Tag: Anthony Black

The Magic posted (and deleted) a suggestive Gradey Dick jersey swap post-game photo

The Orlando Magic social team, probably: “Now you see it. Now you don’t.”

Gradey Dick and Anthony Black drove social media into a frenzy after the pair came up with the idea to do a highly suggestive jersey swap on Sunday. Somehow, the Orlando Magic’s social media team got involved and was convinced to post a photo to X (formerly Twitter) capturing the moment. However, they quickly realized they had made a grave mistake and deleted the photo after fans figured out what was happening.

Jersey swaps are one of the coolest things sports have to offer. If a player respects another player, they may hit up another player for a little postgame jersey swap. (You know. Game recognizes game.) That’s what people thought was happening when they caught Toronto Raptors wing Gradey Dick and Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black swapping jerseys. However, something even more sinister was being cooked up.

Gradey and Anthony completely bulldozed the lines of what isn’t safe for work and got the Magic social team involved. The team tweeted and deleted a photo of the swap before realizing that things like this should not be on a professional team’s account.

(Warning: NSFW language.)

Former Arkansas standouts Anthony Black, Nick Smith Jr. swap jerseys after NBA meeting

Anthony Black and Nick Smith Jr. swapped jerseys with each other on Tuesday after their second meeting in the NBA.

Former Arkansas standouts Anthony Black and Nick Smith Jr. swapped jerseys with each other on Tuesday after their second meeting in the NBA this season.

Black and the Orlando Magic emerged victorious over Smith and the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Black was one of six Magic players who finished in double figures, producing 10 points and five rebounds in the 101-89 win. Smith didn’t play.

The Magic improved to 2-0 against the Hornets this season with the win after taking the first meeting on Nov. 26 in Orlando. The division foes will play two more times: March 19 and April 5.

Of course, the two rookies were teammates last season at Arkansas and helped the Razorbacks reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. They declared for the NBA draft after strong freshman campaigns and were both selected in the first round.

Black, the sixth pick, is averaging five points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 40% shooting from 3-point range in 56 appearances with the Magic. He ranks seventh in starts (31) and is second in defensive rating (108.4) among rookies with at least 30 appearances.

Smith was the 27th pick by the Hornets and is averaging 6.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 45.1% shooting from 3-point range. He leads the rookie class in 3-point percentage and is among 13 first-year players to make at least 50 3s (51).

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These are the 10 Best Arkansas Athletes of 2023

Who was the best player for the Arkansas Razorbacks this season?

The calendar year of 2023 for Arkansas sports as a whole was a bit of a mixed bag.

But on an individual basis, several Hogs athletes made the most of things and had seasons to remember.

Our annual Top 10 Arkansas Athletes list this year includes one baseball player, one softball player, two football players, one women’s basketball player, two men’s basketball players, two volleyball players and a soccer player.

On the honorable mention list: two softball players, one soccer player, one baseball player, one volleyball player, one basketball player.

Check out the complete list of our honorees for the 2023 calendar year below.

Black and Smith Jr. have career highs in final week of 2023

Anthony Black and Nick Smith Jr. are balling out in their rookie seasons in the NBA.

Anthony Black and Nick Smith Jr. were both highly touted coming into Arkansas as freshmen.

They were just as highly touted going into the NBA Draft and now as rookies on the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets, respectively.

Heading into the final days of 2023, both players decided to take things to another level for their franchises.

Black had a career high 23 points the other night in the Magic’s eight-point victory over the Washington Wizards.

Meanwhile, in Charlotte on Saturday, Smith Jr. was lights out as his 19 points helped the Hornets weather a furious comeback that ultimately fell short against the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

17 of his 19 came in the fourth quarter, which is the most for any rookie in the league to this point this season.

Both players will undoubtedly play key roles for their teams as they try and make the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Jamahl Mosley applauded Magic rookie Anthony Black after career performance

Magic rookie Anthony Black produced his first career 20-point performance on Tuesday and earned praise from coach Jamahl Mosley afterward.

Orlando Magic rookie Anthony Black produced his first career 20-point performance on Tuesday and earned praise from coach Jamahl Mosley.

Black recorded 23 points, six rebounds, four steals and one assist in a 127-119 victory on the road over the Washington Wizards. He went 9-of-13 from the field, including a career-high 4-of-6 from 3-point range, in 32 minutes of work.

The sixth pick became the fourth rookie this season with at least 20 points and four steals in a game. He surpassed his previous season high (13 points) in the first half after totaling 17 points at the intermission.

“The things that he does don’t always show up in the box score,” Mosley said. “It’s the cuts, rebounds, screening, movement and spacing the floor the right way. The guys did a great job finding him as they shifted off him. He was ready to step in and knock his shot down.”

