New name in 2017 hoops recruiting ...

[Hawg Red]

So are we just not using the scholarship this year?

I don't know the answer to that question, but I do know that Thurman is recruiting Zhaire Smith. 6'5 wing out of Texas. Family knows Scotty. Don't think Hogs have offered and not sure if they will. I'm not sure if they still are, but I know Watkins was looking at two 2017 for SW Christian (both frontcourt players). I would assume they'd rather use the scholarship than have a 7-player freshman class in 2018. I like the center from SW Christian, Mladen Armus. I think he'd be a good player to bring in for depth down low.

[batmanfan]

You know, if we can't find an instant impact freshman/juco/grad transfer it may be best to go get a good transfer who will sit out a year, giving a very young/inexperienced 18-19 Razorback team a sort of a veteran presence/ready to go player for that year.

[azhog10]

I don't know the answer to that question, but I do know that Thurman is recruiting Zhaire Smith. 6'5 wing out of Texas. Family knows Scotty. Don't think Hogs have offered and not sure if they will. I'm not sure if they still are, but I know Watkins was looking at two 2017 for SW Christian (both frontcourt players). I would assume they'd rather use the scholarship than have a 7-player freshman class in 2018. I like the center from SW Christian, Mladen Armus. I think he'd be a good player to bring in for depth down low.

All these guys are back up plans for a grad transfer. Would bet money they hope they can land a Sr. Big Grad Transfer or some kind of transfer that could take up one or two years but play right away. Wouldn't be surprised if that's the direction we try to go over the next two years. Fill the scholarship, but a year at a time and get this scholly to 2019. Only reason to use it otherwise is if you can land a big time talent.

[Hawg Red]

All these guys are back up plans for a grad transfer. Would bet money they hope they can land a Sr. Big Grad Transfer or some kind of transfer that could take up one or two years but play right away. Wouldn't be surprised if that's the direction we try to go over the next two years. Fill the scholarship, but a year at a time and get this scholly to 2019. Only reason to use it otherwise is if you can land a big time talent.

I could see that. Maybe someone from the JUCO ranks that has two years left?

[logic]

Looks like a Beard clone to me. Beard was a straight up baller like that in high school, and probably would be a straight up baller for UALR or a Middle Tenn State or a creighton. But he's just too short...

I am sure height helps, but wouldn't you love to have another Spud Webb at 5'7" or Isaiah Thomas at 5'9"?

[Kevin McPherson]

Having already signed a strong class in the early period, getting 3 of the 4 available scholarships filled, the Hogs had the luxury of taking their time and doing some picking-and-choosing when it comes to that last spot to be filled in the spring.

They left the early signing period needing another big, but as Trey Thompson and Dustin Thomas continue to improve, and as Gafford consistently dominated the competition (including good competition), it seems they are shifting down the stretch to look at backcourt players -- PG Fitzgerald and wing Smith now on the radar. Point guard is a need, a bit puzzled that they're looking hard at another 2/3 after signing Garland and Hall. Maybe the ties Scotty has makes them feel good about a player they see as best available.

And, after what effectively turned out to be an 8-player avalanche of personnel loss 18 months ago (early departures, transfers, non-qualifier, suspensions), CMA and staff are working hard to be prepared for the unforeseen.

We know about Franklin, Armus, Osabuohien, and now Fitzgerald and Smith. Will definitely be interesting to see what other names emerge, including jucos and possibly (?) a senior-grad transfer, over the next 6 weeks.

[hogwood]

Having already signed a strong class in the early period, getting 3 of the 4 available scholarships filled, the Hogs had the luxury of taking their time and doing some picking-and-choosing when it comes to that last spot to be filled in the spring.

They left the early signing period needing another big, but as Trey Thompson and Dustin Thomas continue to improve, and as Gafford consistently dominated the competition (including good competition), it seems they are shifting down the stretch to look at backcourt players -- PG Fitzgerald and wing Smith now on the radar. Point guard is a need, a bit puzzled that they're looking hard at another 2/3 after signing Garland and Hall. Maybe the ties Scotty has makes them feel good about a player they see as best available.

And, after what effectively turned out to be an 8-player avalanche of personnel loss 18 months ago (early departures, transfers, non-qualifier, suspensions), CMA and staff are working hard to be prepared for the unforeseen.

