And welcome everyone to another episode of Orlando Magic Pod Squad, this one featuring Magic second year Guard Anthony Black and Magic fans. The Florida Department of Transportation reminds you that fans don't let fans drive drunk.

And welcome everyone to another episode of Orlando Magic Pod Squad, this one featuring Magic second year Guard Anthony Black and Magic fans. The Florida Department of Transportation reminds you that fans don't let fans drive drunk.

If you've been drinking, don't.

If you've been drinking, don't.

Get behind the wheel. Instead, find a sober driver or catch a ride service. Remember, drive sober or get pulled over. Have a great night, and drive safe. We catch up with Magic second year man Anthony Black, and he discusses how much he's grown from his rookie season till now year number two.

Get behind the wheel. Instead, find a sober driver or catch a ride service. Remember, drive sober or get pulled over. Have a great night, and drive safe. We catch up with Magic second year man Anthony Black, and he discusses how much he's grown from his rookie season till now year number two.

What are the.

What are the.

Areas that he's improved. What is his mindset when he's.

Areas that he's improved. What is his mindset when he's.

Out there on the floor, especially getting into the paint and wreaking havoc on opposing defenses and then on the defensive end. He is a one man wrecking crew. And we get into his career assists Night nine assists against the Phoenix Suns the other night. How good can this Magic team be? We break it all down with Magic Guard Anthony Black on this edition of Magic Pod Squad.

Out there on the floor, especially getting into the paint and wreaking havoc on opposing defenses and then on the defensive end. He is a one man wrecking crew. And we get into his career assists Night nine assists against the Phoenix Suns the other night. How good can this Magic team be? We break it all down with Magic Guard Anthony Black on this edition of Magic Pod Squad.

Those fawns long enough, they're Orlando Magic.

Those fawns long enough, they're Orlando Magic.

This is Cole Anthony, Missus Jennings Suggs This is Paulo Man Carroll the Orlando Magic and you're listening to the Pod Squad.

This is Cole Anthony, Missus Jennings Suggs This is Paulo Man Carroll the Orlando Magic and you're listening to the Pod Squad.

And welcome Ember one to another episode of Orlando Magic Pod Squad. Dante Marcatelli, Jake Chapman, George Gallante, and Magic's second year man Anthony Black kind enough to join us and ab I already got a start. We've done a lot of these things over the last ten or twelve years, and normally the camera, the phone is sideways, there's no light. Look at your setup. You got it right, you got to you got your own laptop. It looks like you got a great setup there.

And welcome Ember one to another episode of Orlando Magic Pod Squad. Dante Marcatelli, Jake Chapman, George Gallante, and Magic's second year man Anthony Black kind enough to join us and ab I already got a start. We've done a lot of these things over the last ten or twelve years, and normally the camera, the phone is sideways, there's no light. Look at your setup. You got it right, you got to you got your own laptop. It looks like you got a great setup there.

Yeah, man, trying to be professional, trying to be well.

Yeah, man, trying to be professional, trying to be well.

Looks good. We appreciate that. So, first of all, how are you feeling here? We go into just just getting started into the season, but it feels like we've just finished a five game road trip right back out on the road. You is it the time of year? Do you know what time zone you're in? Do you know what day it is? Any of that stuff.

Looks good. We appreciate that. So, first of all, how are you feeling here? We go into just just getting started into the season, but it feels like we've just finished a five game road trip right back out on the road. You is it the time of year? Do you know what time zone you're in? Do you know what day it is? Any of that stuff.

I was definitely feeling like, I don't know they answered any of those questions, But uh, feeling good man. You know, we're playing good balls, so it's always fun. Going on the road, you know, on the streak. So yes, it's good, good trip, good home stands, So definitely feeling good.

I was definitely feeling like, I don't know they answered any of those questions, But uh, feeling good man. You know, we're playing good balls, so it's always fun. Going on the road, you know, on the streak. So yes, it's good, good trip, good home stands, So definitely feeling good.

Well, let's start about Let's start with how your team is playing right now. Maybe we'll get into last night and everything that you guys did, but six consecutive wins when you think back to to Pollo going down and you guys were trying to know a couple of games it took, which is natural to kind of figure things out. Would you have thought you'd get on a roll like this? What what what do you explain for for how great you guys are playing right now?

Well, let's start about Let's start with how your team is playing right now. Maybe we'll get into last night and everything that you guys did, but six consecutive wins when you think back to to Pollo going down and you guys were trying to know a couple of games it took, which is natural to kind of figure things out. Would you have thought you'd get on a roll like this? What what what do you explain for for how great you guys are playing right now?

Uh?

Uh?

Yeah, I mean that's just obviously that's a big adjustment to make, especially so alien the season. Why everybody's trying to find a rhythm as it is, so uh, I mean, tell you guys a couple of games to adjust to that.

Yeah, I mean that's just obviously that's a big adjustment to make, especially so alien the season. Why everybody's trying to find a rhythm as it is, so uh, I mean, tell you guys a couple of games to adjust to that.

But you know, I think I think we did a good job of.

