2023 NBA Draft: Get to know Anthony Black
Overview
Anthony Black was a five-star recruit in the high school class of 2022 who played his lone collegiate season at Arkansas. Starring alongside fellow highly touted freshmen Nick Smith and Jordan Walsh, Black started all 36 of his appearances and averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.6 blocks in 34.9 minutes per game. The Texas native shot 45.3% from the field, 30.1% from deep and 70.5% from the free-throw line. Prior to arriving at Arkansas, Black spent time at Coppell High School in Duncanville, Texas before transferring to Duncanville High School for his senior season. Earlier in his high school career, Black was not considered an elite prospect, but he closed his senior season as a consensus top 20 player in his class.
Analysis
Black is an excellent on-ball defender and a willing passer who prefers to set up teammates rather than create his own shot, but his size is his biggest asset. Black is essentially a point guard with the body of a wing, enabling him to work over and around defenders with ease. He’s a good finisher at the rim and an above-average athlete, but operating as a playmaker in the pick-and-roll is where he’s most comfortable. At this stage in his development, Black is not a great three-point or free-throw shooter, so developing confidence and better mechanics will be a priority.
Projection
Black projects as a high-to-mid-lottery pick in 2023 and figures to be an instant-impact player as a rookie. His size, athleticism and willingness to pass should make him an attractive fit for several teams in the lottery. Black draws comparisons to current NBA players like Cade Cunningham, Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels.
2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Anthony Black
— Profile by RotoWire