National Basketball Association (NBA)

"A lot of people I meet say, 'You remind me so much of Magic Johnson.'"

"As a good player in the inner city, you're always hearing people saying that you're better than you really are and that you don't have to do things like everybody else."

"Every year it's been people saying I can't do this or I can't do that. Y'all will see something different, I can tell you that."

"I don't put pressure on myself. When I put pressure on myself, then I just play bad. When I play bad, my team plays bad."

"I don't think there could ever be more pressure to succeed than the pressure I place on myself."

"I have my own identity as a player."

"I know there's a lot of pressure, but I'm just going to go out and play my game."

"I'm laid back, I take my time, get the job done. Lebron is high flying, dunking, passing the ball well. He's getting the job done, too. But we're different."

"I say 'come with it.' I'm not expecting anything easy. You have to earn your place. That's fine with me."

"I smile all the time, even when I'm in a bad mood. I always try to keep a smile on my face."

"I think I am a smarter player now."

"I think I'll always want to improve my defense. That's something that can always be better. Not saying it's bad now, just something you should always work on."

"Nobody should expect more of you than you expect of yourself."

"Play hard, learn as much as I can and do what I do best. The rest will take care of itself I think."

"You've got to have fun on the court. If you ain't having fun, then basketball ain't fun."

"Carmelo Anthonys only come around once in your lifetime." - Jim Boeheim

"Carmelo is more than a scorer. He's going to be a very good rebounder and a great passer." - Kiki Vandeweghe

"For Carmelo to be a leader of this team, he's got to be committed in practice and committed to focusing on the fundamentals. Right now he is a great talent but not a full-fledged professional. How many 20-year-olds are?" - George Karl

"Guys that talented don't go to school anymore." - Troy Weaver

"He is the prophet who is going to lead the Nuggets to the promised land." - Dean Bonham

"He reminds me of myself. He's so in control. I was astonished by it." - Mark Aguirre

"He's a player. It's God-given talent." - Jeff Bzdelik

"He's as good as advertised. He's a good kid all-around. He's a good person. He works hard." - Kueth Duany

"He's a team player. He doesn't care about his own stats. He'll give the ball up; he'll rebound if you have to have a rebound." - Jim Boeheim

"He's going to be a phenomenal player in our league. And he does it with a smile on his face while respecting his teammates and the game. The more important the game, the more important the possession is, the better he is." - Larry Brown

"He's similar to a Grant Hill and a Tracy McGrady. He's long, athletic and got the same kind of abilities at the same stage. If anything, he's more under control." - Steve Smith

"He's the best. A lot of guys can shoot, and a lot of guys can post up. But he can do both." - Gerry McNamara

"I don't think there's anybody, or any two guys, who can guard him if he's shooting the ball well." - Jim Boeheim

"I'm not sure I've played against a guy who beats you in so many ways. You know what I love? I love his demeanor." - Rick Barnes

"I think he's a fantastic young man. He almost totally transcends age with his approach to the game." - Jim Brown