It is only June but it has already been a heck of a year for Anthony Black. In January he was named a McDonald’s All-American. In March he was named MVP after leading Duncanville High School to a state title game win over McKinney High School. In April as a member of Team USA he won the Nike Hoop Summit. Earlier this week he was named a finalist for the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team…and if all goes well then he will be adding a gold medal to his trophy case in the weeks ahead. Earlier today HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Anthony about winning a state title and signing with Arkansas.
(photo credit: usab.com)
You played football at Duncanville High School before giving it up as a senior to focus on basketball: how good of a wide receiver were you, and do you have any regrets about choosing basketball over football? My body just kind of developed by senior year so basketball became a better fit for me. I would say that I was a decent football player.
Last January you were named a McDonald’s All-American: what did it mean to you to receive such an outstanding honor? It was just a blessing to be selected: there are a lot of people who deserve to make it but only 24 get picked each year.
You led your team to a 35-1 record and the UIL Texas Boys State title this year: how close did you come to going undefeated, and what did it mean to you to win it all? Our only loss was to Richardson by 2 PTS in OT last December so we were pretty close to going undefeated. After that game we felt that we would not lose again so it was very special to win a state championship.
You received offers from several great schools including Gonzaga/TCU but signed with Arkansas last April: what was the biggest factor in your decision? The coaching staff showed a lot of interest in me and I think that they will help me become a better player.
Past Razorback stars like Mason Jones/Moses Moody/JD Notae have all stated that Coach Eric Musselman is demanding but also has great intentions: what kind of coach brings out the best in you? I prefer to have a coach who gets on my case because it will make me better.
You are part of 1 of the best recruiting classes in the nation thanks to the Razorbacks bringing in not 1 but 2 other McDonald’s All-American next year in Nick Smith Jr./Jordan Walsh: how well do you know either of them, and what makes them such great players? I know both of them pretty well. Nick is a great scorer/all-around player while Jordan is a great athlete who does a little bit of everything as a glue guy.
Last April as a member of Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit you had 2 REB in a 102-80 win over the World team: which of your teammates impressed you the most (Dariq Whitehead/Cam Whitmore/other)? I would say Cam. It was the 1st time I ever saw him play in person and he really surprised me by how good he was.
You are 6’7”: what position do you play now, and what position will you feel most comfortable at in college? I played PG in high school and plan to do the same in college but will probably split time at the point with Nick.
Your father Terry played basketball at Baylor and is now in the school’s Sports Hall of Fame: who is the best athlete in the family? Definitely me! My little brother is also pretty good.
Last Tuesday you were named a finalist for the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team: what does it mean to you to represent your country, and what would it mean to you to win a gold medal? It is just a blessing to be selected to play with a bunch of other talented guys. It would be great to win a gold medal in Mexico and then bring it back home to the US!