SYRACUSE, NY -- Carmelo Anthony, the number one draft choice of the Denver Nuggets, returned to the Carrier Dome on Saturday, September 13, to receive his NCAA Championship ring along with his Syracuse teammates.
Anthony and the 2003 title winners received a reception befitting the club's championship from the Dome crowd during a ceremony at halftime of the SU football game with Louisville.
The full squad was on hand to receive its rings, although walk-on Xzavier Gaines was in the locker room with the football team as a reserve quarterback.
The largest ovation was saved for Anthony, the All-American who earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors after helping the Orangemen to their first NCAA championship.
Fellow first-year sensation Gerry McNamara heard an earful from the SU fans, as well. Kueth Duany, the lone scholarship senior on the 2002-03 squad, came back to Syracuse from his hometown of Bloomington, Ind., where he is preparing for a possible invitation to a preseason NBA camp or an opportunity in professional basketball overseas.
Anthony is scheduled to return to the Carrier Dome on Sunday, October 19, for an NBA exhibition game between the Denver Nuggets and the Detriot Pistons.