But you know, I think I think we did a good job of.

Finding our rhythm and kind of disidentifying what we wanted to do. And then also you got to add into just the last six games, we hold our teams under one hundred points our opponents, So just a mixture of us finding our rhythm and flow kind of settling down a little bit and then just just getting stopped on an elite level I think is what's powering our run right now.

Finding our rhythm and kind of disidentifying what we wanted to do. And then also you got to add into just the last six games, we hold our teams under one hundred points our opponents, So just a mixture of us finding our rhythm and flow kind of settling down a little bit and then just just getting stopped on an elite level I think is what's powering our run right now.

Yeah, you're definitely getting stops in at elite level. Dante found the stat after the Phoenix Sam last night. He sent it to me and he says, is this right that we have? We're the first team since twenty eighteen in the entire NBA to hold their team hold the opponent six games in a row under one hundred points, which is which is crazy.

Yeah, you're definitely getting stops in at elite level. Dante found the stat after the Phoenix Sam last night. He sent it to me and he says, is this right that we have? We're the first team since twenty eighteen in the entire NBA to hold their team hold the opponent six games in a row under one hundred points, which is which is crazy.

I didn't think it would be.

I didn't think it would be.

I knew it was the first Orlando team hasn't done it in a while, but to do it, to be the first team in the whole league for six years, what does.

I knew it was the first Orlando team hasn't done it in a while, but to do it, to be the first team in the whole league for six years, what does.

That mean to you guys?

That mean to you guys?

Is that something you really hang your hat on?

Is that something you really hang your hat on?

Uh?

Uh?

Yeah, I mean it's just just shows how special we are defensively when we're one hundred percent bought in and just getting stops and then, you know, I think it's just a testament to just our pressure on the ball mixed in with our mports. So I think just makes it tough on opposing teams to.

Yeah, I mean it's just just shows how special we are defensively when we're one hundred percent bought in and just getting stops and then, you know, I think it's just a testament to just our pressure on the ball mixed in with our mports. So I think just makes it tough on opposing teams to.

Just kind of do what they do. So yeah, so far, we've done a good job disrupting teams for sure.

Just kind of do what they do. So yeah, so far, we've done a good job disrupting teams for sure.

Maybe your pressure on the ball is something that's been a key to all of that team wide defensive success. How would you describe your approach defensively? How does Anthony Black describe Anthony Black the defender? Are there like a few buzzwords you try to keep in mind as you're out there? Probably just I'll say, really just a playmaker on that end of the ball. No, I don't think a lot of people use really that word too much on defense. But just like I said, having just rim protection behind me allows me j sucks Kenny. It just allows us to play a little bit more into the ball and we just were allowed to try to make plays just knowing that those guys got a back.

Maybe your pressure on the ball is something that's been a key to all of that team wide defensive success. How would you describe your approach defensively? How does Anthony Black describe Anthony Black the defender? Are there like a few buzzwords you try to keep in mind as you're out there? Probably just I'll say, really just a playmaker on that end of the ball. No, I don't think a lot of people use really that word too much on defense. But just like I said, having just rim protection behind me allows me j sucks Kenny. It just allows us to play a little bit more into the ball and we just were allowed to try to make plays just knowing that those guys got a back.

At the rim.

At the rim.

So personally, that's knowing I have Ji and Mo behind me protecting the rim.

So personally, that's knowing I have Ji and Mo behind me protecting the rim.

I'm just trying to make plays and get into the ball and just get us run out of layups. Sorry, our momentum phase, stuff like that.

I'm just trying to make plays and get into the ball and just get us run out of layups. Sorry, our momentum phase, stuff like that.

Coming off a game. At the time of this recording, we're in Los Angeles, so you're coming off a career high nine assists. I know I heard you say last week A big goal for you this year was to you know, to be more of a playmaker, to get in the paint, to spend time in the paint, which you're very comfortable doing. Uh take us through that. Last night. I think you tied your career high in the first half. He's Brian, that's the first step, right, So how what have you found? What what is your goal? What do you have to basketball? And how has this playmaking ability continued to develop? Uh?

Coming off a game. At the time of this recording, we're in Los Angeles, so you're coming off a career high nine assists. I know I heard you say last week A big goal for you this year was to you know, to be more of a playmaker, to get in the paint, to spend time in the paint, which you're very comfortable doing. Uh take us through that. Last night. I think you tied your career high in the first half. He's Brian, that's the first step, right, So how what have you found? What what is your goal? What do you have to basketball? And how has this playmaking ability continued to develop? Uh?

Yeah, I mean I think, uh it's been simplified for me, for the coaches really a lot of the time when I'm coming off my screens or.

Yeah, I mean I think, uh it's been simplified for me, for the coaches really a lot of the time when I'm coming off my screens or.

Whatever, obviously I have Mo rolling, our go go rolling.

Whatever, obviously I have Mo rolling, our go go rolling.

But also is is Jonathan Iiser kind of came down around the rim, So uh, it just makes it. It just makes it not simple, but a lot more simple, uh for me making reads. You know, I could just think score first and then Uh. Those two dudes are great outlets, and they're always in position to make the right Uh They're just in the right position. So uh yeah, I'm just gonna I don't know till I keep getting to the paint.

