Anthony Black's Jersey Number and Expected Impact at Arkansas

Anthony Black's Jersey Number and Career at Arkansas

Anthony Black is one of the top incoming freshmen basketball players in the country. The 6'7" guard out of Duncanville High School in Texas has already made a name for himself with his athleticism and versatility on the court. Now, as he joins coach Eric Musselman's Razorbacks team for the 2022-23 season, many fans are curious about what jersey number Black will wear at Arkansas.

Black's Jersey Number in High School

Throughout his high school career, Black wore the number 1 jersey. This distinguished him as the floor general and go-to guy for Duncanville. Black lived up to that jersey number, leading his team to back-to-back Texas 6A state championships in 2021 and 2022. He averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game as a junior. In his final season, Black put up 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per night.

Wearing number 1 symbolized Black's mentality and approach to the game. He's a versatile player capable of impacting the game in many ways. Black can score efficiently, facilitate for others, and make an impact on defense. This well-rounded game earned him many accolades, including 2022 Texas Gatorade Player of the Year.

Projecting Black's College Jersey Number

As Black joins an Arkansas team loaded with talent, the jersey number he'll wear is still unknown. The Razorbacks have not yet released which numbers the incoming recruits will wear for the 2022-23 season.

However, based on Arkansas' current roster, the number 1 jersey is already taken by sophomore guard Chris Lykes. Lykes wore 21 last season for Arkansas but has likely switched to 1 now that JD Notae has moved on from the program.

Other single digit numbers like 3 and 5 are occupied by returners Ricky Council IV and Trevon Brazile. So Black will likely end up with a number in the teens, 20s or 30s for his freshman campaign.

How Black Can Make an Instant Impact at Arkansas

While his number has yet to be determined, one thing is for certain - Anthony Black will make his presence felt immediately at Arkansas. ESPN ranks him as the #2 shooting guard and #10 overall prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He's expected to be a starter and major contributor from day one.

Despite losing Notae, Arkansas returns a lot of firepower including Brazile, Council, and starters Devo Davis and Jaylin Williams. Black's versatility will allow him to complement these veterans perfectly. He can play and defend multiple positions, act as a primary or secondary ball-handler, and score if needed.

Black's high basketball IQ, combined with his 6'7" size and athleticism, also makes him a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor. He showed in high school he can overpower smaller guards or blow by bigger forwards. This will force opposing teams into tough decisions defensively.

Finally, Black should thrive in coach Musselman's uptempo system. The Razorbacks like to push the pace, spread the floor and find open shooters. Black's transition game and outside shooting will fit right in. He shot 38% from three-point range as a senior in high school.

Projecting Black's Future at Arkansas

Based on his enormous potential, Anthony Black appears destined for a stellar career at Arkansas. He should make an immediate impact as a freshman and develop into a leader on the team in the coming years.

In fact, many analysts project Black as a potential one-and-done player. His NBA draft stock will certainly rise if he lives up to expectations as a freshman. But whether he stays more than one year or not, Black has all the tools to thrive under coach Musselman.

The future is exceedingly bright for Black. His athleticism and versatile offensive game could make him a first round draft pick. Scouts will love his size, quickness, ball-handling skills, court vision and defensive upside. While his shooting can improve, he's already shown prowess from outside.

Of course, the NBA can wait - Arkansas fans are eager to welcome Anthony Black this upcoming season. He'll look to guide the Razorbacks deep into the NCAA tournament. If he lives up to his potential, Arkansas will contend for SEC titles and make noise nationally behind their budding superstar.

FAQs

What number will Anthony Black wear at Arkansas?

Black's jersey number with the Razorbacks is still unknown. The team has not released numbers for incoming freshmen. He wore #1 in high school but that number is taken by Chris Lykes on the current Arkansas roster.

How was Black as a high school player?

Black averaged 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists per game as a senior at Duncanville High School in Texas. He led his team to back-to-back state titles and won Texas Gatorade Player of the Year.

What position does Black play?

Black is a versatile guard who can play and defend multiple positions. He primarily plays shooting guard but can act as the primary ball-handler or run the offense at point guard as well.

What makes Black such a highly touted recruit?

Black is a gifted athlete at 6'7" with the ball-handling skills of a guard. He can score at all three levels, facilitate for others, and defend multiple positions. His high basketball IQ also allows him to make an impact without needing the ball.

Is Black expected to be one-and-done?

Many analysts project Black as a potential one-and-done player. His athleticism and offensive versatility could make him a first round pick in the 2023 NBA draft if he has a strong freshman season.