All Hogs

Orlando Fans Not Worthy of Anthony Black

However, history says Razorback guard will change that, make Magic faithful better

Kent Smith

Orlando Fans Not Worthy of Anthony Black
Orlando Fans Not Worthy of Anthony Black /
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Typically, when a player gets drafted as a Top 6 player in any draft, much less the NBA draft, there is excitement in the air and strong positivity surrounding the athlete headed a team's way. That was not the case for Arkansas guard Anthony Black.

The highly negative reception for Black was perplexing for a Razorback fan base that came to respect and love the highly touted guard for his toughness, work ethic and affable demeanor. Black had worked so hard to grow throughout the year and had played through pain to give all he had to the program when he had every reason to do just the opposite. 

Here are just a few examples of the immediate reaction. Some of it appears to stem from a story by CBS Sports declaring Black to be the biggest potential bust in the draft. Other fans were upset with the pick because they didn't see guard as a need for the team. 

The negative comments and memes kept coming all night long. One Magic fan even went so far as to go after Black for his iconic hair. Regardless of the reason, Arkansas fans weren't having it. They were stunned at first and then quick to defend Black. 

Of course, in true Anthony Black fashion, the former Razorback stayed above the fray and took a moment to pull Michigan's Jett Howard, who was unexpectedly drafted by the Magic at No. 11, in to record a quick message for fans in Orlando. It should be noted that this is the second such message sent by Black after recording one by himself earlier, but, in a move befitting his in-game mentality, he offered got Howard involved in the PR game also.

The fact of the matter is at times in life, people wander in who are more than we deserve, and that is clearly the case here. Orlando Magic fans don't deserve Black. The positive energy and sweat equity he puts in belongs in a places like Dallas, Denver or Milwaukee where he will be appreciated while being part of something special. 

Yet, that's where things fell. Black is in Orlando. It's not exactly the most desirable NBA city in the world. The Magic aren't exactly the most desirable organization in the NBA. The Orlando fans clearly aren't the most desirable supporters in the world. 

Still, there is no doubt Black will make every bit of that equation better. His work ethic will rub off on the rest of the team, including coaches. His fun, yet determined, personality will spread to those around him, making the locker room a better place. Bitter Magic fans will come to love all aspects of Black's demeanor on the court and will to win. They will also gain an appreciation for his hair.

The player who entered the doors of Bud Walton Arena last summer wasn't worthy of a lottery pick. However, he was coachable and molded himself into a mature young man who is highly skilled on both ends of the floor. The man who will walk through the doors in Orlando is worth of even more than the No. 6 pick at which he went. 

Even still, there's so much refining to be done. The enemy of greatness is being really good. What makes Black special is that, just like so many of the greats, he won't stop working on little things to get even better. 

That includes his vision, which will immediately be among the best in the game. That includes his ability to get to the rack and generate offense, which is borderline unstoppable. That includes his work on defense, which is among the best in the draft. 

Most importantly, it also includes his outside shooting, which is what has been the biggest consternation among Magic fans. Black poured his heart and soul into improving this part of his game. He has reached a point where he knocks down shot after shot. Now, it's just about replicating that motion a little quicker each time. 

Having spent an entire year studying everything this young man had done, good or bad, there is little doubt that what is his weakness now will turn into a strength in the near future. He becomes hyper focused on getting better at something and makes huge jumps. 

Black is the professional Orlando doesn't deserve. When there's legitimate criticism, he internalizes it in the right way and responds with action that makes him better as a person and a player. Magic fans can choose to rip his selection now, but they will have no choice but to love him in the future.
Hair and all.

Arkansas divider

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Arkansas divider

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Kent Smith
KENT SMITH

Kent Smith has been in the world of media and film for nearly 30 years. From Nolan Richardson's final seasons, former Razorback quarterback Clint Stoerner trying to throw to anyone and anything in the blazing heat of Cowboys training camp in Wichita Falls, the first high school and college games after 9/11, to Troy Aikman's retirement and Alex Rodriguez's signing of his quarter billion dollar contract, Smith has been there to report on some of the region's biggest moments.