Orlando Magic Rookie Anthony Black Praised by Former Top College Coach

Anthony Black is making a strong impression with the Orlando Magic.

Jeremy Brener | Dec 10, 2023

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Orlando Magic

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.

"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.

Why Jalen Suggs 'Loves' Rookie Anthony Black

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.

Published Dec 10, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.