#6 Anthony Black
Height: 6’7
Weight: 198
School: Arkansas
Position: PG/SG
Class: Freshman
WHO
Although mysterious circumstances surround Anthony Black’s high school career, you cannot ignore the sheer quality Black showcased while at Coppell High School (TX). He tore up area circuits, showing agility and awareness as a shooting guard, while putting in valuable shifts as a point guard. He often showcased incredible athleticism, as Black was a three-sport athlete. The fact that he could score if needed meant that he could stretch the court without needing to be an elite attacker. That, along with all of the qualities just stated, made scouts jump with excitement.
But Black’s transfer to Duncanville (a very competitive high school with the second-largest high school campus in the nation) in his second season changed that. An education-oriented committee ruled he transferred to Duncanville for athletic purposes, which is against the rules. A messy legal battle forced Black out of action for a lot of the season. A judge ruled that the Duncanville athletic director unfairly influenced Black and his mother (who the Duncanville AD had dated for three years) to switch from Coppell to Duncanville. The legal case put a stain on Black’s career and raised questions about his future in a college basketball program.
Regardless, Black continued to get several offers as one of the highest-ranked point guards in the nation. Colleges like Duke, Gonzaga, Georgia, and Kansas all offered a scholarship offer to Black, but he ended up choosing Arkansas. He rewarded the Razorbacks with big, high-scoring games. He reached 26 points twice in the season (Louisville, Creighton), but the main focus was on his playmaking. He had that too, as he made sure that Arkansas’ main offensive weapons in Nick Smith and Ricky Council were fairly fed throughout their games.
Black averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 36 total appearances. His physicality, paired with an unmatched level of versatility and technique, helped him lead Arkansas to a Sweet Sixteen bid. Sure, there were questions raised in Black’s 3P% (30.5%) and his FT% (70.5%), but there have been promising signs that Black’s jump shot has improved over the offseason.
WHY
Anthony Black appeals to teams because of his ability to distribute and handle the ball. He’s someone you build your offense around, not just because of his ability to get buckets, but because of his court vision and selfless playmaking. He’s also a pretty solid defender who can easily guard the one and two positions thanks to his natural build and great footwork. The Jazz, Thunder, and the Mavericks are all reportedly interested in the Razorbacks guard.
PRO SCOUT QUOTES
Defensively, Black’s versatility is intriguing. He’s able to defend up to three positions and is a good positional shot blocker. He gives effort and uses his length to be disruptive on that end of the floor. As such, he's one of the best guard defenders in this class.
Draft Digest Staff, SI.com
Black has the same craftiness as a scorer as he does while passing. He can drive really hard to the rim, and he initiates contact in ways that cannot be stopped. The kid is super strong and has excellent touch with his right. He can also engage in hostage dribbles or more patient moves at the point of attack, relying on floaters and craftily slow finishes while playing a cat-and-mouse game with the defense.
Adam Spinella, The Box and One
Black is one of the smartest players on the board. He makes rapid-fire decisions, facilitating ball movement and greasing the wheels for his offense. Station him off the ball, and he will thrive as a cutter and occasional spot-up shooter. Ask him to run the show, and Black is a twitchy ball-handler who’s comfortable probing the defense out of pick-and-rolls and firing dimes on the move.
Christopher Kline, FanSided
Black is one of the smartest players on the board. He makes rapid-fire decisions, facilitating ball movement and greasing the wheels for his offense. Station him off the ball, and he will thrive as a cutter and occasional spot-up shooter. Ask him to run the show, and Black is a twitchy ball-handler who’s comfortable probing the defense out of pick-and-rolls and firing dimes on the move.
Richard Stayman, MavsDraft
Big frame at 6’5” with good strength. Has already filled out his frame nicely at 19 years old
Aidan Maher, TVSN
