Arkansas freshman Boogie Fland showed early promise before a hand injury stalled his momentum. A McDonald’s All-American and five-star talent from New York, Fland averaged 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds across 18 games, hitting 36.5% from beyond the arc.
His production positioned him among the nation’s top freshmen in the first half of the season. However, a right hand injury suffered in mid-January sidelined him for most of the remaining schedule. As he enters the transfer portal, the timing and impact of that setback will likely shape both his recovery and future opportunities.
Boogie Fland’s Injury History Looms Large as Transfer Process Begins
Fland’s promising freshman campaign at Arkansas was significantly impacted by a hand injury that altered the trajectory of his season and now influences his transfer decision.
The 6’2″ guard, ranked No. 42 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings and previously projected as a second-round pick, entered the transfer portal just before the late April deadline. Florida has emerged as a serious contender for his services with the Gators eyeing a backcourt pairing of Fland and Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee.
Fland sustained a right hand injury on Jan. 11, 2025, during a competitive SEC matchup against Florida. Though initially considered minor, the injury worsened. He attempted to play through it, appearing in games against LSU and Missouri.
Against Missouri, his struggles were clear—he scored a season-low four points on 2-for-13 shooting. Arkansas coach John Calipari said afterward that Fland’s hand was “pretty bad,” prompting further evaluation.
On Jan. 22, Fland underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. Arkansas later confirmed he would begin rehabilitation immediately, though no clear return date was given.
Prior to the injury, he had been a standout performer, averaging 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds over 18 games, while shooting 36.5% from three. He led all NCAA freshmen in both assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio.
His absence left Arkansas reeling, especially in SEC play, where the Razorbacks began 0-5. Fland’s playmaking and perimeter shooting proved difficult to replace. Despite concerns, his recovery advanced quickly, and he returned in time for the NCAA Tournament.
KEEP READING: Why College Basketball Players Keep Transfer Options Open After Declaring for the NBA Draft
Fland, a 5-star recruit, eventually withdrew from the NBA draft, his agent Mike Miller told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. He attended the NBA combine but opted out of participating further.
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