But also is is Jonathan Iiser kind of came down around the rim, So uh, it just makes it. It just makes it not simple, but a lot more simple, uh for me making reads. You know, I could just think score first and then Uh. Those two dudes are great outlets, and they're always in position to make the right Uh They're just in the right position. So uh yeah, I'm just gonna I don't know till I keep getting to the paint.

Do we need to update the You guys were Green Goblins last year because you were part of the third team. I think we need to update that now, right.

Do we need to update the You guys were Green Goblins last year because you were part of the third team. I think we need to update that now, right.

Yeah, I don't know. I don't know. I don't know what's going on with that this year, man, I don't know. We got split up a little bit, our group got split up a little bit.

Yeah, I don't know. I don't know. I don't know what's going on with that this year, man, I don't know. We got split up a little bit, our group got split up a little bit.

The Green Goblins is definitely I think that's a year that's in the past, right, We're moving We're moving past the Green Goblins, I think, Abe, what about what about your transition just from last year to this year? What what did what have you learned? What have you incorporated into your game? You can definitely see the progression from you know, rookie year, even even rookie year to Summer League to now, like the steps what have you learned along the way?

The Green Goblins is definitely I think that's a year that's in the past, right, We're moving We're moving past the Green Goblins, I think, Abe, what about what about your transition just from last year to this year? What what did what have you learned? What have you incorporated into your game? You can definitely see the progression from you know, rookie year, even even rookie year to Summer League to now, like the steps what have you learned along the way?

Really just how to pick my spots and and be aggressive. That's still what I'm trying to learn and figure out, you know as the game flows on. But uh, I don't know. I think just my mentality changed, uh, and I just started thinking a.

Really just how to pick my spots and and be aggressive. That's still what I'm trying to learn and figure out, you know as the game flows on. But uh, I don't know. I think just my mentality changed, uh, and I just started thinking a.

Lot more about getting downhill.

Lot more about getting downhill.

So uh, that's definitely where I guess the progress and steps forward are coming. Just just working on physicality, reading bossing coverages, and just and just playing from there using instincts.

So uh, that's definitely where I guess the progress and steps forward are coming. Just just working on physicality, reading bossing coverages, and just and just playing from there using instincts.

After that is anybody in your year though, telling you telling you these things as we go. I mean, is there is there one coach or a group of coaches.

After that is anybody in your year though, telling you telling you these things as we go. I mean, is there is there one coach or a group of coaches.

Or I mean me and Randy we work a lot on uh just manipulation inside the three point line, uh, and then just touch shots angles and then passing. So uh, definitely we've been working on that a lot. It's definitely a big focal point throughout the summer with Randy. So yeah, I mean it's just testament to m for sure, helping me out with that kind.

Or I mean me and Randy we work a lot on uh just manipulation inside the three point line, uh, and then just touch shots angles and then passing. So uh, definitely we've been working on that a lot. It's definitely a big focal point throughout the summer with Randy. So yeah, I mean it's just testament to m for sure, helping me out with that kind.

Of along tho the same lines mostly always talks about the game slowing down for guys who are about your age. It seems to all of us that we're watching that happen for you. What are some like examples of that? Is it the snapshot when you sort of get into the teeth of the defense, you got to make that quick decision.

Of along tho the same lines mostly always talks about the game slowing down for guys who are about your age. It seems to all of us that we're watching that happen for you. What are some like examples of that? Is it the snapshot when you sort of get into the teeth of the defense, you got to make that quick decision.

Can you kind of describe that a little bit?

Can you kind of describe that a little bit?

Uh? Yeah, I mean really just as a point guys who all have to make the right player every time. So uh, what I'm trying to keep continuing to do, and what you know some of my players and coaches have been helping me do is just things score first. So that's making it that's making it easier to make my reads off of that. You know, I'm just attacking, just thinking about getting to my floater all the way to the rim and then once the defense commands, just to read from there. So, uh, just just that mentality and just kind of the way I've been playing, I think, is what was doing that?

Uh? Yeah, I mean really just as a point guys who all have to make the right player every time. So uh, what I'm trying to keep continuing to do, and what you know some of my players and coaches have been helping me do is just things score first. So that's making it that's making it easier to make my reads off of that. You know, I'm just attacking, just thinking about getting to my floater all the way to the rim and then once the defense commands, just to read from there. So, uh, just just that mentality and just kind of the way I've been playing, I think, is what was doing that?

And is that is that an adjustment for you to think score first? Because you come off your game is so unselfish, it's sort of naturally do you kind of have to flip a switch and say I need to get I'm gonna try to get mine, and then I'm gona adjust from there.

And is that is that an adjustment for you to think score first? Because you come off your game is so unselfish, it's sort of naturally do you kind of have to flip a switch and say I need to get I'm gonna try to get mine, and then I'm gona adjust from there.

