Certain archetypes and builds have been indirectly dominating the world of basketball. Whether you like it or not it is becoming the new norm. College coaches are manufacturing their rosters with athletes of all different physiques and skillsets. It is practically similar in an uncanny way to the simulated mode [MyPlayer] in the virtual basketball world of NBA 2K, game players customizing their ideal basketball athlete.
The basketball community as a whole has become enamored by preternatural athletes that have skills that are omnipresent across the court. Players have to not only be physically imposing but also be dynamic skillfully with and without the basketball in their hands. We have seen recently on a collegiate level roster (Florida State Seminoles) and an NBA roster (Cleveland Cavaliers), players with special basketball abilities that have contrasts in physical traits be assembled to play on the court together. To make it clear: great athletes who are also great basketball players.
Focusing back on the collegiate level, in March the best 68 teams competing against each other in a win-or-go-home tournament setting; to win and go far the point guard position has to be manned by a proficient leader. A leader amongst men with the ability to affect the game offensively and defensively. A player that is serene during the ratcheted-up pressure applied by opposing teams. Even more so importantly, a winner.
Anthony Black is a bonafide winner.
Ranked as the 4th best player in Texas (2022) according to On3 consensus rankings, Black is an esteemed point guard coming from a pool of the talented rich area of Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas. He fits the description of a “preternatural athlete” based off of his 6’7″/185 lb. frame while also utilizing his exceptional on-court play to stick out from other high-school basketball athletes.
Black is a fascinating prospect going forward because he just oozes NBA potential. With the increasing demand at the NBA level for tall playmakers at the point position Black is going to draw a lot of NBA scouts at his Arkansas games.
Forgot to mention… Black is headed to play for Eric Musselman at the University of Arkansas. He announced on March 28th that he will be playing with fellow McDonald’s All-Americans Nick Smith and Jordan Walsh.
The road to committing may seem very delayed to the casual eye especially of someone of his caliber. How does someone of his magnitude commit so late in the recruitment cycle?
Well let’s flashback to this past high school season that just ended.