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re: Arkansas Basketball Recruiting Thread *Muss Years Archive - do NOT delete*
Posted on 3/28/22 at 8:33 pm to RazorHawg
Posted on 3/28/22 at 8:33 pm to RazorHawg
More Anthony Black news at bottom of previous page. <
A couple articles the last few days:
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A couple articles the last few days:
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Arkansas: “I just know that Coach Muss knows what to do with big guards. I know he also knows what to do when he has a lot of talent on the same team. So I feel like me, and Nick (Smith) and Jordan (Walsh); and everyone else they have right now would play well together. And I think he would do a good job of making us play unselfish.”
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Thursday night, No. 1 seeded Gonzaga and No. 4 Arkansas kick off this weekend’s Sweet Sixteen action (7:09 p.m. ET, CBS). Not only will the winner move on to the Elite Eight, but they’ll also win the services of five-star point guard Anthony Black.
That second part is mostly made up, but the fact that the highest-ranked recruit left on the board has the Zags and Razorbacks in his finalists – along with Oklahoma State, TCU and the G-League – is a nice subplot to a game full of interesting storylines between two programs and coaches that operate quite differently.
At Gonzaga, the program is the program. Sure, they’ve moved into the new era and promote their program on social channels but head coach Mark Few has next to zero presence socially. He is very much part of the old guard.
At Arkansas, the program is the program as well but in Eric Musselman they have a head coach who has embraced the digital era as much as anybody in America. Whether you like him or not, his relentless stream of content is creative, often entertaining and promotes the heck out of him and his program in a way that has resonated deeply with the Razorback fanbase and recruits.
How about the game? Yeah, it is kind of important as well. Few and the Zags are still seeking that elusive first National Championship while Arkansas is trying to keep the Muss Bus rolling along the route to their first Final Four since 1995.
Stylistically, this could be the most appealing game on Thursday night’s slate. Gonzaga is big, they have skill, they score a bunch of points, and they have productive, experienced players like Drew Timme and Andrew Nembhard to compliment their freshman unicorn Chet Holmgren. Arkansas is a tough minded and athletic group filled with transfers led by one of the best closers in the game in JD Notae and a big man in Jaylin Williams who may be best suited to match up with Timme of anybody left in the NCAA Tournament.
Gonzaga scores nearly 88 points per game, Arkansas a little over 76. Arkansas will undoubtedly try to impose their physical toughness on the Zags and make it more of an old school tussle to keep it from being wide open and free flowing. However, the game should still be played at a fast pace, and it should be high scoring and wildly entertaining.
This one likely comes down to the wire and it is going to be a matter of who can do the most effective job of dictating the style of play.
Given that he’s set to announce his decision on Monday night, Black’s decision has probably already been made and tonight’s outcome won’t matter. If there is even a sliver of indecision left in his mind, then maybe it could. Regardless, there is little doubt the No. 14 prospect in the class of 2022 will be among the many tuning in to a game that may be the best matchup of the night.
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ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
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The professional resume Eric Musselman has not only during his time in the NBA but also as a colle coach developing NBA players. Black received a taste of that during his final visit to Fayetteville and additionally was blown away by the energy the fans have for the program. He is well aware of how bad he is wanted by all parties affiliated with Razorback basketball and loves the manner in which the staff has prioritized him since last year.
This post was edited on 3/28/22 at 8:35 pm
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Posted on 3/28/22 at 8:38 pm to RazorHawg
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Anthony Black‘s recruitment has finally come to a close, as the 6-foot-6 combo guard out of Duncanville Texas announced his commitment to Arkansas on ESPN.
The five-star prospect chose the Razorbacks over a final group of Gonzaga, TCU, Oklahoma State, and the NBA G-League.
