2022 five-star point guard Anthony Black has signed to Arkansas, he announced today.
Black, who was one of Gonzaga’s priority recruits for the Class of 2022, ultimately chose a school that will keep him closer to home. The Zags also competed with Oklahoma State, TCU, and the NBA G League.
Black joins a recruiting class that is already the second best in the country, joining five-star recruits Nick Smith and Jordan Walsh, and four-star recruits Derrian Ford, Barry Dunning, and Joseph Pinion. Before Black, the hype train should be off the charts for the next season of the Razorback. Now the train is officially heading to Houston, Texas.
It might seem particularly painful considering Sweet 16’s recent loss to Arkansas, but such is life when you’re chasing high-profile recruits. Did the Zags’ loss to Arkansas play a part in the decision? Maybe? Maybe? Presumably, a player’s decision about his collegiate and potential pro career path does not depend on the outcome of a tournament game. The justification for the decision applies solely to black and black.
Without Black, the Zags class of 2022 faces only Illinois big man Braden Huff. With the possible departures of players like Chet Holmgren, Drew Timme, Andrew Nembhard, Rasir Bolton and perhaps Julian Strawther, Gonzaga will most likely be strong in the game to fill the roster.
As it stands now, the Zags are still bringing back a talented backcourt with the likes of Nolan Hickman, Hunter Sallis and Dominick Harris. Gonzaga will likely look to add an experienced guard through the portal to bolster the backcourt.