Arkansas is in contention to recruit another McDonald’s All-American player.
The Razorbacks are in contention to recruit another top 20 player in the 2024 class, Boogie Fland, who is ranked as the nation’s No. 18 prospect. Fland has been contacted by Arkansas since he reopened his recruitment this week. The presence of new Arkansas coach John Calipari is likely to influence his decision. Fland had initially committed to Kentucky in mid-October and signed with the Wildcats on November 8, 2023, choosing them over Alabama and Indiana.
Fland is a highly acclaimed guard, having been selected for the 2024 Nike Hoops Summit. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds, he has earned recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and was named New York state’s player of the year by MaxPreps.
Fland has indicated a more informed approach to the recruiting process this time around and is receptive to offers from other schools. With Arkansas making significant strides in recruiting top-level prospects, especially in the NIL era, there is heightened optimism about assembling an exceptional roster for the upcoming season.
In terms of coaching staff, Calipari is expected to bring most of his staff from Kentucky, including assistants Orlando Antigua, Chin Coleman, Chuck Martin, Bruiser Flint, and his son Brad Calipari, although these appointments are yet to be officially confirmed. This prospect of having one of the best coaching staffs in the country at Arkansas could be a decisive factor in Fland’s decision.
While Fland has heard from about a dozen schools since decommitting from Kentucky, there is a strong Kentucky connection with schools like St. John’s and Arkansas also involved, intensifying the competition for his signature.
Whoever manages to secure Fland’s commitment will acquire a versatile guard capable of playing both point and shooting guard positions. In his senior year at Archbishop Stepinac in New York, he averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists per game. Some of the schools that have reached out to Fland include Louisville, Alabama, Florida State, Pitt, Illinois, Providence, and Seton Hall.
