Arkansas In Mix For Another McDonald's All-American

Previous relationship with Calipari should give Razorbacks edge for one of country’s best guards

Stepinac's Boogie Fland (1) drives around Iona's Joe Wolf (10) during the Crusader Classic. / Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Razorbacks are in the running to land another top 20 player in the 2024 class. Boogie Fland, the nation’s No. 18 prospect, has already heard from the Razorbacks since reopening his recruitment this week. 

New Arkansas coach John Calipari should be considered a factor in his decision. Fland initially committed to Kentucky mid-October and signed with the Wildcats Nov. 8, 2023. He chose the Cats over Alabama and Indiana, respectively. 

He is a highly decorated guard being named to the 2024 Nike Hoops Summit. The 6-foot-2, 170 pound spark plug was selected to the McDonald’s All-American Game and was also named New York state’s player of the year by MaxPreps. 

Fland says he has a better understanding about the recruiting process than he did the first time around. According to Paul Biancardi of ESPN, Fland is all ears for offers from other schools.

"I am back to square one,” Bland told  Biancardi Tuesday evening. ” I am open to hearing about other schools. This is the second time around, so it will be a more straightforward process.”

Arkansas has a lot to offer top level prospects now compared to just a few months ago. Over the past few seasons during the NIL era of college athletics the Razorbacks have done well. However, a renewed focus on NIL funds by donors have lifted hopes of putting together an exceptional roster for next season.

As for coaches, Calipari is expected to bring most of his staff from Kentucky with him. Those assistants are Orlando Antigua, Chin Coleman, Chuck Martin, Bruiser Flint and son Brad Calipari but none of these hires have been made official yet. That would give Arkansas one of the best staff’s in the country which should keep Fland within reach.

“NIL definitely plays a part, but the basketball and coaches are most important. Wherever I go, I understand that I have to earn my playing time. I will look to set up my visits soon."

Fland says he’s heard from about a dozen schools since decommiting from the Wildcats. There’s certainly a strong Kentucky connection with the Wildcats (Mark Pope), St. John’s (Rick Pitino) and Arkansas (Calipari) involved. The stakes are high while the payoff is rich.

Whoever earns the signing of Fland gains a guard capable of playing point or shooting guard. He averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and dished out four assists as a senior for Archbishop Stepinac in New York. Schools who have contacted Fland are Louisville, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Florida State, Pitt, St. John’s, Illinois, Providence and Seton Hall.

HOGS FEED:

• Kicking game work in progress with Little gone to chase NFL dream

• Expectations for Calipari's first player on the roster for next season

• First Razorback scholarship player arrives under Calipari-era

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