Syracuse forward Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points in his first game of the season and since then has become one of the best freshmen in the country, if not the best player in the Big East Conference. He passed up a chance to play in the NBA out of high school because he said it was his and his mother's dream for him to go to college. Now he is making the most of his chance, although he's not sure how long his days as an undergrad in upstate New York will last. He answered five questions from the Enquirer's Dustin Dow.

Syracuse freshman phenom Carmelo Anthony. (SU photo) | ZOOM |

Q: What's the best part about being the big man on campus as a freshman?

A: The best part is just getting to know a lot of new people, having to know how college is. I really like getting to know different people, though. And paying bills. If I went to the NBA, I would have had to pay bills.

Q: So are you some type of celebrity when you go to class?

A: At the beginning of the season, I was signing autographs after class. People would line up, but not right now. People are used to it now. At first, a lot of people didn't think I would be that good or be able to do the things I'm doing. They were a little bit surprised.

Q: It sounds like you're having fun. Are you sure you want to give up the college life for the NBA?

A: Right now, I would give anything to play college ball. I love it.

Q: Who was happiest when you qualified academically (by taking the ACT) for college: you, your mom or Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim?

A: Jim Boeheim was real happy, but I think me and my mom were happiest. Yeah, I was definitely the happiest, because I really wanted to go to college. Everybody asks me when I'm going to go pro. Me, I don't know right now. Whatever happens after this season, happens.

Q: You played against LeBron James last season at Oak Hill (Va.) Academy. What was it like to get the better of him?

A: Well, he had 35 points, and I had 36, and we won. But it was just another game even though everybody was pumping up the matchup. ... I'm not getting a Hummer, though.