I mean, honestly, it's just kind of based upon like what I'm being asked to do, or you know, I feel like the team kind of wants me to do, because if you look at it in college, it was I guess I was probably scored first, honestly, but I mean, yeah, it's just kind of just finding my.

I mean, honestly, it's just kind of based upon like what I'm being asked to do, or you know, I feel like the team kind of wants me to do, because if you look at it in college, it was I guess I was probably scored first, honestly, but I mean, yeah, it's just kind of just finding my.

Spots and just slowly slowly figuring out as we go on game by game.

Spots and just slowly slowly figuring out as we go on game by game.

It's interesting, Anthony, I'm looking at this for sophomores. So second, your players in the league, your third among them all sophomores and assists four point three assists per games, your fourth in blocks per game among softomores, and the first three are Wemby Chet and Derek Lively. Those are the first three being then it's you, Anthony Black, who plays the guard position. I mean, that's crazy among guards in overall the entire NBA. Your eighth in blocks. So tell us what goes into to your bill. Obviously you have great length and height and the ability to the agility to move. For what goes into the way you size people up for blocks?

It's interesting, Anthony, I'm looking at this for sophomores. So second, your players in the league, your third among them all sophomores and assists four point three assists per games, your fourth in blocks per game among softomores, and the first three are Wemby Chet and Derek Lively. Those are the first three being then it's you, Anthony Black, who plays the guard position. I mean, that's crazy among guards in overall the entire NBA. Your eighth in blocks. So tell us what goes into to your bill. Obviously you have great length and height and the ability to the agility to move. For what goes into the way you size people up for blocks?

I think I think just trying not to honestly, just playing with my hands up. I think I fall into a lot of blocks on the defensive end, you know, I try to. I try to body up a lot with my body so I can keep my hands in the way to deflect passes, our block shots.

I think I think just trying not to honestly, just playing with my hands up. I think I fall into a lot of blocks on the defensive end, you know, I try to. I try to body up a lot with my body so I can keep my hands in the way to deflect passes, our block shots.

So, uh, I guess those are where some of those come.

So, uh, I guess those are where some of those come.

Uh There's been a couple I guess off of like screens and stuff like that, just chasing shooters. So uh, I think for the most part it is like the small every place, UH make sandwiches using my length inside the dupotline.

Uh There's been a couple I guess off of like screens and stuff like that, just chasing shooters. So uh, I think for the most part it is like the small every place, UH make sandwiches using my length inside the dupotline.

Dude, you're saying, just do everything you were told, Like when you were seven, put up, get your.

Dude, you're saying, just do everything you were told, Like when you were seven, put up, get your.

Told you when you were seven? Anyone else's fundamental anth Nobody, nobody in the NBA wants to defend anymore, right, Nobody wants to defense a lost art except for this team. I think we have everybody in the NBA that wants to defend.

Told you when you were seven? Anyone else's fundamental anth Nobody, nobody in the NBA wants to defend anymore, right, Nobody wants to defense a lost art except for this team. I think we have everybody in the NBA that wants to defend.

Is that right?

Is that right?

Right?

Right?

What?

What?

What?

What?

How unique is that? And how fun is that to be a.

How unique is that? And how fun is that to be a.

Part of It's super unique, you know, And it's super fun.

Part of It's super unique, you know, And it's super fun.

That's a fun brand of basketball, just getting steals, running out, dunking the ball, getting open looks and just getting to the rim and chains this and that's a fun brand.

That's a fun brand of basketball, just getting steals, running out, dunking the ball, getting open looks and just getting to the rim and chains this and that's a fun brand.

And uh, I think it's rare.

And uh, I think it's rare.

To have a group just across the board that's so built in that are so bought into defense, even at the top when it starts with Pie and Franz, like, you know, they're guarding the other team's best wings, sending down, accepting the challenge. So I think those two playing defense kind of just instills everybody to play defense.

To have a group just across the board that's so built in that are so bought into defense, even at the top when it starts with Pie and Franz, like, you know, they're guarding the other team's best wings, sending down, accepting the challenge. So I think those two playing defense kind of just instills everybody to play defense.

So it's like, if they're playing defense, we all.

So it's like, if they're playing defense, we all.

Got a guard and and uh yeah, that's just that's what we're doing and we have fun doing it, honestly.

Got a guard and and uh yeah, that's just that's what we're doing and we have fun doing it, honestly.

So it's definitely been great playing defense with the team.

So it's definitely been great playing defense with the team.

Well, Franz is playing a lot of offense too, right now, ab what what have you seen from him over the last you know, ever since basically Powell has been out, he has seemed to hit a different gear.

Well, Franz is playing a lot of offense too, right now, ab what what have you seen from him over the last you know, ever since basically Powell has been out, he has seemed to hit a different gear.

Yeah, just Franz was singing a step up, you know. Uh, we're losing out a lot of points obviously with two players two starts meeting out, and he's just he's accepting the challenge leading the team and he's just being super aggressive.

Yeah, just Franz was singing a step up, you know. Uh, we're losing out a lot of points obviously with two players two starts meeting out, and he's just he's accepting the challenge leading the team and he's just being super aggressive.

You know, he's getting again into the rim like he.

