Arkansas' Anthony Black, projected top-10 pick, enters NBA draft
Arkansas freshman Anthony Black, a projected top-10 pick, will enter the 2023 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, he said on ESPN's «NBA Today» on Wednesday.
«Being one and done was always a goal of mine, but it wasn't something I necessarily expected to happen,» Black told ESPN. «Coming in, I was focused on winning games and getting better, knowing the rest will take care of itself. I want to thank God and all the coaches who helped me from when I started playing AAU, through high school and college, including Coach Muss [Eric Musselman]. Also, my teammates and family for supporting me and being my biggest fan.»
Black, the No. 8 prospect in ESPN's NBA draft projections, was named second-team All-SEC and to the all-freshman team after averaging 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game this season.
Black helped No. 8 seed Arkansas defeat No. 1 Kansas to make the NCAA tournament Sweet 16, where the Razorbacks lost to eventual national champion UConn. Black had one of his best games of the season in what ended up being his final appearance in an Arkansas jersey, posting 20 points, 5 steals and 4 rebounds.
A 6-foot-7 point guard, Black played more minutes than any other freshman in college basketball, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in this draft class with the intense ball pressure he puts on opponents and his ability to fight over screens, rotate to protect the rim and get in passing lanes seemingly instinctually.
«Defense is something I was always super passionate about,» Black said. «That comes from me being competitive. Wanting to win, taking pride in my matchups and not get scored on. That was the first thing they taught us at Arkansas; defensive principles,