Former Arkansas guard Boogie Fland, a projected second-round pick, decided on Tuesday to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft and explore his options in the Transfer Portal.
Fland had an up-and-down and ultimately injury-plagued freshman season in Fayetteville, but his talent is undeniable. He was a consensus 5-star recruit coming out of the Bronx, and he flashed his immense potential for the Hogs.
Fland averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 assists per game. He struggled to score at the rim, converting only 39% of his attempts, per Bart Torvik. That was the impetus for Fland shooting just 37.9% from the floor in his freshman season. He did show promise as a three-point shooter, however, connecting on 34% of his attempts.
Fland will be a highly sought-after player in the portal. Alabama's Nate Oats should aggressively pursue the former 5-star guard.
Alabama was a finalist in Fland's recruitment the first go-around before he ultimately committed to John Calipari and Kentucky. Fland chose to follow Calipari to Arkansas once he left Lexington for Fayetteville.
Fland will likely command a big NIL payday as one of the top point guards in the country. He will have plenty of suitors lining up. Alabama won't be able to pay him what some others can. Oats has to try anyway. He's that good and can be a game-changer for the Crimson Tide's 2025-26 outlook.
Boogie Fland would be a perfect Labaron Philon replacement at Alabama
Labaron Philon hasn't made a final decision yet, but all signs continue to point toward him remaining in the NBA Draft. If Philon doesn't return, Alabama has a need for a lead guard. Aden Holloway is capable, and combo guards such as Jalil Bethea and Latrell Wrightsell can pick up some slack, but none are as proven a playmaker as Fland.
While Alabama may not be able to compete with some of the NIL offers that are to come, Oats can pitch his system and his track record of developing guards and putting them in the spotlight.
Aden Holloway had similar struggles shooting the ball from all areas of the court a year ago. His percentages took a significant jump in Alabama's offense, and he was one of the better players in the country off the bench.
If Fland wants to showcase himself for NBA scouts for next year's NBA Draft, there's not a better system for him to play in.
Oats and Preston Murphy have won plenty of recruiting battles without dropping the biggest bag. They were not the highest bidder for Cliff Omoruyi last year and still landed the Rutgers big man out of the portal.
Alabama still has two roster spots left open. One of those spots could go to Cal State Northridge transfer wing Keonte Jones. Alabama has hosted Jones on a visit and is trending in his recruitment.
The other spot, if the Crimson Tide is able to fill it, should go to a lead guard. Whether that's Fland or a returning Philon, it's Alabama's best path to being a contender again.