10 Questions With...Carmelo Anthony

New York Knicks fans enthusiastically welcomed Carmelo Anthony last February after a blockbuster trade sent the former Denver Nugget to the Big Apple. Fans continued to cheer on the All-Star forward as he helped engineer the Knicks, who suffered from a seven-year post-season drought, to a playoff berth. Although New York was knocked out in the first round, Anthony, after only playing two months with the team, gave Knicks fans new hope.

Appreciative of the support, the All-Star forward introduced his newest Jordan Brand sneaker recently, the MeloM8—his gift to all of his NYC supporters. “This is my first sneaker I’m releasing in New York,” Anthony said last week at a New York City pop up store dedicated to the shoe. “It’s a thank you to my fans out here in New York.”

After showing SIKIDS.com his MeloM8s, Anthony laced up his sneakers to take on our 10 Questions. Keep reading to see how he does.

What time is your alarm set for?
7:30

Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry ice cream?
I don’t really eat ice cream, but I’d have to say strawberry.

What was your childhood nickname?
I’ve always had Melo and it just stuck.

If you weren’t an athlete, what would you want to do?
Maybe design sneakers. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I also love art and drawing.

Why do you wear the jersey number you do?
Number 15 was retired by a Hall of Famer, Earl Monroe. So I went to him and asked if I could have the number. He was going to let me. But after I sat down and thought about it, I changed my mind. I’m in New York and this is something new for me. I wanted something fresh. Seven for me, is completion.

What is your favorite city to compete in?
It’s always been New York. The energy, the atmosphere and the people are great.

What do you do on days off?
If I have a day off, I just rest and hang out with my son, take him to soccer practice. I ride my bike around the city. Some people even ride along beside me sometimes.

Who is the greatest athlete of all-time?
I love Muhammad Ali. I love what he stood for. I admire how he approached his sport and everything in life.

Who is your best friend in sports?
LeBron James. We’ve been together since we were high school kids and we’re still close. It’s great that we got to grow up in the league and remain close.

What is the last item that you purchased?
I actually bought a pair of M8s. I just wanted the people to see me purchase my shoe!