Eric Musselman explains what has led to improved defense from Anthony Black

The Arkansas basketball team is scrapping and clawing for NCAA Tournament seeding as the regular season comes to a close, and one key development is particularly noteworthy. The Hogs are getting significantly improved defense from Anthony Black.

The star point guard is well-known for his offensive acumen, but it’s his growing defensive proficiency that has coach Eric Musselman excited.

“The one thing we just kept talking to Anthony about is getting lower,” Musselman said. “When he gets low defensively he’s got such great hands, such great anticipation.”

It is already paying dividends.

In the first 17 games this season, Black recorded just 1.53 steals per game. Over the last 11 games that figure has jumped to 2.63 steals per game.

Black has recorded multiple steals in each of the last five games and in nine of the last 11.

“I think you’re seeing his growth as a defender right before our eyes,” Musselman said. “He is playing much improved defensively here down the stretch, and a lot of it has to do with getting low and picking up the ball earlier than he was. He’s picking the ball up more in the backcourt. He’s picking the ball up higher at the halfcourt mark, which we felt like at midpoint of the season we were not creating enough steals.”

Defense from Anthony Black, Devo Davis impressing

Black isn’t the only one who has earned some praise from Musselman for his improved defensive effort.

Davonte “Devo” Davis has also earned some significant praise.

“Devo’s a leader for us,” Musselman continued. “I feel like player-coach relationship with Devo, he and I kind of think alike. He’s got a competitive nature. The other guys all feed off his defense. He’s kind of the guy, it’s hard not to defend when you’re playing with Devo because he’s putting forth so much effort. When a player texts a coach and says ‘Hey, I want to see all the made baskets’ by the guy he’s being assigned to, that shows you the pride he takes. He’s such a huge part of everything we do.”

Arkansas will return to action today against Alabama in a game that tips off at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2.