Orlando Magic Rookie Anthony Black 'Wants to Do Great Things', Says Coach Jamahl Mosley

Anthony Black has had his ups and downs so far this season for the Orlando Magic, but head coach Jamahl Mosley firmly believes in the young guard.

When the Orlando Magic selected Anthony Black with the No. 6 overall pick of this past year's draft, many expected for him to have his fair share of ups and downs.

That has been the case so far this season, as the rookie has averaged only 4.8 points per game. And despite his solid 46 percent shooting from the field, he has shot a less than desirable 26 percent from three. Despite his struggles, head coach Jamahl Mosley is standing behind Black, and he talked more about him in a recent interview.

"This is a young man who's extremely hard on himself who wants to do great things," Mosley said. "And sometimes he's gonna have to play through some of those mistakes and he's getting so much better at it."

Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) blocks a floater by Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) / Mike Watters-USA Today Sports

One of the things that Black has done consistently well this season is defend at a very high level. His height and length at the point guard spot means that he can cause trouble for opposing guards that are trying to beat him off the dribble. Mosley thinks that if Black can continue his great play on defense, the rest will follow.

"Recognizing that, you know, part of the game is it's going to be up and down." Mosley said. "But how he responds to it has been great. His teammates have been great with him. He does a great job defensively. He's trying to continue to make the right play along with all of these guys."

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Black and the rest of the Magic will be back in action on Friday in a rematch against the Washington Wizards, who the team beat in its last game. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET from the Amway Center.