Fland Proves More Ready for Spotlight Than Past Arkansas Freshmen

Razorbacks had pair of preseason All-Americans who struggled in similar exhibition

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland in an exhibition game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. / Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Boogie Fland set the tone as Arkansas basketball's heralded freshman more than held his own in Friday's 85-69 exhibition win over No. 1 Kansas.

Two preseason ago, McDonald's All-American trio Nick Smith Jr., Anthony Black and Jordan Walsh put up hollow stats — 28 combined points and seven turnovers — in a humbling 90-60 exhibition loss at Texas.

It was painfully noticeable to anyone who had eyes on the action at the Moody Center that the Razorback' freshmen struggled with the pressure, intensity and physicality of the Longhorns. Fast forward to Friday night and newcomers Boogie Fland, Karter Knox and Billy Richmond found themselves in a similar situation against a top-ranked Kansas squad littered with veteran talent.

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Karter Knox in an exhibition game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. / Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

Fland and Knox earned starting nods for the Razorbacks, but it was the former who set the tone and sizzled right out of the gate. After taking a hard hit on his first drive to the rim, Fland sank a pair of free throws, knocked down two mid-range jumpers and turned a steal into an off-the-backboard lob for Trevon Brazile to spark a 14-point, 3-assist, 3-steal first half.

The freshman looked like anything but as he ran the show, looking smooth as he ran ball screen sets and went toe-to-toe with veteran guard Dajuan Harris on both ends of the floor.

"Just being myself, having that competitive spirit," Fland said. "Dajuan is a good point guard. Watched him on TV and stuff like that. Just going in there with that mindset, I'm going to go out here and be competitive, be a leader and try to get others involved."

Fland did exactly that and continued to dazzle in the second half with the only thing slowing him down being some blood on the forearm. He put a loud exclamation point on his outing with a fourth-quarter three and a crucial late steal and coast-to-coast finish that gave him a loud 22 points, five assists and and six steals.

"Coach (John Calipari) told me to start if off on the defensive end, so that's what I did, and just get my team going, honestly," Fland said.

Knox was quiet early on, but started to settle in late in the first quarter after a strong finish at the rim on a basket cut and a transition finish midway through the second. On the defensive end, Knox spent a decent chunk of time on AJ Storr, who led Wisconsin in scoring last season, and limited him to eight points on 4-of-11 shooting.

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland puts up a shot inside against Kansas' AJ Storr at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. / Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

Knox's hoop-and-harm finish midway through the fourth quarter was a nice highlight in a workmanlike effort of nine points and four boards. If the lights were a bit too bright for anyone, it may have been Richmond, who went scoreless in 10 minutes of action and air-balled a corner three with his only shot attempt.

Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland makes a pass defended by Kansas Jayhawks Zeke Mayo at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Ark. / Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

Arkansas is strapped for depth and needs the athletic lefty wing to settle in and solidify himself in the rotation with defense and transition profiling as his early impact areas. Big picture, Fland flashed his star power and Arkansas' freshmen looked like they belonged on the big stage against the best of the best.

The Razorbacks have one more tune up next Friday when they hit the road for a charity exhibition with TCU. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. (CT) at Dickies Arena.

HOGS FEED:

• Five reasons why Arkansas will win at Mississippi State

• Pair of guards send Arkansas guards into frenzy Friday against No. 1 Kansas

• Live Blog: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Kansas Jayhawks

• Of Razorbacks' complaints, not many coming about Devin Bale

• What Razorback Fans Can Expect Against Kansas

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