For its sixth draft pick, the Magic set its sights on Arkansas point guard Anthony Black. The latter has since compiled an average of 11 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4 assists in three Summer League games.
In high school as in the NCAA, Black (2m01) above all distinguished himself with his qualities as a passer, a creator, who could work wonders in the rhythmic and fast game of the NBA, like some of the players he has observed lately. time.
“I looked a bit at everyone in the league,” he explains at Hoopshype. “In high school, I watched Josh Giddey, when he was a rookie. There’s also Tyrese Haliburton, Cade Cunningham, tall young outsiders. LaMelo Ball is also one of the players I try to watch closely for certain elements of the game.”
To the point of wanting to copy these players?
” Not really “, replies Anthony Black. “When I watch the videos, I watch them as a fan and not to help me improve my game. I think passing is a lot of feeling and anticipation, you can’t really improve watching someone else do it. Either we have it or we don’t. You just have to do the right game readings, the right passes to become better at it. »
If there is one sector in which the former Arkansas will have to step up a notch when arriving in the NBA, it is physically. He confirms it himself. On the other hand, if his outside shooting looks suspicious, he has no intention of making any drastic changes to change it.
“I need to have more power, yes. My first game in the summer league, I was physically pushed around. I’m probably going to need a few years to get where I want to be.” he announces. “For my shot, I haven’t changed anything compared to my time in Arkansas. Except that for a month, I’ve been trying to drop the ball higher. It takes the pressure off my arm and it’s more of a wrist action. »
