How Boogie Fland made a ‘big statement’ to Arkansas basketball’s coaches in loss to Baylor

FAYETTEVILLE — According to Arkansas basketball associate head coach Kenny Payne, point guard Boogie Fland made a ‘big statement’ Saturday against Baylor.

The No. 21 Razorbacks lost to the Bears 72-67, but Fland had another terrific outing. The freshman from New York scored 17 points with seven assists, five rebounds and zero turnovers.

According to HogStats.com, Fland is the first Hog since 1997 to rack up those numbers without a single turnover.

“Being a natural scorer, you sometimes forget your instincts — or to score and you don’t think about the pass,” Payne said Tuesday. “That was the first indication from us as a staff that Boogie’s getting better at understanding, ‘Yes, I can score. I’m a natural scorer. But I also can help my teammates get better, seven assists.’”

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As a recruit, Fland was seen as a gifted scorer who played primarily off the ball. The Arkansas coaching staff clearly saw a higher floor, and the game against Baylor showed that their assessment was coming to fruition against a top-ranked team.

For Fland, he found some relief with his shot against Baylor. The freshman went 3 for 5 on 3-pointers after going 1 for 8 against Lipscomb and struggling in the two preseason exhibitions.

“It felt good. I know I’m a shooter. I’m going to keep shooting,” Fland said. “It really doesn’t phase me. I’m going to keep going. We’re going to keep going.”

Nov 9, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Boogie Fland (2) drives to the basket against Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

It’s still early, but Fland has found enough balance between scoring and helping his teammates that he’s become the clear point guard for the Hogs. It was widely expected this preseason that role would belong to Kentucky…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/boogie-fland-made-big-statement-181928265.html

Author : Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record

Publish date : 2024-11-12 18:19:00

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