Magic rookie Anthony Black breaks down two areas of his game that should translate quickly to NBA

When Anthony Black crashed the glass after his Orlando Magic teammate fired a last-second shot to defeat the New York Knicks in NBA Summer season League play, it was instinctual.

At 6 ft, 7 inches and 200 kilos, Black is a standout level guard with a great deal of potential, starting his NBA career as Orlando’s sixth general choose of the 2023 Draft. His size was an ideal asset throughout his time on the College of Arkansas, which he showcased with rebounding and protection, two areas he says will translate to the NBA his rookie season.

“I believe we performed towards some fairly good gamers in Summer season League, and I believe I held my very own on that finish,” Black advised Fox Information Digital whereas selling his partnerships with TIDAL and Lockerverse.

“I’ve at all times been assured in my protection simply with a few of the instruments I’ve. I really feel like I’ve fairly good arms, and I really feel like I do an excellent job protecting the ball in entrance. I undoubtedly suppose I can defend and rebound at this stage on day one. It doesn’t matter what.”

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An important instance was Black sprinting towards the ring when fellow draft pick Jett Howard launched a 28-foot 3-pointer to salvage a victory on the finish of a recreation. Black knew he wasn’t going to get the ball at that second, however he made positive to be out there in case the rebound went his method.

“I’ve accomplished it a number of occasions, too. A shot goes up, and there’s nonetheless sufficient time. And the protection simply turns and watches to see what occurs,” Black stated.

That’s precisely what occurred. Black sneaked behind the Knicks and used his lengthy arms for a tip-in to drive time beyond regulation.

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“It was simply Summer season League, nevertheless it’s nonetheless cool making a bucket like that,” Black stated.

Black stood out in Las Vegas, main the Magic in each Summer season League class, together with factors (11.0), rebounds (8.7), assists (4.0), steals (2.0) and minutes performed (28.4).

The Magic clearly see Black as a participant who could make a right away influence in Orlando, and the Texas native is able to get to work along with his teammates, lots of whom texted him the night time he was drafted.

Anthony Black of the Orlando Magic handles the ball throughout a recreation within the 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer season League July 12, 2023, on the Thomas & Mack Middle in Las Vegas. (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE through Getty Pictures)

“It kinda exhibits how related the entire group is,” Black stated of his new teammates reaching out. “However undoubtedly taking part in with guys like that, they’re all successful gamers. All of them play tremendous onerous, they usually’re good gamers. Undoubtedly glad I acquired to return to this group.”

Black particularly identified final yr’s Rookie of the Yr, Paolo Banchero from Duke, who excelled in Orlando. Nevertheless, the Magic need to enhance from final season’s thirteenth place end within the Japanese Convention with a 34-48 report.

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Expectations can be excessive for Black to dwell as much as his sixth general choice.

“There’s not likely loads of stress coming from myself due to what we now have,” Black stated. “I do know having good gamers round me goes to make it slightly simpler. I’m actually simply attempting to return in and study as a lot as I can and simply attempt to get pleasure from it and have enjoyable with it as a result of that is what everyone desires of.

“Strive to not put an excessive amount of stress on myself and have enjoyable. Simply work onerous.”

Anthony Black of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait in the course of the 2023 NBA rookie photograph shoot at UNLV July 14, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Jamie Squire/Getty Pictures)

Robust protection and rebounding aren’t the one qualities Black desires to convey to the desk this season.

“I’m attempting to solidify myself as a stable two-way participant within the league. I’m actually all about successful,” he stated. “So, hopefully are available and win some video games. However, if nothing else, develop, work on my craft, get lots stronger and take an enormous step ahead going into yr two.”

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When recreation day rolls round, Black makes use of music to hype him up. And he does so with TIDAL, which allowed Black to take over its dwell characteristic that allowed others on the streaming platform to see precisely what he was listening to.

“I take heed to music just about all day, from the time I get up, working errands, simply chilling on the home. Going to the fitness center, in fact, figuring out,” he stated. “I believe it’s only a fairly cool probability to share what you’re listening to and interact and work together with individuals.”