SEC Basketball 2023 NBA Draft Preview: Arkansas G Anthony Black

One of the more intriguing SEC prospects likely to be selected in the lottery of the 2023 NBA Draft is Anthony Black, a former five-star prospect who is coming off a strong first, and only, season at Arkansas. One of the top guards available, where will Black now be selected in the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft?

SEC Basketball 2023 NBA Draft Preview: Arkansas G Anthony Black

As mentioned previously, Black originally came to Arkansas a year ago as a five-star prospect out of Duncanville High School in Texas, one who was considered as one of the top point guards in the 2022 class, as well as the No. 17 overall player nationally according to the 247Sports Composite.

During his lone season at Arkansas, Black would start in all 36 games for the Razorbacks during the 2022-23 campaign, averaging 12.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, and 2.1 SPG. Leading the SEC with an average of 34.9 MPG, Black would also receive SEC All-Freshman honors, while also shooting 45.3% from the field, as well as rank top five in the conference in steals and assists per game.

Strengths

A bigger point guard at 6-foot-7, 198 pounds, Black has multiple tools that could allow the former five-star to be a day one impact player at the professional level, both offensively and defensively. Beginning with a look at his defense, Black’s size and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions on the defensive end as one of the top defensive guards in this draft, with the former five-star also one of the SEC’s best this past season at steals, ranking third in the conference at 2.1 SPG a year ago.

Offensively, Black is among the top passers in this draft at the point guard position, and excels at getting to, and finishing, around the rim. Black is also a solid shooter as well, but will still likely need to improve from long distance going into the NBA.

Question Marks

While Black is a strong offensive playmaker, the Arkansas freshman will still likely need to improve on his three-point and free throw shooting as he enters the NBA as mentioned previously. Black shot only 30.1% from three and 70.5% from the free throw line this past season, and if the former five-star can continue to improve in those areas, then the Arkansas standout has a ton of upside in the professional game.

Potential Draft Range

A potential lottery pick, Black is likely to be selected in the Top 10 overall picks of the 2023 NBA Draft. Black you could make the argument is the top point guard in the entire draft, and should come off the board very early in the first round.

Draft Prediction

Black will be selected between picks No. 5-10 in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.