Magic Rookie Anthony Black Has High Expectations: 'He Can Be Top 10 Point Guard'
Orlando Magic rookie point guard Anthony Black released a video chronicling his pre-draft experience, and it was both entertaining and insightful.
The YouTube video opened with him practicing his shot in the gym as analysts could be heard discussing his upside.
“He can be a top 10 point guard in this league," a voice said in the background, but despite the lofty expectations, the video showed how he got to this point.
Before he became the Magic’s No. 6 pick, Black was doubted. Going back just a year or two ago, when he was in high school, he detailed how many questioned if he could ever even make it at the college mid-major level, but now he was staring down a potential lottery selection.
His sudden transformation can be credited to mental toughness and work ethic. Player development coach Packie Turner noted that his main job is helping Black improve the fluidity of his shot but noted that his willingness to be coached made his job easy.
“He’s a sponge. He just wants to learn and get better,” Turner said.
Initially, Black allowed skeptics of his game to impact how he played, but he noted that he’s now learned to think for himself and tune out the noise rather than taking on other people’s doubts.
“Never let anyone limit what you can be,” Black said. “Trust in your hard work.”
Later on in the video, Black was seen with fellow lottery selection Gradey Dick as they played games and attempted to ride roller coasters that the two tall teenagers were too big to fit in.
It was nice to see Orlando’s rookie have fun, but even more exciting than a fair is the idea of what the massive playmaker could become in NBA games if he continues the ascension that brought him to this point. His first chance to continue silencing his doubter will come this Saturday when the Magic faceoff against the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Summer League.
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