Black scored the majority of his points assisted, from moving around and cutting on the court to being in the right spots for the open shot. He was seemingly in the right position throughout his time on the court and capitalized on it.

He credited his teammates for finding him.

“I got a couple of ones in transition and then just got pretty open 3s, to be honest,” Black said. “I’m pretty sure most of my points were assisted, so it definitely goes out to the guys for finding me.”

Black was out of the rotation to start the season, but the Magic turned to him once Markelle Fultz went down with a knee injury. He is tied for the fourth-most starts by a rookie this season (23) and has been with that group for the past 21 games.

Tuesday marked the fourth time Black has scored in double figures this season. The team has often turned to him on the defensive end, but the 19-year-old took advantage of coverages and put up his best offensive night to date.

“I think the coaches have done a great job with him,” Mosley said. “He has done a heck of a job continuing to work, not just on his shot but just overall reading and studying the game. Coach (Jeremiah) Boswell does a great job with him, getting him in the gym, coming in early and staying late, and that’s who he is.”

After playing sparingly to start the season, Black has stepped in and has helped the Magic to a 15-8 record in the starting lineup. He has provided a presence on both ends of the court in place of Fultz, and is producing nightly.

With Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony handling the bulk of the scoring, the team likely will not need Black to score 20 points every night. Instead, they will rely on his effort and hustle plays, which Black is more than comfortable providing.

“We’re playing good ball right now, and I’m just trying to focus on that,” Black said. “I know it is going to come game by game, and I’m getting more comfortable, so I’m just trying to do the things that are helping us win.”

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‘He is comfortable on the floor’: Anthony Black gaining confidence with the Magic

Anthony Black was thrust into the rotation early this season for the Magic, and has had some impressive moments in that role.

Anthony Black was thrust into the rotation early this season for the Orlando Magic, and the sixth pick has had some impressive moments in that role.

Black logged nine total minutes over the first four games of the season. However, the team turned to him in the next game with Markelle Fultz out of the lineup due to a knee injury. He responded by producing nine points in 15 minutes in a win over the Utah Jazz.

The 19-year-old has since started 17 times, including the last 15 straight games. He is averaging 4.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 43.5% shooting from the field in that role.

He is gaining confidence with the team each game.

“I think I might have said a couple of weeks ago: Every game feels like it is slowing down a little more,” Black said on Monday. “I’m definitely starting to feel more comfortable and kind of starting to figure out my spots and stuff like that.”

Black has the fifth-most starts by a first-year player this season and was likely thrown into the mix earlier than anticipated. The team had a bit of a logjam in the backcourt, with Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris and Joe Ingles in the rotation.

He has played a big part in the Magic having their best start since the 2010-11 season. They improved to 16-7 after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday and are 13-4 with Black in the starting lineup.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said Black has fit in well with the team.

The players have done a great job with him. The coaches have done a fantastic job with him of just his body of work. He is studying more film and the coaches are talking to him and communicating with him. He is comfortable being on the floor with those guys.

They trust him and realize how much confidence he has in his abilities, as well as he just knows how to play. Then, you talk about the defensive side of the ball, where he has always been special. I think that is something our guys understand and rely on that, as well.

Black joined the Magic known as a defensive-minded guard. He has provided the team with a defensive presence in the starting lineup in place of Fultz, who hasn’t played since Nov. 9. With his help, the Magic are third in the league in defense.

From Luka Doncic to Darius Garland, Black has been asked to guard some of the top players in the league. He relishes those opportunities and matchups.

“I definitely take pride in trying to affect them as much as possible,” Black said. “They’re the best players in the world. There is only so much you can do, but (I) definitely take pride in my matchups.”

Black may not have some of the eye-popping stats as some other rookies, but the former Arkansas standout is affecting winning on a team currently second in the Eastern Conference and earning the trust of his teammates in the process.

“He isn’t shying away from guarding the best players,” Franz Wagner said. “He has a good energy about him when he is out there. I think that is a cool thing for a young guy to come in and immediately show that they can play and help us in a lot of ways.”

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Can the Oklahoma Sooners take advantage of Arkansas Razorbacks 3-point defense in Tulsa?

When the Oklahoma Sooners take on the Arkansas Razorbacks, they’ll have opportunities from three-point range. Can they take advantage?

Porter Moser and the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves 8-0 for the first time since the 2015-2016 season. They have ripped through their competition, including wins over a USC Trojans team with multiple NBA-caliber players, a high-scoring Iowa team, and a Providence team that beat Wisconsin earlier in the year.

The Sooners still have a few non-conference foes left before they dive head-first into what will be one final grueling and challenging Big 12 slate before they depart for the SEC and its gauntlet next season.

One of their toughest nonconference opponents remaining is Eric Musselman’s Arkansas Razorbacks. The Sooners and Razorbacks will meet again at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday. This is the rematch of last year’s game that went 88-78 in favor of the Hogs.

