Arkansas Basketball: Can Daniel Gafford lead the young Razorbacks back to the Big Dance?

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Nate Fowler #51 of the Butler Bulldogs shoves Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 18: Bud Walton Arena, Home of the Arkansas Razorbacks sold out for a game against the Florida Gators on February 18, 2012 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Gators defeated the Razorbacks 98-68. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Newcomers in the Razorbacks’ backcourt

Keyshawn Embery is a 6-3-point guard from Bradenton, FL. Originally from Oklahoma, Embery averaged nearly 27 points and over five rebounds as a junior before he transferred to IMG Academy in Florida. He’s a point guard with an all-around game and coach Anderson says, “his athletic ability and basketball IQ sets him apart.”

Isaiah Joe, a 6-3 shooting guard from Fort Smith, Arkansas led his team to a state title as a junior while shooting over 50% from three-point land in high school, playing AAU ball for the Arkansas Hawks and while competing Adidas Summer Championships. Anderson’s view of joe is that “He can really handle the basketball, has unlimited range shooting the ball, good vision and is sneaky athletic.”

“He’s going to be a threat on the outside and the three-point line. He attacks the basket like a bowling ball, whatever is in his way he tries to go through.” Is the scouting report on Joe according to Gafford.

Jordan Phillips is a 6-7 lengthy guard from Cedar Hill, Texas who played AAU ball for Dallas Showtyme after his junior year, averaging 23 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Phillips played his senior season at Grace Prep Academy in Arlington where he led the team to a 33-7 record while being named team MVP. With his length, he gives the Razorbacks some versatility on both ends of the floor.

Jonesboro, Arkansas native Desi Sills is another point guard Anderson has brought in. As a junior Sills led his high school team to a perfect 32-0 record en route to a state championship, averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, two assists and two steals and the feat was repeated as a senior as he averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and over two assists. Anderson says of Sills, “He can really defend, is a good passer and gets after it on the boards for his size.”

Gafford says of Sills, “He has the mind of being a defender. His offensive game is great too.”

Lastly, Mason Jones is the team’s lone JuCo transfer. The 6-5 guard played last season at Connors State College in Oklahoma where he averaged 15.5 points, registering double digits in 28 of 35 contests and at least 20 in 11 of those. He shot over 50% from the field and a sharpshooting 43% from beyond the arc and brings Anderson another athletically long guard who fits his style of play.

Home/Arkansas Razorbacks