We know about Franklin, Armus, Osabuohien, and now Fitzgerald and Smith. Will definitely be interesting to see what other names emerge, including jucos and possibly (?) a senior-grad transfer, over the next 6 weeks.

I could easily see any of those kids being nice late additions. That is a decent list going into the spring. I am definitely interested in the grad transfer option though. We'll see who else pops up.

[raz1965]

The Fitzgerald kid reminds me of the little guard at Georgia, don't recall his name but he is Georgia's offense right now.

[OnTheHillHogFan]

The Fitzgerald kid reminds me of the little guard at Georgia, don't recall his name but he is Georgia's offense right now.

JJ Frazier

[duckman]

Zhaire Smith is a stud....

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3726732/58b1f96ebee0b513c01a52f4

[raz1965]

Zhaire Smith was at the game to watch the hogs defeat the dogs. Would be a good finish to the 2017 class. Ran across the info on CBS at the Razorback team page. May have been posted but I didn't see it.

[ricepig]

So are we just not using the scholarship this year?

https://twitter.com/ArRecruitingGuy/status/838425642911862784

[The_Iceman]

https://twitter.com/ArRecruitingGuy/status/838425642911862784

This is interesting considering the current roster makeup for next year. I wonder if someone is leaving that we currently don't expect. Maybe this is a replacement for someone like Hazen.

http://247sports.com/Player/Zhaire-Smith-93859

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVZP7FZwPLE

[The_Iceman]

Zhaire Smith is a stud....

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3726732/58b1f96ebee0b513c01a52f4

He looks like a kid that will immediately improve our wing defense and full court pressure defense.

I wonder what position he projects at for us.

Smith is listed at only 6'5", but in this video, he plays like he is 6'8".

[Van Boarisson]

DAVENPORT WITH THE SCOOP

[The_Iceman]

For those wondering if he does anything other than dunk:

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3726732/58b26663ff0c6d2f50840417

[The_Iceman]

4-star?

https://twitter.com/OtisKirk247/status/838435166771085313

[Hawg Red]

This is interesting considering the current roster makeup for next year. I wonder if someone is leaving that we currently don't expect. Maybe this is a replacement for someone like Hazen.

http://247sports.com/Player/Zhaire-Smith-93859

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVZP7FZwPLE

When I saw he was offered, I wondered myself if someone was leaving. Then again, maybe the staff is really trying to shore up the wing.

[The_Iceman]

When I saw he was offered, I wondered myself if someone was leaving. Then again, maybe the staff is really trying to shore up the wing.

He is the type of guy you could run at the 4 spot if you had Gafford at the 5 and someone like Hall at the 3. Offensively, it would work. And defensively, if you run the matchup zone and the full court 2-2-1, you don't necessarily need a traditional big 4.

[hogwood]

Smith seems like best available. Looks like a great system fit. We will definitely have some competition for the 2/3. This also eludes to the possibility of Jones transferring IMO. If not we will be stacked.

Looks like he was just given a 4 star composite. Rated closely with Garland

http://247sports.com/player/zhaire-smith-93859

[ballinhog]

Hope this has nothing to do with the possibility of Jones transferring. I really wanna see what type of player he turns into here

[The_Iceman]

Smith seems like best available. Looks like a great system fit. We will definitely have some competition for the 2/3. This also eludes to the possibility of Jones transferring IMO. If not we will be stacked.

Looks like he was just given a 4 star composite. Rated closely with Garland

http://247sports.com/player/zhaire-smith-93859

Probably more Hazen than Jones.

[hogwood]

Probably more Hazen than Jones.

I don't know I would think Jones at this point. Hazen always seems happy. I've seen some stuff from Jones on social media that doesn't always indicate that it's going smoothly. Would still doubt it but if I was to pick one to bet on id say Jones, sadly.

[The_Iceman]

https://twitter.com/ArRecruitingGuy/status/838532848172716032

[CallThoseHawgs]

4-star?

https://twitter.com/OtisKirk247/status/838435166771085313

137 Overall player on 247 composite

[The_Bionic_Pig]

He is definitely the one the coaching staff wants for the final spot *best available*

[nwahogfan1]

https://twitter.com/ArRecruitingGuy/status/838532848172716032

I love tall athletic shooting guards and this kid looks like a very good one but I was hoping we would add a big 245lb PF who would go get us 8+ RPG and add some toughness to our inside game.  Maybe by us going after a SG we might have an under classman leaving the team so we can add that PF. 