Black is now the third McDonald’s All-American to commit to Eric Musselman in the 2022 class, as he joins fellow Consensus five-stars Nick Smith (No. 8) and Jordan Walsh (No. 12). Also headed to Fayetteville is four-star Derrian Ford (No. 91), three-star Joseph Pinion (No. 140), and three-star Barry Dunning (No. 151).
The Hogs have assembled an elite six-man class, that ranks top five nationally.
Black is ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also currently the highest-ranked uncommitted guard in the class.
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Anthony Black talks Arkansas
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In a previous interview with On3’s Gerry Hamilton, Black discussed his thoughts on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
“I just know that Coach Muss knows what to do with big guards. I know he also knows what to do when he has a lot of talent on the same team. So I feel like me, and Nick (Smith) and Jordan (Walsh); and everyone else they have right now would play well together. And I think he would do a good job of making us play unselfish.”
Black officially visited Arkansas in September and was able to see how the Hogs operate.
“I liked it (the visit) a lot,” Black said. “They ran their practice like professionals. You could see the development and NBA play style there. Coach Musselman’s NBA experience and his staff’s experience in the league was attractive.”
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Scouting Report
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Has a basketball player’s frame. Broad shoulders, very projectable once he gets into a college strength and conditioning program. Game can be very smooth. Is solid off the bounce, in short bursts, in the half-court. Can knock down shots extending out the three. Needs to continue gaining strength, which may help him give more consistent performances. Plays above the rim in transition. Can see the floor.
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Walsh: “It would be great because like I said with the McDonald’s All-American game, to have those guys that you know you’ve known for so long, to with you on our journey is great. It’s a great thing. I want him to succeed. I want everybody to succeed that’s from my hometown including other people who aren’t from my hometown, but it’d be great to see him there and have him in there with me, especially being at Arkansas, I’ll have somebody that’s from the crib with me, be there. But the recruiting pitch now is just like I want him to do the best thing for him. If Arkansas isn’t the best thing for him then no I don’t want him to do that. I just want him to find the best situation for himself. If that’s not Arkansas okay, that’s cool. I still want you to succeed. So go do your thing. But if you think it’s Arkansas or you think Arkansas has a chance to be that for you then he needs to come over here and we’ll do something special for sure.”
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Smith: “I mean, a lot of people think I’m like, some type of — just try to go out there and get (a recruit). I’m not that type of guy. You know, I try to tell him what’s going on around (Arkansas). He asks me questions, I tell him what’s going on. I’m not that type of guy to just to push him to go to Arkansas. But you know, at the end of the day, Anthony Black will make his best decision for him and his family. I want him to be happy. If it’s him coming to Arkansas, it’s him coming to Arkansas and we’re gonna win a lot of games. If he don’t, I mean, it’s not in his best interest. So, you know, I just try to tell him each and every day, ‘Don’t let everybody rattle you, just make your own decision. Make your own decision.’ It’s his decision.”
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What player are you looking most to see how they play in the McDonald’s All-American game?
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Shaw: Nick Smith. Talk about a surge throughout the season. It started with a 30-point outburst in the Peach Jam finals, and his word-of-mouth stock has simply grown from there. There is a lot of NBA buzz around him. However, his play on the court has continued to show some question-marks. I will be curious to see how he finishes around the basket, what the defense looks like, and if the three-point shot (with its low release) can be consistent in-game. His handle and mid-range game are high-level.
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Hamilton: Anthony Black for me. Just because it’s a smaller sample size as a senior due to the fight for eligibility with the Texas UIL. I believe Black is an eventual first-round selection, but he has traditionally been a slow starter in games. But them comes on and oozes his potential. The ability to guard multiple positions at 6-foot-7, handle against pressure, run a team for spurts, attack in transition from the wing, rebound out of his area, and an improved perimeter game makes him the most versatile prospect in the 2022 cycle.
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The Nick Smith experience
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Nick Smith has been a player talked about for a while. He has been consistently ranked among the top 50 or 75 players. However, in the championship game of Peach Jam, things changed for Smith. He finished with 30 points for Brad Beal Elite, and his story started to shift. By February, there was talk of Smith being the top NBA prospect in the class.
