UNC's Cole Anthony delays draft declaration due to coronavirus crisis

Out of respect for the ongoing focus on the coronavirus pandemic, North Carolina standout Cole Anthony is postponing his announcement on whether he'll take his talents to the NBA next season.

"A lot of people have been asking me if I’m going to declare for the NBA draft," Anthony posted Tuesday on Instagram. "Anyone who knows me understands that playing in the NBA has been a lifelong dream of mine, but given the pain that America and the world are experiencing at this time, I am going to refrain from making any announcements about that topic.”

Anthony averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, four assists, and 1.3 steals per game as a Tar Heels freshman. The 6-foot-3 guard is widely expected to be among the top selections should he declare for the 2020 NBA Draft.

For now, however, Anthony's main focus is "trying to figure out how I can help during this crisis" in his native New York.

"But living in New York City, the coronavirus hits hard," he added. "My family and I know many people directly affected by the coronavirus - many hospitalized, a few in critical condition, and one person who has died."