Anthony Black, a top recruit out of the University of Arkansas declared that he will participate in the 2023 NBA Draft. The point guard played for the Razorbacks for one season as a freshman and still managed to set records along the way. Black spent the most time on the court than anybody else in his age group, a new record that was set by him.
He helped lead the Razorbacks to an incredible run, beating the best-ranked team in their division. Anthony Black and his squad would reach the Sweet 16 bracket in the NCAA and then be defeated by the UConn Huskies. Obviously, the Huskies eventually went on to win the title. During his journey as a freshman, Black averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. In his position, AB is little more than a traditional point guard as he is a pioneer in defense.
A 6’7 point guard, Anthony Black showed impressive creativity, pace, physicality and smarts operating out of ball screens. He played more minutes than any freshman in college basketball, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in this draft class. https://t.co/EfdfX59GLW pic.twitter.com/9N0jjKu0LR
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 12, 2023
Anthony put up 2.1 steals per game as a Razorback. But it seems as if the youngster wants to give himself more time to become a legendary NBA star. Thus, declaring for the NBA Draft at the age of 19. Black has a very long list of achievements under his belt. He was named All-SEC and selected to the All-Freshmen team. Black also won the gold medal at the FIBA U-18 Americas Championship Tournament. His level of skill would be a problem in the NBA.
Why are the Utah Jazz most likely to select Anthony Black?
After forfeiting the remainder of his college days, Anthony Black has been a projected top-10 pick by several sources. Some people have him drafted as high as No.5 or No.6. However, there are other players who have established themselves at that high. Black will most likely be selected No.9 overall in the 2033 NBA Draft that will take place in Chicago on May 16, 2023.
Arkansas PG Anthony Black has declared for the 2023 NBA draft.
(via @malika_andrews, NBA Today) pic.twitter.com/g5N8MhFtZ6
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 12, 2023
As the ninth pick, the Utah Jazz will have the honor of selecting him. In this situation, Anthony Black would fit in well as the Jazz do require a good defender on their offensively heavy roster. To keep Black as their primary option, the Jazz would rely on him to defend the rim against other guards and add pressure against his opponents. Black is precisely known as the best defender of his draft class and has an incredibly good court vision.
“Defense is something I was always super passionate about. That comes from me being competitive. Wanting to win, taking pride in my matchups and not get scored on,” Anthony told ESPN. If he gets drafted a pick later, the Dallas Mavericks will pair him alongside Luka Doncic and potentially Kyrie Irving as well. Dallas would also be a near-perfect selection as they have often shown an interest in acquiring an elite defender. The highest projection would have him selected as the sixth pick by the Orlando Magic. However, the Magic’s priorities are probably set on acquiring a scorer over a defender.
