Top Performance Series: Anthony Black

The idea behind the top performance series is to go back and watch the best, or one of the best, box score games of each prospect's season to see how they looked when they were performing at their highest individual level. And evaluating what that might tell us about their ceiling as a prospect.

For Arkansas freshman Anthony Black, that meant finding a game where he showcased his weakest skill: his shooting ability. In this early season matchup versus Louisville, the Razorbacks were still without Nick Smith Jr., and Black delivered an impressive offensive performance with three makes behind the arc and a perfect five-for-five from the free throw line.

Offense

While the shot ultimately decides the ceiling for Black, it is high processing ability and passing that gives him an incredible offensive floor.

At the very least, he is going to be a ball-mover who keeps the flow of the offense moving in transition and in the half court.

Fortunately, that truly being the best outcome for Black’s passing value is not likely. In this one game sample he had multiple examples of high level reads and manipulation of the defense to create open looks for his teammates.

While the 19-year-old never seems to get sped up and does have a high feel he could stand to eliminate some of the poor decisions that come throughout the game. There were some puzzling decisions in this game and that doesn’t seem to be an anomaly considering the more than three assists per game on the season.

While Black provides a ton of value on the ball, where he projects to be most comfortable, at 6-foot-7 he can still play off the ball.

Arkansas did have him running off screens and he showed a knack for making off the ball cuts at the perfect time along with attacking the offensive boards.

We already touched on the jump shot but if that comes around at all, something in the mid 30%, he could really cause problems for defenders trying to close out to him on the perimeter.

While those overall shooting numbers were not what you would want, the sheer volume was higher than anticipated and there is much more room for optimism in its continued development than when he was coming out of high school.

Defense

This is the end of the court where Black was flat out was impressive.

Just over two minutes into the game there were already three possessions that stood out with Black doing all of the little things you want to see.

He shows a great acumen for navigating screens on and off the ball, stunting into passing lanes to slow down a one more pass and checking offensive players as they cut or roll into the lane.

These may not be the most appealing aspect of defense, but they provide a ton of value on the court.

Another overlooked aspect of this end of the floor for guard/wing prospects is their help on the defensive boards. Not only does Black come down with rebounds but even when he doesn’t you will oftentimes find him making the necessary rotations and box outs.

The Duncanville High School alum does some of the more highlight worthy things as well. He combines his high awareness and feel with great athleticism and timing to create turnovers and disrupt the offense.

He is also good defending on the ball. He's pesky, guarding as far away from the rim as you ask him, and more than willing to give multiple efforts.

Black also has smooth athleticism to allow him to slide his feet and change direction and then gives his chest to the offensive player allowing his hands to stay free to be pesky and disruptive when the time is right.

This impressive defensive value, along with the high feel and passing offensively, do combine to produce a great floor for his NBA potential.

Ceiling

Versatile secondary creator that can be primary when necessary and primary perimeter defender.

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