Boogie Fland was a consensus 5-star prospect in the 2024 NCAA Basketball recruiting class a year ago, who, after de-committing from Kentucky, followed Coach John Calipari over to Arkansas. He played 21 games as a freshman (started 18), averaging 13.5 ppg and 5.1 apg.
Fland shot under 38% from the field but did shoot 34% from deep at five attempts a game. He had some big individual outings, including 24 points vs Oakland and 19 on the road at LSU. After the season, the former 5-star prospect entered both the NBA Draft and the transfer portal. However, Fland recently left the draft process and will be playing in college basketball for the 2025-26 season.
But which team will it be for? Here’s a list of five teams to potentially watch for,
Florida Gators
After losing all of its rotation guards from last season, Florida needs at least one more ball-handler. They landed transfers Xaivian Lee and AJ Brown, but there’s a need for another guard who can run the offense. Fland already showed that he could play in the SEC and would likely start alongside Lee in the backcourt.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The Heels are without star guard RJ Davis, as Colorado State transfer Kyan Evans is set to be the next lead guard. Unless incoming freshmen guards Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis are ready to have an impact out of the gate, UNC’s backcourt could be a big issue after being a big strength a year ago. Fland, someone the program has targeted in the past, would be a starter for them.
Ole Miss Rebels
Similar to Florida, Ole Miss is another team that has lost its entire backcourt rotation. Among their transfer pickups are Koren Johnson, who missed all of last season at Louisville, along with Travis Perry, a reserve guard from Kentucky. There are still questions concerning the Rebels backcourt and Fland would be the best guard on the team if he were to ultimately land with them.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Red Raiders' backcourt features rising sophomore guard Christian Anderson, along with a few mid-major transfers. 6’6 Wazzu transfer LeJuan Watts is the other capable ball-handler, but the team could use another proven high-major such as Fland to add to the rotation. Otherwise, Anderson may have to play 35+ mpg in Big 12 play.
USC Trojans
The Trojans have been after a number of guards ever since losing Desmond Claude to the transfer portal. Right now, Maryland transfer Rodney Rice would be the starting ball-handler, and he’s been more of a two-guard in his college basketball career. Fland would be the lead guard for former Arkansas HC Eric Musselman and solidify the roster.