WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- NBA star Carmelo Anthony was named USA Basketball male athlete of the year on Tuesday for helping the national team to a bronze medal at the FIBA world basketball championships in 2006.

    The Denver Nuggets player, the lone American named to the world championship all-star team, was the U.S. top scorer at last year's tournament in Japan, averaging 19.9 points per game.

    "I'm very honored to receive this award," Anthony said in a statement.

    "I look forward to continuing to work hard for USA Basketball and helping us get that gold medal in 2008 (at the Beijing Olympics)."

    "He is very deserving of this award," said Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

    "With Carmelo, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James as the core of our national team over the next two years, we have a lot to look forward to in USA Basketball."

    Anthony is now serving a 15-game suspension for his role in a brawl with the New York Knicks as the NBA regular matches of the 2006-2007 season are going on.