You know, he's getting again into the rim like he.

Always does, but hitting his outside shots, shooting him shooting some good shots off the dribble that we need him to shoot him make.

Always does, but hitting his outside shots, shooting him shooting some good shots off the dribble that we need him to shoot him make.

So uh, yeah, he's just he's playing.

So uh, yeah, he's just he's playing.

A really good ball for us, and he's doing everything at a really efficient pace. So I think that's a big reason why we were six wins in a row. Now after having played the way we were.

A really good ball for us, and he's doing everything at a really efficient pace. So I think that's a big reason why we were six wins in a row. Now after having played the way we were.

Maybe tell me about your later.

Maybe tell me about your later.

What is coach Moseley meant to you or in your career and especially this season with things going kind of sideways.

What is coach Moseley meant to you or in your career and especially this season with things going kind of sideways.

Keeping the group together I mean a lot. You know, he does a good job of keeping us together.

Keeping the group together I mean a lot. You know, he does a good job of keeping us together.

Like you said, again, that's to buy into kind of what our core values are as a team.

Like you said, again, that's to buy into kind of what our core values are as a team.

So definitely been big for me, super helpul for me.

So definitely been big for me, super helpul for me.

It was a good summer of me and him kind of having real conversations and just talking about this year and what he wanted to see me get better at. So h you know, I appreciate him for keeping it real always, and uh yeah, he's just he's just a good coach, good leader, and uh yeah, we were ready to go to war for him.

It was a good summer of me and him kind of having real conversations and just talking about this year and what he wanted to see me get better at. So h you know, I appreciate him for keeping it real always, and uh yeah, he's just he's just a good coach, good leader, and uh yeah, we were ready to go to war for him.

I asked you a couple of days ago, a couple of games ago on the road, did you have any other nicknames? Obviously everybody calls you a B but no nicknames, right, not nothing that nobody tried anything out your whole childhood.

I asked you a couple of days ago, a couple of games ago on the road, did you have any other nicknames? Obviously everybody calls you a B but no nicknames, right, not nothing that nobody tried anything out your whole childhood.

No, just ab kind of stuck. Honestly, that was my nickname. First team I really played for. It was a little A baseball team, So my coaches started calling me that, and I guess it's stuck.

No, just ab kind of stuck. Honestly, that was my nickname. First team I really played for. It was a little A baseball team, So my coaches started calling me that, and I guess it's stuck.

Well, yea, they make Goga Bitase calls himself the Georgian Beast.

Well, yea, they make Goga Bitase calls himself the Georgian Beast.

Hey, I second that.

Hey, I second that.

Right, I think there's nothing wrong with that. What went through your mind last night when you saw the Georgian Beast get thrown to the ground and he immediately started doing push ups.

Right, I think there's nothing wrong with that. What went through your mind last night when you saw the Georgian Beast get thrown to the ground and he immediately started doing push ups.

Uh, I was glad. I was this guy who didn't get up and do something else.

Uh, I was glad. I was this guy who didn't get up and do something else.

Runs hot, right, right, Abe, Goga runs hot sometimes when when that ball gets thrown up there.

Runs hot, right, right, Abe, Goga runs hot sometimes when when that ball gets thrown up there.

Yeah, every once in a while. He's just a competitor. He's competing.

Yeah, every once in a while. He's just a competitor. He's competing.

So I think it's actually a good aspect for our team. So, uh yeah, that was That was funny to see, though.

So I think it's actually a good aspect for our team. So, uh yeah, that was That was funny to see, though.

I think my favorite, my favorite Goga moment so far of the year was when he tried, you know, I don't know if you guys know this either. He Goga has ripped a bunch of jerseys in the past, like in the back he will uh yeah. And then so one of the home games, he tried to pick that head band off, which is not a cloth headband.

I think my favorite, my favorite Goga moment so far of the year was when he tried, you know, I don't know if you guys know this either. He Goga has ripped a bunch of jerseys in the past, like in the back he will uh yeah. And then so one of the home games, he tried to pick that head band off, which is not a cloth headband.

It's now made out of some type of.

It's now made out of some type of.

Like uh elastic, And he was pulling and pulling and full and would wouldn't go.

Like uh elastic, And he was pulling and pulling and full and would wouldn't go.

I said, you gotta rip the headband if you're gonna make that.

I said, you gotta rip the headband if you're gonna make that.

Move right, be like that sometimes though, sometimes you just gotta let it out. Sometimes you gotta let it out.

Move right, be like that sometimes though, sometimes you just gotta let it out. Sometimes you gotta let it out.

Man.

Man.

What is what is? He added? Though you've seen it, you've played with him now for a couple of years. I mean, you love to have a guy like that on your team. What is the dimension that a Goga Batase can add to this group?

What is what is? He added? Though you've seen it, you've played with him now for a couple of years. I mean, you love to have a guy like that on your team. What is the dimension that a Goga Batase can add to this group?

Uh, just on the basketball side of things, this offensive rebounding, protecting the rim, you know, setting good screens and rolling, being.