On3 was very excited to get to Chicago and get an updated viewing of Smith. He was a big point of discussion during our last rankings, and it is always good to get as many viewings in as many different settings as possible.
Listed on the McDonald’s All-American roster at 6-foot-5, he is a slender guard prospect. He has a smooth handle that gets him into the mid-range, so the initial intrigue is there. As you watch him play, you see someone very comfortable in the mid-range. He is a tough shot maker from 12 to 19 feet at all different angles. Where Smith struggles at times is finishing at the rim and making reads. The finishing issues are understandable; he needs strength. The floor vision can sometimes be worrisome as it leads to over-dribbling and errant passes.
Smith’s three-point shot has been questioned in the past, and although the release is low, that piece looked fine today. He looked more comfortable putting it on the floor and getting toward the basket. Defensively Smith is a work in progress with a lot of room for improvement.
At the end of the day, Smith will have to add weight and with that should come better finishing at the rim and more consistent jump shot results. Strength should also get him to at least average on the defensive end. His handle is crafty and instinctive, and his ability to make shots from all over the mid-range is a real tool. It is easy to get the five-star hype with Smith, and he fits in with the spacing, and iso-play Musselman plays with at Arkansas.
Posted on 3/28/22 at 8:48 pm to RazorHawg
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The Muss Bus is getting crowded.
Top-20 senior Anthony Black announced his commitment to Arkansas on Monday night, giving Eric Musselman and the Razorbacks their third five-star prospect in the 2022 class.
Black chose Arkansas over perceived favorite Gonzaga, as well as a final list that also included Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU and the G League.
"I believe in Coach Muss and he knows what it takes to make it to the NBA. He coached there and has coached players to get there," Black told ESPN. "He is super intense and he will push me to be my best, stay on me and make me better. He has coached big guards in the past."
A versatile 6-foot-7 perimeter player, Black is ranked No. 20 overall in the ESPN 100 for the 2022 class. He is the No. 9 small forward in the class, but is capable of playing either guard spot and is comfortable at multiple positions. Black was one of the breakout players nationally last summer, going from unranked to on the radar of nearly every high-major program.
As a senior at Duncanville High (Texas) this past season, he won the 6A state championship. He played just 15 regular-season games due to transfer regulations, but averaged 13.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.2 steals.
Black's positional size, length and basketball acumen stand out. His greatest strength is in his high-level playmaking ability and his ability to make the game easy for others. He snaps his wrist quickly on passes in tight spaces, understanding to throw the ball away from the defense. An effective assist-maker and ball-mover, Black hits teammates in stride for layups or in their shooting pocket for rhythm jumpers.
As a defender, Black owns a long frame with lateral quickness and mobile hips that allow him to slide and open up on the ball. He shows excellent anticipation on help-side defense, positioning himself to take a charge, get a steal or rotate to the open man. He is dangerous as a defensive rebounder who can advance the ball himself in transition.
Black is the sixth ESPN 100 prospect in Arkansas' 2022 class, joining five-stars Nick Smith (No. 6) and Jordan Walsh (No. 10), as well as four-stars Derrian Ford (No. 70), Barry Dunning (No. 75) and Joseph Pinion (No. 89).
It's a group that was ranked No. 3 in the country before Black's commitment and could push Kentucky for No. 2. Duke, with its three top-five prospects, is cemented at No. 1.
"I believe with the class coming in, we can win a lot of games. I am all about winning," Black said. "Playing with Nick Smith here at McDonald's (All American Game), you can see he is a dog. He is about his business. He takes the game seriously. He likes to score and I like to get others shots. We can help each other out on and off the court.
"With Jordan Walsh being from Dallas, we have a good relationship. He plays really hard too. The other guys are very good too. We can push and support each other."
