Johnuel “Boogie” Fland is making waves in the SEC as a freshman for Arkansas Razorbacks, the freshman is averaging 15.9 points, and 3.5 rebounds, tied 18th with 6.2 assists starting in all of the team’s 13 games. Under new coach, John Calipari Arkansas ranks 9th as of January 1 with a 11-2 win-lose streak.

As the NBA draft is shaping up, Fland might just be the most complete point guard in his class, showcasing a great scoring touch, exceptional passing skills, and impressive defensive potential. His matchup against Oakland was a statement of what an all-around performer he is, delivering another stellar performance, leading the team with 24 points, six assists, and grabbing two rebounds. Here’s everything you need to know about Arkansas 6’2′ Freshman.

A rising star with unmatched talent and market value

Born on July 10, 2006, son of Shakima Smith and John Fland, Boogie Fland was rated as a five-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals and a four-star prospect by 247Sports while playing for Archbishop Stepinac High School where he laid the foundation of his basketball journey.

As a junior, he put up impressive numbers, averaging 18.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game as he led Stepinac to back-to-back CHSAA Championships and took the team to a state runner-up finish during his sophomore season, averaging 14.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.9 steals. His mark didn’t just stop at the state level but continued to flourish in the international circuit as well.

He represented the USA Basketball U17 National Team in 2022 and played a key role in securing a gold medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup playing alongside Cooper Flagg. Fland played seven games in the world cup averaging, 4.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He was also part of the 2024 men’s basketball junior select team. One thing was sure,  that a promising future lay ahead of him, with the next step being collegiate basketball.

Fland had garnered the attention of colleges from all over the nation. A total of 30 colleges wanted to recruit him including heavyweights like Kentucky Wildcats, Alabama, and Indiana Hoosiers.

Initially, Boogie had committed to Kentucky, but he withdrew his commitment after the departure of John Calipari, who was in line to become Arkansas’s new head coach. The  6’2 point guard became the third player to follow Calipari as he joined Arkansas on April 25, 2024. With his growing reputation, Fland’s NIL value rose significantly.

Before even making his college debut, Fland’s NIL value was remarkable. In 2021, he made history by becoming one of the first high school athletes from New York to land an NIL sponsorship deal. Fland also secured other NIL deals, including a partnership with Crossover Culture. Boogie Fland currently has an On3 NIL valuation of $435,000, placing him 19th in the high school basketball rankings. As his presence off the court continues to grow, Fland’s on-court performances have also been outstanding, with him consistently shining for the Razorbacks.

Boogie Fland shines in Razorbacks

Boogie Fland helped lead a balanced attack for Arkansas, scoring 16 points as the Razorbacks dominated Central Arkansas 82-57  in North Little Rock, Arkansas never trailed in the game, with six different players finishing in double figures. Fland finished with nine assists, five rebounds, and five steals, showcasing his all-around game for the Razorbacks. His all-around performance was just a glimpse of what was to come, as Fland continued to lead the way for Arkansas in their dominant win over Oakland.

The non-conference season wrapped up for 23rd-ranked Arkansas with a dominant 92-62 win over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in Fayetteville. It was only fitting that the Razorbacks were led by two players who have been standouts so far this season, Adou Thiero and Boogie Fland.

Fland was on fire, hitting his first eight shots and finishing the half an impressive 9 of 10 from the field, including a perfect 5 of 5 from beyond the arc. He finished with 24 points, and three assists, in just 19 minutes of play after halftime.

“My teammates found me, it changed the game,” Fland said postgame. “We stuck to the gameplan, keeping intensity in the second half. First half was a little down, so we picked it up in the second. Basically, I’m not trying to force it. The three-ball is kind of like the game nowadays, so it started inside out. Keep playing the course of the game and I’m not trying to force it like that because it’s not going to work.”

Boogie Fland’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. As a standout player for the Razorbacks, he’s not just showing off his skills on the court but also making a name for himself off it.