When freshman guard Boogie Fland committed to the University of Kentucky and former head coach John Calipari in October 2023, he didn’t expect to follow his coach to Fayetteville. Now the 18-year-old is leading the Razorbacks in the first season of the Calipari era at Arkansas.

Fland was born in New York City and grew up in the Bronx, where he attended Archbishop Stepinac High School. He led the school to the Catholic High School Athletic Association intersectional finals in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons and won championships in 2023 and 2024. He was named Finals MVP both times. For his entire high school career, Fland averaged 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

According to On3, Fland was a 4-star recruit and was ranked as the 18th best player and best point guard in the 2024 class. He has been a member of the United States men’s national basketball team since 2021. In 2022, he was part of the men’s national under-17 team that won gold at the 2022 FIBA ​​U17 Basketball World Cup. He was second on the team in assists with 3.6 per game. At the time, he was also teammates with current Arkansas sophomore guard DJ Wagner.

Fland originally committed to the Kentucky Wildcats with the intention of playing for Coach Calipari. When it was announced that the national championship-winning coach would end his tenure at Kentucky and move to Arkansas, Fland requested a release from the program and his national letter of intent.

“He’s a Hall of Fame coach who cares about his players,” Fland said. “When he gave his Hall of Fame speech, his former players and coaches were on stage with him. He only wants the best for you. Off the field he’s a fun guy. He has a lot of jokes, and they are spot on.”

Fland reaffirmed his commitment to Calipari on April 25, this time joining the Razorbacks.

“Boogie has a high level of confidence in Coach Cal that he has developed over the last two years,” said Fland’s high school coach Pat Massaroni. “Coach Cal also had a great relationship with his (Fland) mom and dad. Coach Cal pushes and demands the best from his players. John Calipari’s former players speak highly of and appreciate him.”

Fland’s first game in a Razorback jersey was a charity game against No. 1 Kansas on October 25. Fland scored 22 points on 8 of 15 shooting (53.3%) and six steals.

“He blew up every screen,” Kansas guard Dajuan Harris Jr. said. “I ran through every passing lane like a point guard should. He may be better at defense than offense, but he’s a pretty good all-around player. Coach Cal has a pretty good point guard.”

Over 19,000 fans packed Bud Walton Arena to see the former 4-star guard’s first appearance in a Razorback jersey.

“It was incredible,” Fland said. “I had fun out there. I smiled down the court. It was just so surreal to get to that point. However, it was amazing. I think we did a good job and just showed the fans what potential they have. I’m happy to be here… I just tried to stay in the moment. The fans are wild. I love it here.”

Through the first four games of the 2024-25 season, Fland averaged 16.5 points per game, second only to junior forward Adou Thiero for the Hogs. Fland also records 2.8 rebounds per night and leads the team with five assists per game. On November 18 against Pacific University, he scored a season-high 20 points on 6 of 10 shooting (60%) and 2 of 4 from three-point range (50%).

“I just push through on offense, trust what coach is asking me to do and just try to execute,” Fland said. “I’m a team player, so I do whatever the coach asks me to do. If we need a bucket, I’m the man we can fall back on, they know that. I feel like the whole coaching staff knows that, just that he’s that point guard, that leader.”

Fland now appears to be the next Calipari guard to hit the ground running at the college level and take his talents to the NBA. The freshman sensation is currently projected to be selected 13th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks to join former Western Conference Champions and superstar guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.