Magic Rookies are 'Sponges' in Summer League Preparation

Orlando Magic rookie guards Jett Howard and Anthony Black have quickly made strong impressions.

Orlando Magic rookie guards Anthony Black and Jett Howard were drafted less than two weeks ago, but the pair of first-round picks have already made strong first impressions. 

"Their willingness to learn," Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said. "They're just soaking everything up that the coaches are teaching. And the coaches are doing a phenomenal job of breaking down things to the slowest level that it can be so they're able to adjust to the game the right way.

"They're sponges in what they're asking and how they're trying to learn so I think it's beneficial to them that we're actually slowing things down so they can adjust to it and see the things in real time."

That "sponge" mentality has especially emerged as the rookie duo not only prepares for Las Vegas Summer League, but in preparation for their first real NBA minutes. 

And in the early stages of summer, the duo has not only learned Orlando's different offensive and defensive schemes, but what it means to be apart of this young core as well. 

"Learning the system," Howard said. "Learning all the new plays, sets and learning the culture as well."

The Magic's Las Vegas Summer League showcase begins on Saturday. Orlando plays the Detroit Pistons at 5:30 p.m. 

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