Boogie Fland proved famed 'bracketologist' wrong about coming back early

Since his injury in January, Boogie Fland has worked tirelessly to get back on the court. Initially, it was thought he was lost for the season, but before the field of 68 for the NCAA was selected, news broke that the star freshman would return for March Madness. However, some thought it was a mistake.

Longtime ESPN Contributor and famous bracketology expert Joe Lunardi broke down each matchup heading into the first round of the NCAA tournament. When he arrived at Arkansas' game against Kansas, he picked the Jayhawks to win — solely because Fland would play.

Boogie Fland proves Joe Lunardi wrong

"The Razorbacks played their best basketball this year after the injury to freshman Boogie Fland," said Lunardi. "So, what are they doing? They're rushing Fland back into the lineup for the NCAA Tournament."

"Coach Calipari's in the Hall of Fame, and he knows better than I do. Personally, I'd leave well enough alone. I think the mix-up is gonna cost the Hogs a first-round game against a beatable Kansas opponent."

Well, Lunardi should've listened to his own advice. Head coach John Calipari is indeed a Hall of Famer and does know better because Boogie Fland had an amazing game and is one of the reasons Arkansas defeated Kansas on Thursday night.

Although the scoring wasn't there, Fland recorded three assists and three steals with zero turnovers in 24 minutes to go along with his six points. On defense, he was a menace. And despite his injury, he played fearlessly, picking fights in the post with Kansas' bigs. At one point, a Jayhawk met him at the rim on a breakaway for a brutal block (foul, but it wasn't called), where he landed hard on his arms. Even that didn't slow him down.

More importantly, he gave guys who weren't playing their best game — like Billy Richmond III and Karter Knox — some rest without being a detriment to the team.

Fans on X (former Twitter) let Lunardi have it after the Hogs won. But the best burn came from the basketball team's social media account.

It might take a while before his shot returns, but the added depth and extra fouls are worth more than gold at this point. But as long as the projected lottery pick plays clean, he'll only add to the team.