LEAVING AN IMPRINT

SYRACUSE — As usual, Carmelo Anthony didn't let his Syracuse University fans down.

Dressed in jeans and a button-down shirt, Anthony swished a 15-foot jump shot Thursday afternoon to christen the new Orange basketball practice facility named for the former SU All-American. The pass, appropriately, came from former teammate Gerry McNamara, now a first-year graduate assistant.

The fact that Anthony, preparing for his seventh season with the NBA's Denver Nuggets, took time out of his busy schedule to attend the unveiling of the Carmelo K. Anthony Center was no big surprise. After all, he donated $3 million toward the building of the $19 million facility, which houses two full courts, a spacious strength and conditioning room, a state-of-the-art training suite, video and conference rooms, locker rooms and offices for coaches.

"For all that he did for us on the court, he's done even more off the court,'' said SU men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim. "If it wasn't for Carmelo's generosity, this facility would not have gotten off the ground. He's one professional athlete who certainly put his money where his mouth is.''

Although Anthony only attended SU for one spectacular year, his loyalty and bond to the school and the city has been unwavering.

"From the moment I arrived here, people treated me as one of their own,'' said Anthony. "If my donating some money for this facility helps young kids choose Syracuse in the future, it's worth every penny. I know that when I'm dead and gone, this place will still be here to help young athletes like me.''

Recruited out of Baltimore by Boeheim, Anthony led the Orange to a 30-5 season in 2002-03 and the team's only national title. He was chosen a second-team All-American, a Big East Conference first-teamer, plus national and conference freshman of the year after averaging 22.2 points and 10 rebounds.

Drafted third overall in 2003 by the Nuggets, he has been an NBA all-star each season and was a member of the U.S. Olympic team that won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

But nothing, Anthony said, makes him as proud as giving back to the school that helped make him what he is today.

"When I first saw my name on the outside of the building, I got chills and tears in my eyes,'' he said. "Who would have ever thought seven years ago that something like this could happen. I have coach Boeheim, my teammates and the people at Syracuse to thank for everything I've become as a player and as a person.''

Anthony's gift represented one of the largest individual donations to SU athletics and is also believed to be one of the largest by a current professional athlete to the school they attended.

"Carmelo epitomizes what's great about sports,'' said SU athletic director Dr. Daryl Gross. "He's been true to his school, this community and the people who've supported him. This gift will help thousands of future athletes make better lives for themselves at this university.''

Said Boeheim: "This isn't just about the money. When we talked about starting this three years ago, he came on board right away willing to do what he could to get it off the ground. When my wife (Juli) asked him about making a deal, the next day it was done.''

Anthony has also donated generously through his Carmelo Anthony Foundation to projects in his home town and his adopted home of Denver.

SU women's basketball coach Quentin Hillsman, whose team will share the facility with the men, said, "This is an extraordinary thing for our program. A practice facility like this is almost unheard of for women's basketball. ''

Orange senior guard Andy Rautins viewed the new courts with amazement.

"Just think of all the pick-up games that will be held here over the years with all of the great players past, present and future,'' Rautins said.

ARMY FIRES COACH

Army fired men's basketball coach Jim Crews after seven losing seasons.

Athletic Director Kevin Anderson said in a statement Thursday that Crew won't be on the bench when the Black Knights start the 2009-10 season.

Crews brought the Knights to the Patriot League tournament semifinals the past three seasons but his best overall record was 15-16 in 2006-07. Army went 11-19 last season.

In seven years, Crews had a record of 60-139, a .302 winning percentage.

Anderson said a national search for Crews's replacement will begin immediately. Army Deputy Athletic Director Gene Marshall will serve as interim coach.