Rucker: United star’s emotions cut both ways

Melbourne United made it three straight wins with a convincing victory over the New Zealand Breakers on Monday night, yet it was Anthony’s early technical foul that once again put the star import in the spotlight.

Anthony was brilliant again, pouring in 13 first-quarter points and putting on a show to give his side a strong platform after 10 minutes. But Derek Rucker believes the American is still learning to keep his emotions in check.

“These are young professionals,” Rucker said on Moments that Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Pajero.

“Cole is still trying to understand in a new country, in a foreign environment, how he conducts himself and how he behaves.”

Rucker was quick to acknowledge what Anthony brings to the game.

“The entertainment aspect of it is great,” he said.

“He is such an emotional guy. He’s got this personality that is not only expressed through his talk, but it’s expressed through his conduct, behaviour and the way he carries himself on the floor.

“I’m not sure how good it is in the long run for his performance and how it impacts his team’s performance.”

Rucker believes there’s an edge to Anthony’s game that he can’t afford to lose, and the challenge now is finding the right balance.

“He easily should have had 40 points tonight, but maybe when he cooled down it wasn’t good for his game,” he said.

“There have been players who have been exceptional when their emotions are high… but it’s not the emotions when they’re necessarily high, it’s when it’s expressed towards the referees that I think can be detrimental.

“He has so much talent, he is a pleasure to watch play the game… I just wish he had a bit more discipline with regulating his emotions so that we could see the full bloom of what you describe as the Cole Anthony experience.”