Boogie Fland, a 6’2” college basketball player and former Arkansas guard, has entered his name in the 2025 NBA Draft after playing one season for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
While many are unaware that “Boogie” is just a nickname, it’s important to note that Boogie is not Fland’s real name. What is Boogie’s real name, and what is the origin of this nickname?
What is Arkansas NBA Draft Prospect Boogie Fland’s Real Name?
Boogie Fland’s real name is Johnuel Fland. According to articles about him, he got the nickname “Boogie” from his mother when he was a child because of his passion for dancing. Surprisingly, the name has stuck with him, even as a player.
Through a Kentucky daily newspaper, the Louisville Courier-Journal, Fland’s mother, Shamika Smith elaborated on the nickname.
“Boogie was always dancing, it started when he was a toddler. We’d go to functions, and Boogie was dancing. I would say, ‘C’mon, Boogie,’ and everyone started calling him that.”
While Fland loved to dance, he did not pursue it as a career. From high school onward, he has proven himself to be a great basketball player.
Even as a high school sophomore, Fland had secured several notable NIL deals. He also led his school, Archbishop Stepinac High School, to the Catholic High School Athletic Association championship as a sophomore, junior, and senior—winning the competition in his last two seasons.
His five-star ratings by ESPN and Rivals, a four-star recruit by 247Sports, and his ranking among the top 25 players in his graduating class led him to receive college offers from many schools and teams.
He initially committed to the Kentucky Wildcats but decommitted six months later after HC Jon Calipari left for Fayetteville. Fland followed him there to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
As a freshman, he averaged 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He also earned accolades such as McDonald’s All-American, Mr. New York Basketball, and Nike Hoop Summit honors.
Arkansas Basketball Transfer Portal: Full List of Players Entering and Exiting
Notably, Fland’s statistics were obtained in just eight months, as he sustained a major injury in January. For a freshman, he possesses great playmaking and ball-handling skills. Fland’s ability to score and shoot from various spots on the floor and off the dribble has made him a great NBA prospect.
Fland is also a strong defensive player, with numerous instances of putting pressure on his opponents in competitive games. Amongst other NBA teams, teams like the Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns may be interested in drafting him.
It is worth noting that Fland is retaining his college eligibility. If he doesn’t see any interest from NBA teams yet, he can return for another season with the Razorbacks.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
