Earlier this year, Anthony Black returned to the Boys and Girls Club to present a $10,000 donation in partnership with Planet Fitness, a place where he once spent time as a child. Now, drafted into the NBA after just one year at Arkansas, Black is in his third professional season and quickly establishing himself both on the court and within the Orlando community. Despite still being quite young, he has transitioned from a high school standout to a respected figure for younger athletes and community members.
This year has been pivotal for Black as he continues maturing as a person and a player, embracing the responsibilities that come with his rising profile. Giving back remains a central part of his growth, helping him feel increasingly at home in Orlando. Recently, Black was honored as the recipient of the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award, recognizing his contributions beyond basketball.
Anthony Black is your winner of the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award. pic.twitter.com/ng4JfOxieC — Orlando Magic Daily (@OMagicDaily) February 28, 2026
Receiving the award, Black reflected,
“It’s a big honor. Just helping out is something that is important to me and my family,”
adding,
“I know my teammates are into it as well. Just getting an award, knowing how much everybody does, puts me with selective people. It means a lot.”
Initiatives and Outreach Supporting Local Youth
Black’s commitment to community service is evident through his founding of AB Cares, an organization focused on sports-based mentorship and academic support. Alongside the Boys and Girls Club, he has invited students to attend Orlando Magic games, creating memorable experiences for youth. His family has also been active in preparing and distributing meals to unhoused residents near Lake Eola.
Beyond that, Black has hosted events supporting programs like My Brother’s Keeper, which provides professional attire to young men from underserved backgrounds. These varied initiatives highlight the breadth of his efforts and how much he values giving back to the region that has welcomed him.
Reflecting on his growth, Black credits his mother as a key motivation in his charitable pursuits. Having spent three years in Orlando now, he says the city feels like home and has inspired him to deepen his involvement.
“Especially just the last year, feeling more settled in and kind of knowing the ins and outs and what I’m doing. It’s starting to feel a lot like home,”
Black stated, continuing,
“Even having all of these events, knowing more people and seeing people more frequently, it just inclines me to do stuff to give back. I know there are a lot of people in the community that invest in me, my teammates and the Magic. I feel like it’s kind of our job to give back.”
Anthony Black’s Progress and Highlights on the Court
Black’s rise has not only been evident off the court but also in his performance during games. Averaging 15.7 points per contest and shooting 34.3 percent from three-point range, he has placed himself in the conversation for NBA Most Improved Player honors this season. The guard has delivered standout moments including two 30-point games, one of which came with a 38-point performance in a December victory over the Denver Nuggets.
One of the season’s defining highlights came during a game in Berlin, where Black’s electrifying dunk over four Memphis Grizzlies players shifted momentum and broke a tie late in the contest. These achievements serve as a testament to his growing influence and importance within the Orlando Magic lineup.
As Black continues to develop, expectations rise that he will remain a key contributor to Orlando’s success moving forward.
Recognizing a Collective Commitment to Community Service
Anthony Black is part of a larger culture of community involvement among Orlando Magic players. Other award finalists included Paolo Banchero, known for his extensive work with Boys and Girls Club chapters nationwide; Wendell Carter, who leads the aviation education nonprofit A Platform Squared; and Franz and Moe Wagner, celebrated for their charitable efforts, including a holiday gift-giving initiative.
Together, these players demonstrate a shared dedication to making Orlando their home beyond basketball, representing the team’s values in the community.
“It’s always been very important to my parents. That’s just what they believe in all things we’re involved,”
said Orlando Magic chairman Dan DeVos, adding,
“We try to create the opportunities for people that we work with every day to get involved and do something different and give back in a different way because of their stature and because of their ability. It has been very rewarding for our family to see this happen for so many years with so many players who give back.”
The DeVos family has long supported player-led initiatives off the court, aiming to foster a culture where involvement goes hand in hand with athletic accomplishment. Their annual Wine Festival and Auction celebrates these efforts while raising funds for the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, which supports underserved young people throughout Central Florida. The foundation has contributed over $31 million to local charities in its 36-year history, with last year’s event generating more than $2 million in support.
The Road Ahead: Balancing Court Challenges with Community Leadership
Despite positive momentum, the Magic face ongoing challenges in their quest to climb out of the Play-In tournament and secure a full Playoff berth. Anthony Black is expected to remain a crucial figure in Tampa’s push, whether in a starting role or coming off the bench once teammates like Franz Wagner return from injury.
As Black approaches eligibility for a contract extension this offseason, his future decisions will likely deepen his ties to the Orlando community and the franchise. His journey this season, marked by both adversity and growth, positions him as a promising cornerstone for the Magic on and off the court.
Ultimately, Black’s ability to integrate into the fabric of Orlando—through his leadership, outreach, and on-court excellence—reflects the broader aspirations of a player making a city his home and inspiring those around him.
Anthony Black is your winner of the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award. pic.twitter.com/ng4JfOxieC
— Orlando Magic Daily (@OMagicDaily) February 28, 2026
