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2017 power forward/center verbally commits to Arkansas

Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson

AP

While the recruitment of 2016 five-star guard Malik Monk has received the greatest amount of attention within Arkansas’ borders (and rightfully so), he wasn’t the only in-state prospect that Arkansas head coach Mike Anderson and his staff are working hard to reel in. Saturday night it was reported by Rivals.com that the Razorbacks have landed their first commitment in the Class of 2017, with an Arkansas native deciding to end his recruitment.

6-foot-10 three-star power forward/center Daniel Gafford made the pledge despite holding offers from other high-major programs including Kansas, Florida and Vanderbilt. Gafford hasn’t played basketball for all that long, and his play at events such as the Nike Elite 100 Camp and the Nike Peach Jam (Arkansas Wings 16U) led to him receiving added attention on the recruiting trail.

In six games at the Peach Jam, the El Dorado, Arkansas native averaged 13.5 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

While we’re a long way from knowing what Arkansas’ 2017 class will look like, of Arkansas’ current front court players just one (grad student Willy Kouassi) is in his final season of eligibility. Moses Kingsley and Dustin Thomas (who’s currently suspended) are both juniors, although it should be noted that Thomas will have to sit out the 2015-16 season after transferring in from Colorado.

Trey Thompson is only a sophomore and Ted Kapita, who will be attending prep school for at least the first semester, could join the program midyear.