Sports Lifestyle

The Origin - Featuring Anthony Black

Nov 13, 2024

From North Texas to Central Florida, Anthony Black details his journey from HS basketball standout to NBA top 10 draft pick. Check out the debut episode of "The Origin" with Orlando Magic Anthony Black.

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Former Duncanville High School Athlete turned Orlando Magic Point Guard, Anthony Black knows that greatness is hard-won.

From a battle for eligibility in high school to becoming a Top 10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Black has persevered through hardships and uncertainty, keeping his family and his community at the forefront of his fight.

Anthony Black isn't your average baller. Growing up in Coppell, Texas, with his mom, Jennifer, and his brother, Beckham, he was a sports junkie. Basketball, baseball, soccer, track & field, football – you name it, he played it. But it was the gridiron that first put him on the map, earning him a whopping 15 D1 Power 5 offers.

However, fate had other plans. Black decided to focus on hoops full-time his senior year, transferring to Duncanville High School. But almost immediately the Texas UIL ruled him ineligible, claiming he'd switched schools for athletic reasons.

Undeterred, Black fought tooth and nail, eventually winning the case and leading Duncanville to their third straight championship.

Another setback struck six months later with the Texas Supreme Court vacating the order and stripping Duncanville of every win Black was a part of, including that championship title.

Regardless of the challenges, Black kept his head up. He dominated with the US Under-18 Team, then joined the Arkansas Razorbacks. His freshman year was a blaze of glory, earning him SEC All-Freshman honors after a killer performance at the Maui Invitational.

With one incredible college season under his belt, Black decided to take his talents to the NBA. The Orlando Magic selected him sixth overall in the 2023 draft.

Anthony-Black-Spinning-Ball-on-Finger

As a rookie, Black started in 33 games, averaging 4.6 points per game. He even got some playoff action, showing the league he's ready to be a major player for years to come.

Black's journey is a testament to his grit, determination, and unwavering belief in himself. He's not just a basketball player; he's a fighter, a survivor, and a rising star.

Beyond Basketball - A Q&A With Anthony Black

In this debut episode, Anthony Black provided an inside look at the daily life of an NBA player his tight-knit family played a crucial role in shaping his success, but there's more to every athlete beyond their sports story.

During filming, the Hibbett and Nice Kicks crew got a chance to talk to Anthony about some of his favorite things off the court. Check it out!

About "The Origin"

Produced in partnership with Nice Kicks and Nike, The Origin is a Hibbett original mini-series exploring the stories behind emerging talent in sports and culture, highlighting the drive, resilience, and support systems that fuel their journeys.

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