Anthony Black

 

Anthony Black (born January 20, 2004) is an American professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one season of college basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks and was selected by the Magic with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Standing 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) and weighing 200 pounds (91 kg), Black plays both point guard and shooting guard positions and is known for his excellent on-ball defense, court vision, and versatility.

 

Early Life

 

Black was born in Irving, Texas, to parents Terry and Jennifer. His mother played soccer for the Texas Longhorns and Baylor Bears, while his father played college basketball for Baylor and professionally overseas. When Black was 10 months old, his family moved to Germany, where his father was playing professionally. Black became fluent in German by age three before returning to the United States for kindergarten. He was raised primarily by his mother following his parents’ separation during his childhood.

 

High School Career

 

Black grew up in Coppell, Texas, and initially attended Coppell High School. He transferred to Duncanville High School for his senior season, though he played only 15 games due to eligibility issues. Despite the limited appearances, Black helped lead Duncanville to the 2022 Texas 6A state championship. He finished as a consensus five-star recruit and top-20 player in the 2022 class, rated as the nation’s No. 1 point guard by 247Sports. Black was selected to play in the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Game.

 

College Career

 

Black committed to the University of Arkansas over offers from Duke, Texas, Gonzaga, Arizona, TCU, Oklahoma State, and the NBA G League. As a freshman in 2022-23, he was one of three five-star recruits joining the Razorbacks, alongside Nick Smith Jr. and Jordan Walsh.

 

Black started all 36 games, the only Razorback to do so, averaging 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He recorded a freshman school record with 74 steals and became the only player in program history to reach 450+ points, 180+ rebounds, and 140+ assists in a single season. At the 2022 Maui Invitational, Black recorded back-to-back games with 26 points and six assists, his best performances of the season. He helped Arkansas reach the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year. Black declared for the 2023 NBA Draft on April 12, 2023, on ESPN’s NBA Today.

 

NBA Career

 

The Orlando Magic selected Black with the sixth overall pick on June 22, 2023, making him the second-highest Arkansas draft pick since Sidney Moncrief and tied with Joe Kleine (1985). He signed a two-year, $14.85 million contract, one of the largest for a rookie drafted sixth overall.

 

Through his sophomore season (2025-26), Black has emerged as a key contributor for Orlando. The Magic have exercised team options for both 2025-26 ($7.97 million) and 2026-27 ($10.11 million).

 

Black draws comparisons to NBA players, including Cade Cunningham, Josh Giddey, and Dyson Daniels, for his size, playmaking, and defensive versatility.

 

References

 

External Links

* Anthony Black on NBA.com

* Anthony Black on Basketball-Reference.com