The Arkansas Razorbacks improved to 3-0 on Saturday’s international tour. Italy, Como’s Orange 1 basket beat Bassano 75-54Five-star first grade Anthony Black Setting the tone early in the win, he continued to give Hogg fans a glimpse of his unique skill set.
Always known for his passing ability as a 6-foot-7-inch point guard, Black had nine assists in Arkansas’ first two exhibition games. Black took a different approach to Saturday’s Hogs win, scoring all of his nine points (on 4-of-7 shooting) in his first 15 minutes.
Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman Said. “He’s got his feet in order. We want him to be an aggressive scorer. Obviously by nature, he has a lot of worries and concerns about being a ball distributor. But when he attacks the rim. Not many people want to get in his way.
“How many point guards in this country can throw and catch lobs? Not many. He’s also going to be the receiver of many lobs.
With his length and athleticism in the guard spot, Black also has the tools to become an impact defender for the Razorbacks, scoring six steals in three games on tour, including three on Saturday. Black added his shot blocking the Orange 1 basket in his win over Bassano, and the Hogs were +21 in his 25 minutes on the floor.
Like most freshmen, Black will have to keep progressing on the edge of the floor, but Musselman is confident in what Black can bring as a defender.
“I thought Anthony was phenomenal,” Musselmann said. “We talked about some things defensively. I thought he played his best defense. He blocked a shot on the other side of our bench tonight. I have really high hopes for him, he has a very high basketball IQ.
“We have to keep working to get him lower because there aren’t many 6-8 guys who have to guard 5-10 guys.” When we do a quick little guard, it’s asking someone for his size. I think he should be one of the best defenders in the country.
Arkansas will conclude its international tour on Monday, August 15, against the Bakken Bears. Tip-off is set for 12:00 PM (CT) from PalaSampietro – Casnate con Bernate in Como, Italy, where you can stream the game live or on-demand with a valid subscription at FloHoops.com. increase. Bakken beat Drexel on Saturday he beat 70-63.