[The_Iceman]

I love tall athletic shooting guards but I will be honest I was hoping we would add a big 245lb PF who would go get us 8+ RPG and add some toughness to our inside game.  Maybe by us going after a SG we have someone leaving the team so we can add that PF. 

We will need a big man for the 2018-2019 season. Next year we will have Thompson and Gafford, which will be fine at the 5. But we have to find a backup for Gafford for the next season.

Smith is a real talent. Love his game. Very comparable to Javon Franklin. He is a versatile player that could play the 3 or the 4 for us, depending on the lineup.

[nwahogfan1]

We will need a big man for the 2018-2019 season. Next year we will have Thompson and Gafford, which will be fine at the 5. But we have to find a backup for Gafford for the next season.

Smith is a real talent. Love his game. Very comparable to Javon Franklin. He is a versatile player that could play the 3 or the 4 for us, depending on the lineup.

I am talking about a PF. We do not have any true PF on this team right now.   We have 3 or so we put at the 4 position but none are true PFs or none or good enough to get us to that next level.  Oh, we have some we put at that spot but they are not what we need to add toughness and rebounds in the paint.  Remember when Nolan finally added some size and weight down low?  We started winning Championships.

[Pig in the Pokey]

He looks like a kid that will immediately improve our wing defense and full court pressure defense.

I wonder what position he projects at for us.

Smith is listed at only 6'5", but in this video, he plays like he is 6'8".

looks like the next mike qualls to me

[Pig in the Pokey]

Zhaire Smith is a stud....

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3726732/58b1f96ebee0b513c01a52f4

damn right he is

[duckman]

damn right he is

I grew up with his Dad, he was an incredible athlete as well.  You will not find a better guy.  If you get a chance look up Billy Smith, he played for Kansas State.  His story is motivational, he is now in a wheelchair due to a back surgery gone bad.  Billy called me in the hospital when I had my neck surgery a couple of years ago.  Great guy...

[OnTheHillHogFan]

He is the type of guy you could run at the 4 spot if you had Gafford at the 5 and someone like Hall at the 3. Offensively, it would work. And defensively, if you run the matchup zone and the full court 2-2-1, you don't necessarily need a traditional big 4.

If you look at our roster for next year it is made for a predominately zone defense.

[nwahogfan1]

I don't know the answer to that question, but I do know that Thurman is recruiting Zhaire Smith. 6'5 wing out of Texas. Family knows Scotty. Don't think Hogs have offered and not sure if they will. I'm not sure if they still are, but I know Watkins was looking at two 2017 for SW Christian (both frontcourt players). I would assume they'd rather use the scholarship than have a 7-player freshman class in 2018. I like the center from SW Christian, Mladen Armus. I think he'd be a good player to bring in for depth down low.

I agree with offering Armus if he is a tough physical guy.  He has the size for sure to add depth to that position.  I just have not seen him play so I do not know but we need to add more size to our 4s and 5s.

[Dominicanhog]

looks like the next mike qualls to me

looks like a better shooter off the dribble.. also better handles... I like his game.. appears a perfect fit for Mike's system.. might need to find another big for 18 if we go this route..

[hogwood]

looks like a better shooter off the dribble.. also better handles... I like his game.. appears a perfect fit for Mike's system.. might need to find another big for 18 if we go this route..

Which means maybe not getting Rodgerick Brown... I mean if we still need a big and a PG and are flush with 2/3's it just doesn't make sense. Get Embery/Wright and a big and that's all we have room for. Too bad as I LOVE Brown. But I also wouldn't put it past the staff to just get Brown instead of a big...

[The_Iceman]

looks like a better shooter off the dribble.. also better handles... I like his game.. appears a perfect fit for Mike's system.. might need to find another big for 18 if we go this route..

Looks a little ahead of Qualls at the same points in their careers. Like his game and versatility.

I agree with offering Armus if he is a tough physical guy.  He has the size for sure to add depth to that position.  I just have not seen him play so I do not know but we need to add more size to our 4s and 5s.

I don't think we need more size at the 4, if we can get guys more athletic at that position. Cook and Thomas aren't really elite athletes.

Bailey, Reggie Perry, Ethan Henderson....that's more of what we need to see at the 4 position.