Uh, just on the basketball side of things, this offensive rebounding, protecting the rim, you know, setting good screens and rolling, being.

A great lot threat.

A great lot threat.

Uh, just having that ass to him, kind of just that physicality or I don't know what it is.

Uh, just having that ass to him, kind of just that physicality or I don't know what it is.

It's just kind of like an ass.

It's just kind of like an ass.

He has that, uh that you kind of just understand, and you know he brings energy. So uh, he's just he's been huge to our success, you know. And uh, he's just a good brother to have in the locker room for.

He has that, uh that you kind of just understand, and you know he brings energy. So uh, he's just he's been huge to our success, you know. And uh, he's just a good brother to have in the locker room for.

Sere and Jacob Diamond. He's eating into that Jacob Diamond budget. I didn't realize that with the Jerseys. Let's yeah.

Sere and Jacob Diamond. He's eating into that Jacob Diamond budget. I didn't realize that with the Jerseys. Let's yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

He to get told every now and again to pull it back, you get He's like, I only got so many thirty five's in the closet back near you.

He to get told every now and again to pull it back, you get He's like, I only got so many thirty five's in the closet back near you.

We can throw it real quick at or one more thought and then like I kind of want to go. We're gonna have some fun going outside of your outside of this team here, and uh, be mindful of your time here. But I'm watching the game last night, and I'm seeing you had to get a stop, right, I think the lead got down to seven, and I'm looking at you Jalen Suggs, KCP, Jonathan Isaac and Franz Vager and I'm and I'm we're making the comment on air, where where is there a weakness?

We can throw it real quick at or one more thought and then like I kind of want to go. We're gonna have some fun going outside of your outside of this team here, and uh, be mindful of your time here. But I'm watching the game last night, and I'm seeing you had to get a stop, right, I think the lead got down to seven, and I'm looking at you Jalen Suggs, KCP, Jonathan Isaac and Franz Vager and I'm and I'm we're making the comment on air, where where is there a weakness?

Where is the other?

Where is the other?

Where is Phoenix supposed to go to get a bucket? With you guys out there? All right? Did you feel that way? And how much pride did you feel when you're out there on the four with with that group is so dangerous?

Where is Phoenix supposed to go to get a bucket? With you guys out there? All right? Did you feel that way? And how much pride did you feel when you're out there on the four with with that group is so dangerous?

Yeah, I mean you definitely feel it, you know.

Yeah, I mean you definitely feel it, you know.

Uh, just mean for me personally, I feel it just being guarding, being used to guarding just the certain one or two players and then just being stuck in the corner.

Uh, just mean for me personally, I feel it just being guarding, being used to guarding just the certain one or two players and then just being stuck in the corner.

Which because of how bid they are defensively, it's just a tooth like. Uh. But no, we definitely, we definitely head it up and talk about it out.

Which because of how bid they are defensively, it's just a tooth like. Uh. But no, we definitely, we definitely head it up and talk about it out.

There, like, come on, y'all, let's go on a run, Let's try to get three four stops in a row, go get some easy layups. We definitely we definitely see it as that and we know we kind of know that, uh, that's just a strong defensive group, so we definitely lean into that.

There, like, come on, y'all, let's go on a run, Let's try to get three four stops in a row, go get some easy layups. We definitely we definitely see it as that and we know we kind of know that, uh, that's just a strong defensive group, so we definitely lean into that.

And uh yeah, I mean, like I said, we have a lot of fun on defense and we're just gonna keep getting.

And uh yeah, I mean, like I said, we have a lot of fun on defense and we're just gonna keep getting.

Better cleaning at home, Anthony, how much fun is that? You're seven? And oh we ever lost at home since March? For crying out loud? Yeah, Like, what is what goes into playing that other than the chicken sandwiches? What crows into playing so well in that building?

Better cleaning at home, Anthony, how much fun is that? You're seven? And oh we ever lost at home since March? For crying out loud? Yeah, Like, what is what goes into playing that other than the chicken sandwiches? What crows into playing so well in that building?

I mean just the fans bring a great energy.

I mean just the fans bring a great energy.

That's uh it's just like a contagious energy flowing around the building. So uh, it's a lot of fun to play in that bude, and we're really comfortable in there.

That's uh it's just like a contagious energy flowing around the building. So uh, it's a lot of fun to play in that bude, and we're really comfortable in there.

It's easy to get on the run, easy to game.

It's easy to get on the run, easy to game.

And then I'm playing in front of your home crowds, so uh, you know, I think all those things buy into it. This added with our with our kind of value of home court, and uh yeah, that's just something we take pride in his winning games at home. So uh decided to do a good job and and uh let's take care of that for sin.

And then I'm playing in front of your home crowds, so uh, you know, I think all those things buy into it. This added with our with our kind of value of home court, and uh yeah, that's just something we take pride in his winning games at home. So uh decided to do a good job and and uh let's take care of that for sin.