Much has changed from a personnel standpoint on both sides. Milos Uzan is the only starter returning for the Sooners. Meanwhile, the Razorbacks have no starters from that game this year, with the likelihood that projected first-round pick Trevon Brazile will be out after an ankle injury against Furman in their last game.

While only the Sooners come in ranked No. 22 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, this is a resume-building win for either team. It’s a game that could make a big difference when it’s time for the selection committee to evaluate teams pursuing an NCAA tournament bid.

Derek Oxford of Razorbacks Wire gave us time to share his thoughts on questions surrounding Arkansas as we head into this pivotal clash between future conference foes.

‘He wasn’t afraid’: Magic rookie Anthony Black dazzles in first start in win over Lakers

Playing short-handed, the Magic called upon rookie Anthony Black, and the sixth pick stepped in to beat the Lakers on Saturday.

Down two starters, Jamahl Mosley called upon Goga Bitadze and rookie Anthony Black, and the two players stepped in to help the Orlando Magic defeat the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.

Playing without Wendell Carter Jr. (hand) and Markelle Fultz (knee), Franz Wagner produced a team-high 26 points and Paolo Banchero added 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds to lead the Magic to the 120-101 victory. Bitadze recorded 10 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Black chipped in 11 points, four rebounds and two assists as the Magic improved to 4-2, their best start in three years.

It marked the first career start for Black, who appeared in his fourth game for the Magic. He went 4-of-6 from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, in 30 minutes.

“He wasn’t afraid,” Mosley said. “I think that’s the thing about that young man that we said at the beginning: He embraces moments. He has got a high basketball IQ. He is tough and is a team guy. He is willing to make the easy play, the easy and the right decision. I think those are the things that stand out the most.”

Said Black: “I feel like I was pretty ready for it, so there wasn’t really a sense of nerve or anything like that. It really just turned into me getting fully locked in and just getting ready to play.”

Black couldn’t miss from the field to start his career.

Counting his first three appearances, in which he made each of his first six shot attempts, and after making his first four shots on Saturday, Black had had the most makes from the field without a miss (10) to start a career since the 1996-97 season.

The sixth pick also finished a game-high plus-32 on the court and helped stifle the opposition for the Magic, who rank second in the NBA in defense. They held the Lakers to 26.7% shooting from 3-point range and forced 17 turnovers, which resulted in 22 points.

“I’m looking right now and plus-32 for my dog right here,” said Banchero, sitting next to Black in their postgame press conference. “That is crazy; plus-32 is nuts. He just stepped up right away. I said in the on-court interview that Goga set the tone with that block on (Anthony Davis) at the start of the game, and then A.B. just came in fearless.”

Black earned the start versus the Lakers, with Fultz a game-time decision. The team was also without Gary Harris due to a groin injury, so it could continue to rely on Black until its two veteran guards are cleared to return to the court.

He will likely see sporadic playing time throughout the year, but it is clear the 19-year-old has the ability to affect games. He was grateful his teammates helped him in his first-ever start in the NBA.

“I pushed the pace and defended,” Black said. “I think I took my open shots, which has been big for me, and just trusted my work. I think my teammates helped me out with the rest.”

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Black excels in first start for Orlando against Lakers

Anthony Black had 11 points in his first start for the Magic on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Orlando Magic took Anthony Black with the sixth overall pick in June’s draft for a reason, and it’s starting to pay off already.

In Saturday night’s 120-101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Black made his first start and put up quite impressive stat line.

According to NBA records, it’s historic.

The Magic are 4-2 in the early season, in a tie for the Southeast Division lead with the Atlanta Hawks, and figure to be in contention for a playoff spot if they can stay healthy.

A young core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Black and Moe Wagner is going to be tough in the Eastern Conference.

Orlando will next play again Monday night against Dallas.

Victor Wembanyama among 13 rookies to sign shoe deals with Nike

Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller headline a talented rookie class to sign with Nike this year.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller are among 13 rookies to sign shoe and apparel contracts with Nike, according to Nick DePaula of Boardroom.

Wembanyama and Miller headline a talented rookie class for the Swoosh, which includes Amen Thompson (Houston), Ausar Thompson (Detroit), Anthony Black (Orlando), Bilal Coulibaly (Washington) and Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City).

They join a star-studded roster, including signature athletes LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George and Sabrina Ionescu. It has been estimated that nearly 70% of players in the NBA wear Nike on the court.

The group of players signed to Nike nearly makes up half of the first round of draftees this year. Other rookies, such as Scoot Henderson (PUMA), Jarace Walker (Under Armour), Jett Howard (Jordan) and Gradey Dick (Adidas), have also inked with apparel companies.

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