Orlando Magic Select Black, Howard in 2023 NBA Draft.
ORLANDO (www.sportsdayjax.com) - The Orlando Magic have selected guard Anthony Black in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2023 NBA Draft. The Magic also selected guard-forward Jett Howard in the first round (11th overall),
Black (6’7”, 200, 1/20/04) played and started in all 36 games last season as a freshman at the University of Arkansas, averaging 12.8 ppg., 5.1 rpg., 3.9 apg. and 2.06 stlpg. in 34.8 minpg.
He was named to the 2022-23 All-SEC Second Team (coaches), as well as the 2022-23 All-SEC Freshman Team. Black led the Razorbacks and SEC in minutes played, while setting Arkansas freshman records in games played, games started, minutes played (1,253), steals (74) and free throw attempts (190).
He was the only player in the SEC to rank in the top 25 in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocked shots.
Black graduated from Duncanville High School in Duncanville, TX. As a senior (2021-22), he was named a McDonald’s All-American and played in the Iverson Classic.
Black led Duncanville to the 2022 Texas 6A state championship and was named the Texas 6A State Tournament MVP. He was also a highly-regarded recruit as a wide receiver, receiving offers from Arkansas, Baylor and Texas among others.
Howard (6’8”, 215, 9/14/03) played and started in 29 games last season as a freshman at the University of Michigan, averaging 14.2 ppg., 2.8 rpg. and 2.0 apg. in 31.7 minpg., while shooting .368 (78-212) from three-point range and .800 (60-75) from the free throw line.
He was named to the 2022-23 All-Big Ten Third Team (media), as well as the 2022-23 All-Big Ten Freshman Team. Howard led the Wolverines in three-pointers made. He scored in double figures 23 times, 20+ points four times and 30+ points once, including a career-high 34 points on Jan. 12 @ Iowa.
Howard attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL for his final two years of high school. He played in both the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic and the 2022 Iverson Classic.
Howard was named Most Valuable Player of the Iverson Classic, scoring 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field. He is the son of Jenine and Juwan Howard.
Howard was a member of the famed “Fab 5” at Michigan, played 19 years in the NBA and served as an assistant coach for Miami for six years. He played one season (2003-04) with Orlando.
Orlando acquired a future second round draft pick and cash considerations from Milwaukee in exchange for the draft rights to Andre Jackson Jr. (Connecticut, 36th overall pick in 2023). Orlando will receive Milwaukee’s second round draft pick in 2030.