Go ahead, I'll just say, Jake, tell Anthony what you go back to draft night, I get a text from Jake Chapman who watches Arkansas games, right, so you have to give us an update on Arkansas. And he texted me as soon as the pick was in. We got a good one. I don't know why he didn't know we were going there, but he texted me as soon as the pickers. He goes, oh, wait till you see this guy play. I mean, he followed you at Arkansas. So Jake, go ahead, I'll let you tell him what you appreciated. But you called it. You called it right from the get go.

Go ahead, I'll just say, Jake, tell Anthony what you go back to draft night, I get a text from Jake Chapman who watches Arkansas games, right, so you have to give us an update on Arkansas. And he texted me as soon as the pick was in. We got a good one. I don't know why he didn't know we were going there, but he texted me as soon as the pickers. He goes, oh, wait till you see this guy play. I mean, he followed you at Arkansas. So Jake, go ahead, I'll let you tell him what you appreciated. But you called it. You called it right from the get go.

Last year, well, I watched a lot of Arkansas that year, not just for you, Anthony, because of your teammates, as the team was loaded with NBA talent. And what I loved about the way you played your freshman year was you accentuated them. And it's the way you play with Franz and Polo. You make your teammates better and the basketball like you. And what I love about what you just told us is you love getting out and running and getting easy buckets, but you understand that you can't just do that right, that's the fun part, but you got to get the stop first in order to get the runout. I just I mean, Abe, you're twenty years old, and typically it takes guys years and years in the league to understand that it's got to start on that end.

Last year, well, I watched a lot of Arkansas that year, not just for you, Anthony, because of your teammates, as the team was loaded with NBA talent. And what I loved about the way you played your freshman year was you accentuated them. And it's the way you play with Franz and Polo. You make your teammates better and the basketball like you. And what I love about what you just told us is you love getting out and running and getting easy buckets, but you understand that you can't just do that right, that's the fun part, but you got to get the stop first in order to get the runout. I just I mean, Abe, you're twenty years old, and typically it takes guys years and years in the league to understand that it's got to start on that end.

So I think that's also what coach Moseley loves about you.

So I think that's also what coach Moseley loves about you.

But we talked about it a little bit, just the defensive mentality of this group. Bringing in a guy like KCP who's.

But we talked about it a little bit, just the defensive mentality of this group. Bringing in a guy like KCP who's.

Seen it all.

Seen it all.

How much does he help you on that end, knowing where the screens are coming from, how to fight over them, all the little intricacies that come into defending the ball.

How much does he help you on that end, knowing where the screens are coming from, how to fight over them, all the little intricacies that come into defending the ball.

Oh yeah, he's been huge for us, you know, on the defensive end. Obviously, he's just a phrase team level guy out there. Uh, he just gets stops. He's a good presence out there, he talks a lot, he communicates. Uh, we always feel like we know where we're in defensively with him out there on the floor. So, uh, he's just been a great leader for the whole group. You know, I haven't won two championships. He knows what it takes and uh, just the type of sacrifice you have to make to get there. So uh, we're definitely listening to everything he says and he's been He's been a big help for us for sure.

Oh yeah, he's been huge for us, you know, on the defensive end. Obviously, he's just a phrase team level guy out there. Uh, he just gets stops. He's a good presence out there, he talks a lot, he communicates. Uh, we always feel like we know where we're in defensively with him out there on the floor. So, uh, he's just been a great leader for the whole group. You know, I haven't won two championships. He knows what it takes and uh, just the type of sacrifice you have to make to get there. So uh, we're definitely listening to everything he says and he's been He's been a big help for us for sure.

What can you tell us about your friend Jared McCain. You guys played on that UA team team in Tijuana. He's he won the gold medal. He is on some kind of a role right now. Did you see this coming this early for him? What can you tell us about Jared?

What can you tell us about your friend Jared McCain. You guys played on that UA team team in Tijuana. He's he won the gold medal. He is on some kind of a role right now. Did you see this coming this early for him? What can you tell us about Jared?

Uh?

Uh?

Yeah, I mean, uh, even before that, I played Jared in high school and he got he had a pretty good game.

Yeah, I mean, uh, even before that, I played Jared in high school and he got he had a pretty good game.

So I like this game from then on.

So I like this game from then on.

You know, I've been a big believer in Jared McCain since ever since that game. But uh, this is shot making is what kind of say rates him. You know, he's able to shoot in the midder ange, shoot the three, get to the rim, and he's just a competitor. He competes. You know a lot of people might not see it just from the outside looking in, but once they're around him enough, maybe.

You know, I've been a big believer in Jared McCain since ever since that game. But uh, this is shot making is what kind of say rates him. You know, he's able to shoot in the midder ange, shoot the three, get to the rim, and he's just a competitor. He competes. You know a lot of people might not see it just from the outside looking in, but once they're around him enough, maybe.

Play with him like he's he's a dog. So uh, I'm super happy for him.

Play with him like he's he's a dog. So uh, I'm super happy for him.

Uh. I didn't know what was gonna look like coming into Philly. You know, he's playing with with a lot of grins, so uh, I don't know, it's just I guess I'm glad you got his opportunity.

Uh. I didn't know what was gonna look like coming into Philly. You know, he's playing with with a lot of grins, so uh, I don't know, it's just I guess I'm glad you got his opportunity.

