Arkansas Razorbacks’ Boogie Fland Set to Return for NCAA Tournament
In a thrilling turn of events for the Arkansas Razorbacks, their standout freshman guard, Boogie Fland, is expected to make a comeback just in time for the NCAA tournament. The school announced on Saturday that Fland, who has been sidelined since January due to a hand injury, will be available to practice on Sunday. This news comes as a relief to fans and teammates alike, as Fland’s presence on the court has been sorely missed.
Fland’s injury occurred during a game against the Florida Gators on January 11. Despite the injury, he attempted to play through the pain in the next two games but ultimately had to step back, missing the last 15 games. Before his injury, Fland had already made a name for himself as one of the top freshman guards in the country, showcasing his skills and potential in the first half of the season.
During the first 18 games, Fland averaged an impressive 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, with a shooting percentage of 36.5% from beyond the arc. One of his standout performances was against the Michigan Wolverines at Madison Square Garden in December, where he scored 20 points and dished out seven assists, leading his team to a significant nonconference victory.
At the time of Fland’s injury, the Razorbacks were struggling, sitting at 0-5 in the SEC and enduring a five-game losing streak. However, the team has shown remarkable resilience in his absence, turning their season around with a 9-4 record without Fland. As they head into Selection Sunday, Arkansas appears to be safely in the NCAA tournament, a testament to their adaptability and determination.
Head coach John Calipari has had to experiment with various lineup changes over the past couple of months. In Fland’s absence, D.J. Wagner and Johnell Davis have stepped up to take on the bulk of the playmaking duties. Additionally, freshman Karter Knox has seen an increased role, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
It’s worth noting that Arkansas’ leading scorer, Adou Thiero, has also been out of action, missing the last six games due to an injury. The Razorbacks have had to dig deep into their roster to maintain their competitive edge, and the return of Fland could not come at a better time.
- Boogie Fland’s return is highly anticipated as he was a key player before his injury.
- Arkansas has managed a 9-4 record without Fland, showing their depth and resilience.
- Fland’s performance against Michigan was a highlight of his freshman season.
- Coach Calipari has had to adjust the lineup multiple times due to injuries.
- Adou Thiero, the team’s leading scorer, has also been out with an injury.
As the NCAA tournament approaches, the Razorbacks are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting run. With Fland back in the mix, Arkansas fans have every reason to be optimistic about their team’s chances. The combination of Fland’s dynamic playmaking and the team’s newfound depth could make the Razorbacks a formidable opponent in the tournament.
Originally Written by: Jeff Borzello