[Dominicanhog]

. Get Embery/Wright and a big and that's all we have room for.

This would be my guess... providing we get Smith... and everyone stays...

[The_Iceman]

What if Mike decided to play Ethan Henderson as the backup 5 to Gafford. If he landed Zhaire Smith in 2017 and Rodgerick Brown in 2018, we had a lineup something like this:

Garland / Sills / Glasper
Jones / Joe
Hall / Z.Smith
Perry / Bailey / Brown
Gafford / Henderson

We'd be smaller at the backup 5 spot, but more longer and athletic overall 3 thru 5. Just a thought.

[Hawg Red]

What if Mike decided to play Ethan Henderson as the backup 5 to Gafford. If he landed Zhaire Smith in 2017 and Rodgerick Brown in 2018, we had a lineup something like this:

Garland / Sills / Glasper
Jones / Joe
Hall / Z.Smith
Perry / Bailey / Brown
Gafford / Henderson

We'd be smaller at the backup 5 spot, but more longer and athletic overall 3 thru 5. Just a thought.

You might be onto something. Athleticism can make up for size.

[HogInThaGrove]

Looking at his arms, he already looks stronger than any guard/forward we have on the team right now.  Barford is the only other player with any definition in his arms/shoulders besides maybe Moses.  I hope Trey really commits himself this offseason to nutrition and the weight room, he could have a really really good sr year.  His passing skills are off the charts and it seems his confidence is growing exponentially.  I really liked seeing him dunk over two guys and get the foul against Georgia.  I think the ability is there, not elite ability, but very solid ability.

I really like this kid's game.  He has major hops and his jump shot is very consistent in how he repeats his mechanics.  Looks like he sees the floor very well too and makes very good passes.  I like the looks of this kiddo.  Hope we get him!

[The_Iceman]

You might be onto something. Athleticism can make up for size.

Especially if you start using the 2-2-1 and matchup zone more as a primary defense. A shot blocking center in the middle with two long, athletic forwards on either side makes a solid lineup. And with our guards up top getting taller and longer as well let, we could really wreak havoc defensively.

[HawgHeadCheese]

We will need a big man for the 2018-2019 season. Next year we will have Thompson and Gafford, which will be fine at the 5. But we have to find a backup for Gafford for the next season.

Smith is a real talent. Love his game. Very comparable to Javon Franklin. He is a versatile player that could play the 3 or the 4 for us, depending on the lineup.

I wouldn't compare him to Franklin. I saw another of him and he is better ball handler and has a decent mid range pull up jumper.

[Hollywood870]

Hope Jones sticks it out. This guy looks like "Best Available" though for sure. Have to take him.

[Hollywood870]

For those wondering if he does anything other than dunk:

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3726732/58b26663ff0c6d2f50840417

Looks like he could develop into a big guard type and be a mis-match down on the block. Looks strong.

[Biggus Piggus]

Lenzie Howell.

[The_Bionic_Pig]

Looking at his arms, he already looks stronger than any guard/forward we have on the team right now.  Barford is the only other player with any definition in his arms/shoulders besides maybe Moses.  I hope Trey really commits himself this offseason to nutrition and the weight room, he could have a really really good sr year.  His passing skills are off the charts and it seems his confidence is growing exponentially.  I really liked seeing him dunk over two guys and get the foul against Georgia.  I think the ability is there, not elite ability, but very solid ability.

I really like this kid's game.  He has major hops and his jump shot is very consistent in how he repeats his mechanics.  Looks like he sees the floor very well too and makes very good passes.  I like the looks of this kiddo.  Hope we get him!

He has a 6'9 wingspan...

[The_Bionic_Pig]

Which means maybe not getting Rodgerick Brown... I mean if we still need a big and a PG and are flush with 2/3's it just doesn't make sense. Get Embery/Wright and a big and that's all we have room for. Too bad as I LOVE Brown. But I also wouldn't put it past the staff to just get Brown instead of a big...

I would be shocked if their is no roster turnover... No inside info or anything but you should know by now if your going to get major PT next season.

[The_Iceman]

Lenzie Howell.

https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/838850523348484098

[Hawg Red]

6'9 wingspan, huh? That's pretty attractive. It will be interesting to see how things develop here. He would appear to the staff's top target presently, and he has acknowledged publicly that he is honored to getting offered the final remaining scholarship.