C.J. Anthony circles back to Stardom

CJ Anthony’s basketball journey reflects a steady progression marked by discipline, resilience, and a commitment to growth at every level of the game. From his formative years at Harvest Preparatory School to competing  with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats (now in the Big 12). Anthony established himself as a reliable and hard-nosed player who embraced both challenge and opportunity upon joining iona's basketball team. 

The Iona 6 ft standout guard, C.J. Anthony 

CJ Anthony was personally trained by a very involved father that spend countless hours training him to be his best. His father took great lengths to be in his life at every step of the way. 

David Dennis, who has state championships in both girls and boys basketball in Ohio, coaching Harvest Preparatory School, was where CJ first gained recognition playing for his high school, Harvest Prep, a program nationally respected for producing high-level basketball talent and emphasizing structure, Coach Dennis is a well known AAU coach in the area and man of great distinction.  The coach has a system that works, but is very unique and style, pressing full court style from beginning to the end of the game, and forcing opponents to use their left hand or into an offensive foul if they choose not to go to their left. 

Accountability, and competitive excellence in the classroom as well as on the court we're taught by this coach who has a gym named after him.. Until recently players had to have their business-like, clean cut hair, neatly trimmed to the coach's approval.  Within this demanding environment, he developed a strong understanding of the game, sharpening his skills as a versatile guard and learning the importance of defensive intensity, basketball IQ, and team-first play.  All that much of his basketball IQ was installed by his father. 

Harvest Prep’s rigorous schedule and exposure to elite competition helped prepare Anthony for the physical and mental demands of college basketball. His time there laid the groundwork for his reputation as a disciplined player willing to put in the work on both ends of the floor.

High school/prep: He was a standout at Harvest Preparatory School in Canal Winchester, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio, where he became Central Ohio's all-time leading scorer with 2,395 points and earned Ohio Division III Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior. 

C.J spent a postgraduate year at Putnam Science Academy, (some suggested he take offers he was given to play at several MAC) a school in Connecticut, to prepare for college ball.  After a season with the academy, he transferred to the University of Cincinnati. 

CJ joined the University of Cincinnati Bearcats as a walk-on, spending several seasons there (including limited playing time early on and a redshirt in 2024-25 for an extra year of eligibility).  

Many might have given up on him excelling at the college level because of his lack of playing time at Cincinnati and his stats were minuscule.  But the father coached high school superstar was not finished, and hadn't given up on his ability to excel. 

Transfer to Iona: In April 2025, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Iona for his final season.

At Iona this 2025-26 season (as of mid-December 2025), he's thriving as a key scorer — averaging around 16 PPG (third in the MAAC), with standout games like 26 points vs. Delaware, 25 vs. Hofstra, and multiple MAAC Player of the Week honors.

CJ Anthony proves quitting was never an option, but the pursuit of excellence is the only option.

Continuing the Journey

CJ Anthony’s basketball path—from Harvest Prep to the University of Cincinnati—demonstrates the importance of development, perseverance, and embracing competition. His experience within two demanding programs has shaped him not only as a player, but as a professional-minded athlete prepared for opportunities beyond collegiate basketball.