Arkansas' season ended in the Elite Eight for the second straight year, with the Razorbacks falling to Duke on Saturday. With at least two starters expected back next season, along with the incoming recruiting class, Musselman's team will be in contention to open the preseason ranked No. 1 in ESPN's Way-Too-Early Top 25.
Posted on 3/28/22 at 9:03 pm to RazorHawg
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They watch my games and then break them down and send it to me. I read it, study it, and then we have a call about it. It just shows how focused they are in recruiting and that I’m a priority.” – Black to Rivals.com in the fall
This part is cray impressive by our staff. Maybe other cos he’s so this too but I’ve never seen a recruit say it.
Posted on 3/28/22 at 9:30 pm to TheCheshireHog
Curtis hinted at a transfer addition this week
He said "think big". Maybe Aimaq?
He said "think big". Maybe Aimaq?
Posted on 3/28/22 at 9:40 pm to Porcine Human
That would be great to get one so soon and start to see the pieces align for next year
Posted on 3/28/22 at 9:41 pm to Porcine Human
:fingerscrossed:
Posted on 3/28/22 at 10:00 pm to Pygthagorean Theorem
Aimaq would be YUGE
Posted on 3/28/22 at 10:13 pm to razorbackfan4life
We need to spend whatever on Aimaq. He’s what we hoped Vanover would be.
When the dude gets the ball down low there is no dribbling he just goes up and powers it in. Also has a nice little hook shot and can hit jumpers as well.
Read somewhere they think he could be a lottery pick if he improves as much next year as he did this one.
When the dude gets the ball down low there is no dribbling he just goes up and powers it in. Also has a nice little hook shot and can hit jumpers as well.
Read somewhere they think he could be a lottery pick if he improves as much next year as he did this one.
This post was edited on 3/28/22 at 10:25 pm
Posted on 3/28/22 at 10:30 pm to Porcine Human
We seriously could be preseason #1 with that kind of pull in the transfer market.
Posted on 3/28/22 at 10:39 pm to TheCheshireHog
They're already saying Arkansas pre-season #1 is possible right now, even before any portal guys come in
Posted on 3/28/22 at 10:39 pm to TheCheshireHog
We got a mosque in Fayetteville? Gonna need a mosque.
Posted on 3/28/22 at 10:44 pm to beebefootballfan
There's technically one on campus
Posted on 3/28/22 at 10:45 pm to beebefootballfan
There’s actually one right across from the track stadium
Posted on 3/28/22 at 11:09 pm to beebefootballfan
Aimaq isn't on the espn top 20 tranfers or this other sites top 25.
Think big makes think bigger than him but idk.
Marko Lukic from UALR is #17.
Think big makes think bigger than him but idk.
Marko Lukic from UALR is #17.
Posted on 3/28/22 at 11:13 pm to beebefootballfan
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We got a mosque in Fayetteville? Gonna need a mosque.
Better chance of Fayetteville having a mosque than anywhere in Utah
Posted on 3/28/22 at 11:44 pm to UltimateHog
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Aimaq isn't on the espn top 20 tranfers or this other sites top 25.
Top 12 on EvanMiya and high on torvik depending on how you filter that site.
He is my favorite big in the portal as of now
Posted on 3/28/22 at 11:53 pm to rockiee
Yeah I just looked at HeatCheck and ESPN and neither had him ranked, but 247 a week ago had him #1.
Posted on 3/29/22 at 12:01 am to UltimateHog
Also thought adding this in his video was funny, beast for sure.
Posted on 3/29/22 at 2:29 am to rockiee
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Aimaq
Have yall seen the this dude run the floor in his highlights? He's amazing for a man that big. And I think that's what attracts Muss to him so much... As well as his aggressiveness to the basket.
He may not be the highest rated portal guy, but he seems to fit exactly what Muss wants to do and he could play fast with Jaylin in the from court.
He's like the antithesis of Vanover.
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