SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Carmelo Anthony returns to Syracuse University tonight but the NBA star isn't returning for academic reasons.

'Melo brings the New York Knicks back to his old stomping grounds for an exhibition game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Anthony led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA tournament championship in his only college season before turning pro.

In addition to Anthony's return, it's also a homecoming of sorts for the 76ers. The club started out playing in Syracuse as the Nationals, winning a championship in 1955.

Tipoff is set for 7:00 pm. The Knicks regular season begins on November 1st against the newly located Nets in Brooklyn.