Orlando Magic Rookie Anthony Black Praised by Former Top College Coach
ORLANDO - Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black hasn't been the flashiest rookie this season.
Black, 19, is averaging five points per game for the Magic, but has started 16 games this season in place of injured guard Markelle Fultz. However, the Magic is 12-4 in games where Black starts this season.
Black's impact on the defensive end has caught the eye of former Marquette, Indiana and Georgia basketball coach Tom Crean.
Anthony Black
Mike Watters-USA Today Sports
"One of the main reasons that @OrlandoMagic 19 year old rookie @AnthonyBlack24_ is not getting CLOSE to enough @NBA national attention is because of his lack of numbers. Don’t be fooled. He impacts winning. He delivers, he defends , [sic] he’s tough. Future STAR!," Crean posted on social media.
"He is a quick learner. He’s more physical than people think. He’s handling the ball vs pressure now. His shot is improving and he isn’t forcing. He makes layups. The ball has energy when he has it. He uses his length defensively. Very quick twitch," Crean said in a separate tweet.
Black makes his money on the defensive end, and if he's able to continue improving on that side, he could become one of the league's top guard defenders. And then if his offensive game improves, he may become one of the most underrated young guards in the league.
Black and the Magic are back in action tomorrow night when Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers come to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at the Amway Center.
