Anthony Black, an American professional basketball player, owes much of his success to the unwavering support and athletic legacy of his parents, Terry and Jennifer Black.
Born on January 20, 2004, in Duncanville, Texas, Anthony began his basketball journey at Coppell High School, where he stood out by averaging 16.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and two steals per game as a junior.
During his senior year, he faced eligibility challenges and played only 15 games.
Despite the limited season, he averaged 13.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, four assists, and 2.2 steals per game.
Recognized as a five-star recruit, he committed to playing college basketball at Arkansas.
At the 2022 Maui Invitational Tournament, he delivered impressive performances, averaging 22 points over three games and earning the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Week title.
For the 2022 season, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
After an impactful freshman year, he announced he would forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2023 NBA Draft.
The Orlando Magic selected Anthony with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
In his 2024-2025 season, he appeared in 26 games, averaging 8.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
On the international stage, Anthony represented the United States under-18 basketball team at the 2022 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship.
He contributed significantly, averaging 4.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, helping the team secure the gold medal.
With a blend of talent, hard work, and perseverance, Anthony Black is quickly establishing himself as a notable figure in basketball.
The Influence of Family on Anthony Black’s Basketball Journey
Anthony Black, a rising basketball star, comes from a family deeply rooted in athletics, which has significantly shaped his journey.
Both of his parents, Terry Black and Jennifer Black, boast notable athletic achievements.
Terry Black, Anthony’s father, earned recognition as an exceptional basketball player and was inducted into the Baylor University Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
He excelled as a standout for the Baylor Bears and later played professionally overseas.
Jennifer Black, his mother, was a versatile athlete who played soccer for the Texas Longhorns and Baylor Bears.
In high school, Jennifer competed in multiple sports, including volleyball, soccer, and softball, and was also involved in basketball, cheerleading, and track.
Terry and Jennifer met at the University of Texas at Arlington and married in 2002.
Shortly after Anthony was born, the family moved to Germany, where Terry continued his professional basketball career.
The family then returned to the United States when he was ready to start kindergarten.
Anthony’s parents eventually separated during his childhood, and his mother, Jennifer, took on the primary role in raising him.
Her strength, resilience, and dedication became the bedrock of Anthony’s upbringing, providing him with stability and instilling in him values that would later define his basketball career.
Speaking about his mother, Anthony said:
She’s always done everything for me and my brother. Especially with sports. Travel sports and all that is super expensive. And it was tough for a while, and she did a good job keeping all that stuff away from us and keeping us focused on the bright spots and all the good things.
Via CBSSports
Anthony credits his mother with teaching him invaluable life lessons:
She taught me good humility and how to be humble. And how to always see the good things instead of just looking at stuff in the worst way.
Via CBSSports
The athletic achievements of his parents provided a strong foundation for Anthony’s success.
They supported him through challenges like switching schools and navigating the demands of being a top basketball prospect.
Their guidance was crucial when he made the bold decision to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft.
After being selected by the Orlando Magic, his mother expressed her pride during an interview with ESPN, saying:
They’re getting a great human, a leader, phenomenal basketball player, a winner, someone who is going to make everyone around him better, someone who is going to make the culture of the team great. They’re getting the full package.
Source NYpost
Anthony also shares a close bond with his siblings. His younger brother, Edward, is a talented basketball player, while his sister, Emily, excels in track and field.
Their encouragement and shared love for sports have played an essential role in his journey.
His achievements are a reflection of the values his parents and siblings instilled in him, showcasing the importance of strong family ties and relentless determination to pursue dreams.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- By the time Anthony was three, he was fluent in German.
- He was widely regarded as a five-star recruit and a standout in the 2022 class.
- Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall, he weighs 200 pounds (91 kg).
