One of Oak Hill Academy’s more enduring legacies is our nationally recognized basketball program. This is largely thanks to legendary head coach Steve Smith, whose leadership guided the program to nine national championship titles.
Oak Hill has also become renowned for developing elite talent, boasting over 35 alums becoming NBA draftees—including superstars like Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony.
Recently, the program entered a significant new era. President Micah Kurtz announced that Carmelo Anthony (Class of 2002) and his longtime business manager, Bay Frazier, will serve as Co-General Managers of Basketball Operations.
Oak Hill’s Enduring NBA Legacy
Oak Hill Academy cemented its status as a premier launching pad for NBA careers long ago.
Before achieving professional stardom, celebrated alumni like Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Jerry Stackhouse, and Rajon Rondo walked Oak Hill’s halls—and played on our courts!
This was part of a consistent track record that earned Oak Hill recognition from USA Today as one of the decade’s top high school basketball programs. Under Steve Smith’s long tenure, the Warriors claimed nine national titles—and built an unmatched legacy among American prep basketball teams.
Carmelo Anthony’s Path to Oak Hill
Carmelo Anthony’s high school story began at Towson Catholic in Baltimore, where he quickly became a standout athlete.
But to prepare for a college career, Carmelo’s mother suggested finding a new school that would also help him improve his academic performance. Anthony’s first choice was Hargrave Military Academy. However, coach Steve Smith convinced him that Oak Hill’s national schedule and elite competition were the best preparation for college and the pros.
The decision paid off. Anthony led the Warriors to a dominant 32-1 record during the 2001-02 season, averaging 21.7 points and 8.1 rebounds. That year, he solidified his status as a top prospect, earning selections to the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic, showcasing the dynamic scoring and competitiveness central to Anthony’s play.
How Oak Hill Experience Forged a Path to Stardom
Anthony’s single year at Oak Hill Academy proved intensely developmental. The structured environment, national exposure, and demanding coaching from Steve Smith allowed his natural talent to crystallize.
Facing future NBA players refined his offensive game and basketball IQ. His performance demonstrated readiness for the next level at Syracuse University. There, he famously led the Orangemen to the 2003 national championship as a freshman, earning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
This collegiate success, built on his Oak Hill foundation, sealed his fate as a top-three NBA draft pick. He entered the league with the Denver Nuggets, making an immediate splash that traced directly back to his transformative year in Virginia.
A New Era: Anthony and Frazier Take the Reins
Oak Hill Academy recently announced that Carmelo Anthony and Bay Frazier will be leading Basketball Operations.
Anthony steps into an executive role at his alma mater, partnering with Frazier, who brings decades of experience in basketball operations and strategy. Together, they aim to guide Oak Hill by enhancing talent development, expanding recruiting, and modernizing the program to navigate today’s competitive landscape.
Their first hire, head coach John Zito, comes with significant coaching experience, including high school, college, EYBL AAU, and Team Melo’s elite 16U and 17U teams.
Oak Hill President Micah Kurtz expressed confidence: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Carmelo Anthony and Bay Frazier back…and John Zito as our new Head Basketball Coach. Melo is not only one of the greatest players to ever wear the Oak Hill jersey, but also one of the greatest NBA players of all time… We are truly blessed to have them all part of The Hill.”
The Legacy Continues: Carmelo’s Leadership Philosophy
Carmelo Anthony views his new role as an opportunity to mentor:
“I’ve had my time on the court, and now it’s about helping put the right people in position to lead and elevate the next generation,” the ten-time NBA All-Star explained. His journey, including his time with the Nuggets, the Portland Trail Blazers, and other teams, provides invaluable perspective for Oak Hill’s student-athletes.
This commitment has personal roots, too—his son, Kiyan Anthony, a Syracuse signee and recent Jordan Brand Classic MVP, represents that next generation.
As a first-ballot Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Anthony brings unmatched experience. His vision, he says, is to ensure players have “every opportunity to succeed—on and off the court.”
