‘When in doubt, stay Melo’: Carmelo Anthony wows Perth crowd at HoopsFest appearance
“When in doubt, stay Melo”.
That’s the life and basketball advice hoops icon Carmelo Anthony told a Perth crowd that was hanging on to every word.
The New York Knicks great and two-time NBA championship-winner Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith tossed stories around on stage at Forrest Place on Friday afternoon in a special appearance as part of HoopsFest.
Anthony, just one of the fleet of celebrities in town for the basketball extravaganza, even admitted he had some apprehension about returning to Australia — because of the demolition jobs he had carried out against our Boomers.
“I didn’t know how you guys were going to receive me coming back to Australia after the battles that we’ve had in the past,” he said.
“But I will say you guys surprised me and I appreciate you guys for opening up Perth and Australia and allowing me to come over here to participate and help build this NBL and the Next Stars program.”
Camera IconSmith and Anthony. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Smith told the adoring crowd Perth was his “No.1” favourite city in Australia and the pair compared stories from the college basketball days and from the NBA.
He said joked that Michael Jordan had a “decent career” and took the mickey out of the man labelled the GOAT for his infamous and short-lived baseball career.
That’s before they left the stage and were swarmed by followers, including Cody Perry, 16, a diehard Knicks fan who had his jersey — with Anthony’s name on the back — signed by one of the franchise’s greatest players.
Camera IconHoopsfest 2024 at Forrest Chase. Cody Perry, 16, got his jersey signed. Kelsey Reid Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
“I skipped school for this, my mates are really jealous — I’m framing it. To meet Melo is crazy,” he said.
Camera IconFans piled into Forrest Place. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Young Perth Wildcats fan Lucas Marks, 11, also met Anthony. He said it was “amazing” and that he “never thought he’d meet an NBA All-Star”.
Camera IconLuke Jackson. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Fremantle superstar Luke Jackson had a shootaround on a bright blue court installed in the middle of the city and Cairns Taipans were introduced on stage and played with young fans.
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