Uh.

Uh.

And he's just making the most out of it. So he does it with a smile on his face. He's a killer with a smile on his face the entire time. Yeah, that's that's him. That's just him.

And he's just making the most out of it. So he does it with a smile on his face. He's a killer with a smile on his face the entire time. Yeah, that's that's him. That's just him.

Uh.

Uh.

I think that's part of what makes him just such a good players, just his personality and uh yeah, just he doesn't care. He's just he's happy to be out there and and he's getting me buckets too, So yeah, he's good.

I think that's part of what makes him just such a good players, just his personality and uh yeah, just he doesn't care. He's just he's happy to be out there and and he's getting me buckets too, So yeah, he's good.

Arkansas is three and one. Ab Okay, you got coach Cal?

Arkansas is three and one. Ab Okay, you got coach Cal?

All right?

All right?

Did you have you met coach Cal? I'm sure he tried to recruit you somewhere along the way. Do you know much about him? And what's the word having him on campus?

Did you have you met coach Cal? I'm sure he tried to recruit you somewhere along the way. Do you know much about him? And what's the word having him on campus?

Now?

Now?

We've had conversations, but obviously he's very busy obviously option Steward, but a lot of excitement around campus from everything I've seen and heard. You know, obviously, they're three and one, so off to a good start, and it looks like it's just gonna keep going, you know, for years and years. That comes is the recruits are committing. The whole state of Arkansas is watching. So I don't know, it's just it looks like a good thing for Arkansas basketball for straight.

We've had conversations, but obviously he's very busy obviously option Steward, but a lot of excitement around campus from everything I've seen and heard. You know, obviously, they're three and one, so off to a good start, and it looks like it's just gonna keep going, you know, for years and years. That comes is the recruits are committing. The whole state of Arkansas is watching. So I don't know, it's just it looks like a good thing for Arkansas basketball for straight.

All right, could deal.

All right, could deal.

Well, we'll leave it with this. Ay, be let every let Magic fans know what they can expect here. You guys have rattled off six in a row. I imagine you go game by game, right, you're not looking at the whole schedule, but sixty six in a row.

Well, we'll leave it with this. Ay, be let every let Magic fans know what they can expect here. You guys have rattled off six in a row. I imagine you go game by game, right, you're not looking at the whole schedule, but sixty six in a row.

Yeah, just sixty sixth straight, seventy record.

Yeah, just sixty sixth straight, seventy record.

Just let everybody know what the mentality is right now. Game in, game out, you guys feel your you guys feel you can win every night. And and then when you add Powlo to this mix, what is it going to look like? Uh?

Just let everybody know what the mentality is right now. Game in, game out, you guys feel your you guys feel you can win every night. And and then when you add Powlo to this mix, what is it going to look like? Uh?

Yeah, I mean, first and foremost, we feel like we go win every game.

Yeah, I mean, first and foremost, we feel like we go win every game.

Uh.

Uh.

You know, we played in big games with the best down to the wire, one closed games, lost close games, so we're always confident in that. But you know, uh, I think now it's just a good time for us to grow, and uh you know that's what we're.

You know, we played in big games with the best down to the wire, one closed games, lost close games, so we're always confident in that. But you know, uh, I think now it's just a good time for us to grow, and uh you know that's what we're.

Doing right now. We're growing, we're winning games throughout the process. So uh, it's just been great.

Doing right now. We're growing, we're winning games throughout the process. So uh, it's just been great.

And you know, when Pete comes back, we'll be we'll be flowing in rhythm and adding him should just be seamless.

And you know, when Pete comes back, we'll be we'll be flowing in rhythm and adding him should just be seamless.

Uh with a player like that, So uh yeah, we're.

Uh with a player like that, So uh yeah, we're.

Gonna try to get it going and just keeps stringing off wins until that time and go from there.

Gonna try to get it going and just keeps stringing off wins until that time and go from there.

For sure.

For sure.

It's been a lot of fun. Now, George, now you can tell us when piece coming back. That was the time where you can give us the dick. No, no, we don't have that.

It's been a lot of fun. Now, George, now you can tell us when piece coming back. That was the time where you can give us the dick. No, no, we don't have that.

No weight.

No weight.

You guys got that one cutting out and I cut out there.

You guys got that one cutting out and I cut out there.

We'll be trying again to that.

We'll be trying again to that.

Anthony, Thank you very much. It's always great to catch up. I appreciate you giving up some of your valuable time here. Let's keep this thing rolling. Let's go get one in the new into it dome and take down the clippers tomorrow.

Anthony, Thank you very much. It's always great to catch up. I appreciate you giving up some of your valuable time here. Let's keep this thing rolling. Let's go get one in the new into it dome and take down the clippers tomorrow.

Yeah, please do it. Man, appreciate you. I having all right, you got it. Thanks.

Yeah, please do it. Man, appreciate you. I having all right, you got it. Thanks.

That'll do it for this edition of Magic Pod Squad with Anthony Black

That'll do it for this edition of Magic Pod Squad with Anthony Black