Future Watch: De’Anthony Melton Rookie Basketball Cards, Suns – De’Anthony Melton was born in North Hollywood, California and attended Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino. He finished high school as a three-star recruit and committed to play college ball for the University of Southern California. In 36 games for the Trojans, Melton started in 25. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. He became the first freshman to record at least 300 points, 150 rebounds, 100 assists, 60 steals and 35 blocks in a freshman season since Dwayne Wade.
A controversy involving the USC coaching staff providing benefits to student-athletes resulted in a suspension for Melton in his sophomore season. He would eventually withdraw from USC and declare himself eligible for the 2018 draft. On draft night, Melton was selected in the second round with the 46th overall pick by the Houston Rockets.
Melton played in five Summer League games with the Rockets. He scored 16.4 points to go along with 7.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game. In a win over the Clippers, Melton scored 26 points with 10 boards and five assists. On August 31st, Melton was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Needless to say, these last few years have been a whirlwind for De’Anthony Melton. Now that he’s in Phoenix, he can grow with a very talented young core of teammates. He has a real shot to win the starting point guard job out of camp. If he does he’ll certainly receive more attention from fans and collectors. Phoenix was a top-five team in terms of pace last season, and if they keep it up there’s a good chance Melton can fill up the stat sheet.
Currently, you can find De’Anthony Melton rookie cards in 2018 Panini Contenders Draft Picks Collegiate Basketball. He does not appear in any USC gear, which makes sense given the drama surrounding his situation with the University. Regardless, his autographs in the set are on-card and it’s a great way to get a rookie card of his into your collection. Melton has a much better opportunity to see the floor on a consistent basis in Phoenix than he did in Houston. That should help his collecting momentum build as the season begins.
Follow him on Twitter @DeAnthonyMelton.
Future Watch: De’Anthony Melton Rookie Basketball Cards, Suns – Stats
| Totals | Game Highs | Shooting | Per Game | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Age | College | G | MP | FG | FGA | 3P | 3PA | FT | FTA | ORB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS | FG% | 3P% | FT% | MP | PTS | TRB | AST |
| 2016-17 | 18 | USC | 36 | 972 | 101 | 231 | 21 | 74 | 77 | 109 | 50 | 170 | 125 | 69 | 37 | 64 | 81 | 300 | .437 | .284 | .706 | 27.0 | 8.3 | 4.7 | 3.5 |
| Career | 36 | 972 | 101 | 231 | 21 | 74 | 77 | 109 | 50 | 170 | 125 | 69 | 37 | 64 | 81 | 300 | .437 | .284 | .706 | 27.0 | 8.3 | 4.7 | 3.5 | ||
Future Watch: De’Anthony Melton Rookie Basketball Cards, Suns – More Resources
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