Unlike Nick Smith Jr, who announced his inclusion in the Draft at the end of the seasonArkansasat the end of March after a third-round “March Madness” loss to eventual champion UConn, he took a little longer to make his announcement, but his decision is just as logical and expected.
After a single university season, particularly successful under the tunic of the Razorbacks (12.8 points at 45% on shots, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals), Anthony Black did tell ESPN of his intention to sign up for the 2023 Draft, confirming his original plan to be a “one-and-done.”
” It was my goal, but it wasn’t something I imagined to be an end in itself. » so he said. ” I was primarily focused on my progress, on the team and how to help them win games. »
Very quickly essential in the device of the Razorbacks thanks to his profile of Swiss army knife, while his colleague “freshman” Nick Smith Jr, due in particular to physical glitches, struggled to find his cruising speed, the native leader of Texas is imposed over the months as a potential future “lottery pick”.
Archetype of the modern point guard in the current NBA, that is to say a tall ball carrier (2m01) capable of contributing in various ways, “AB” is particularly illustrated by his mastery of “pick-and- roll” and its external defense on the man. With the possible exception of Cason Wallace from Kentucky, he is also probably the best outside defender in this 2023 Draft.
Enough to ensure him, a priori, a place in the Top 10 since his profile is greatly appreciated by franchises, especially those who are rebuilding and looking for a reliable ball carrier to start with. Precisely, ESPN places him in 8th position in his last “Mock Draft”.
