Orlando Magic Coach Jamahl Mosley Praises Rookies
Jett Howard and Anthony Black found themselves in the starting lineup against Brazilian squad Flamengo in the Orlando Magic's final preseason game after the team sat out their starters for the night.
In a 109-76 win for the Magic in the Amway Center, Howard scored 21 points, second among all scorers, while Black led the team in assists with five in the game.
"They understand and they're aware that they're capable," Mosley said about the rookie duo. "I think a lot of times when you walk in your rookie season, you look at the games and how they're being played, and then you sit to try to figure out, how you can make an impact, and I think those extended minutes, they can see how they can make an impact on the game, whether that be just making a shot, setting a great screen, cutting at the right time, little ways to impact the game, no matter when your number is called."
Mosley gives the young guns Jett Howard and Anthony Black their roses after a stellar game against Brazilian Club Flamengo.
Jeremy Brener - The Magic Insider
Within his 21 total points, Howard showed his shooting prowess, as 15 of his 21 points came from behind the arc, making five of his 10 attempts from deep range.
"I think it's great for him," Mosley said. "He's put that work in, the coaches have put a tremendous amount of work in with him, and I think him being able to watch the first couple drop, you know, he was frustrated early, because he missed a layup, and then he missed another one, but the great part about him is that he's resilient enough to just know that he's gonna keep finding him and his teammates were looking for him."
Black, along with his five assists and seven points, high-energy defense, leading to three steals and two blocks.
"I really think AB is special defensively," Mosley said. "He just has a tenacity about him to go after the ball, and what people don't recognize is the things that he's really doing offensively as well. He learns and figures out where to space the floor. He's trying to make the right pass at all times. Like he has great court vision and great awareness, so I think he impacts the game, not just defensively but offensively because he's willing and wanting to make the easy play."
Howard and Black's individual performances leave Magic fans with much to be excited for in the future.
