a case for him to be drafted ahead of LeBron James.

Anthony’s days at Syracuse went down as some of the best in college basketball history. His scoring dominance and physicality were just too much for opposing teams to handle.

Even so, some teams still managed to make life difficult for them. That’s why he recently tipped his hat off to coach Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans, admitting he never played in a place as hostile as Breslin Center.

Carmelo Anthony says there’s nothing like playing against Michigan State

“I faced a Tom Izzo team during my time at ‘Cuse at Michigan State,” Anthony said. “That game was crucial and we ended up being a tough win. A road win for us, and it’s hard to win at Michigan State going on the road on a Saturday at 12 o’cock. It’s nasty. I always say that’s the worst place, the hardest place I’ve ever had to play any basketball game, ever.”

Carmelo Anthony playing for the Denver Nuggets

Anthony averaged 22.2 points and 10.0 rebounds per game during his lone season with the Syracuse Orange. He led them to the national championship before entering the league.

Eventually, he went No. 3 to the Denver Nuggets and became one of the greatest scorers of all time, but even though he played all over the world, he will never forget what it was like to play at Breslin Center.