Hard-work, consistency, and determination are the key ingredients to the success of many two sport athletes. Class of 2022 SG Anthony Black of Coppell, TX has consistently utilized these traits to position himself as a standout player not only on the football field, but also as a basketball standout who has recently showed that he is force to be reckoned with on the hardwood. Even with all the sudden attention that comes with being a special talent, Black remains humble and takes it all in stride.
Standing at 6’6, Blacks athleticism is what makes him so special. He has unbelievable instincts for a player his size on the offensive end of the floor. He has a natural feel for the game and does not force the issue and therefore he has so much production on or off the ball. Black is a gifted ball handler who can create off the dribble and he is a natural slasher who does not need much room to blow by defenders and finish at the rim strong. The talented wing has developed the skill set to play multiple positions and this gives him the advantage over others in his class. While still improving his three-point shot, he has begun to knock the three down more consistently and defenses now must play him honestly. Mix in the ability push the ball in the open court and create easy opportunities for his teammates in transition at its easy to see why he’s elevated quickly in the 2022 class.
Defensively, he plays the passing lanes very well and this allows him to get steals and play in the open court. His football instincts give him the edge in terms of toughness and physicality and he can switch off and guard multiple positions because of his ability to keep people in front of him while also being able to play around the basket if needed. He is a natural leader, and his aggression and leadership on the floor is what makes him such a great teammate and a person that loves to win. Although initially thought to be a football standout, he’s proven to be a legitimate high major basketball prospect and college programs are beginning to line up to get a shot at landing him to be an impact player for them on the hardwood.
The travel season was bit rocky this past summer, but Black was able to gain attention from some of the best basketball programs in the region. Auburn, Baylor, North Texas, Oklahoma State, and Old Dominion were some of the programs that offered the 2022 recruit scholarships early on. He then added offers from St. Louis, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech with University of Texas-Arlington offering recently as well. Look for the list to grow outside of the region and include schools from all the country when it is all said and done. Like everything else, Black stays humble and continues to let his game do the talking for him and it’s been loud and transparent for months now that he’s the real deal and one of the best 2022 prospects in the country.
Black plays for 3D Empire program during the grassroots travel season.