It feels like forever since the Razorbacks got any good news in any sport, so the commitment of Jaylen Barford is very exciting for Arkansas. Barford is a 6’5, 200 pound guard that has been playing at Motlow State Community College in Tennesee. The dynamic scorer had standing offers from 16 Division 1 schools, and was scheduled to take a trip to Louisville this weekend, but it appears that the trip has been cancelled.
Bartlow joins fellow JUCO guard Daryl Macon out of Memphis, who is also an All-American guard. The 2016 class for Mike Anderson will be one of, if not the, most important class of his career as a Razorback. With the loss of all 5 starters from last years squad, along with 2 bench players, Anderson is sitting on a large number of scholarships.
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The 2016 season looks like it will be rough for the Hogs, but if Anderson keeps landing big players, then Razorbacks fans will be pretty patient. Especially if he is able to pry hometown boy and #1 overall guard in his class Malik Monk out of the hands of Kentucky. Monk released his top 5 recently, and most experts agree that the competition is down to the Wildcats and the Hogs.
With or without Monk, though, the 2016 class is starting to fall into place for Mike Anderson, which is welcome news for Hog fans. Barford comes in with very impressive numbers, averaging over 20 points and 5 assists a game, as well as shooting over 50% from the field. Impressive numbers for sure. The combination of Barford, Macon, Jimmy Whitt, possibly Eric Curry (who will announce on Wednesday), and Malik Monk would be quite the starting 5 for the Razorbacks.
If I’ve learned anything in my 28 years as a Hog fan, it’s never to get too optimistic. But let me tell you, that lineup right there? That’s NCAA tournament run good, in my opinion. Come on, Mike! Let’s do this!