NCAA Basketball: 10 best players from state of Arkansas of last decade

By Joey Loose | Jul 28, 2022

Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) looks for an open teammate as Wofford Terriers forward C.J. Neumann (31) defends in the second half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Florida Gators guard Tyree Appleby Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Tyree Appleby – Cleveland State / Florida

After starring in the town of Jacksonville, Appleby departed Arkansas to play for new coach Dennis Felton at Cleveland State way back in 2017, staying for two seasons with the Vikings. Following a coaching change, he transferred to Florida, playing the last two years for the Gators. The 6’1 point guard was a stellar scorer and distributor at both schools and has another season to make even more magic happen.

Appleby was an integral part of Cleveland State’s team for his two seasons there, leading the Viking in scoring during his sophomore year with 17.1 points per game. Among these top performances were a career-high 37 points against Bowling Green and an impressive 19-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist game against Milwaukee. At Florida, he was an important piece of the offense, even if his scoring and assist numbers were down compared to his time in the Horizon League.

A Horizon League All-Freshman and former All-Horizon League Second Teamer, Appleby was just as phenomenal with the Gators and will look to continue that success next season as he transfers to Wake Forest for his final collegiate season. His assist numbers have always been impressive and the Demon Deacons are getting a steady weapon for next season. Looking back, he starred for a struggling mid-major and put up very solid numbers in a tough stretch in the SEC.

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