Arkansas may already have its first win of the 2018-19 season.
Forward Daniel Gafford, a projected first-round NBA draft pick, is expected to return to school for his sophomore season rather than turn pro, according to a report from Scout’s Evan Daniels.
Arkansas freshman Daniel Gafford is expected to return to school for his sophomore season, per sources. Gafford averaged 11.8 PPG & 6.2 RPG this past season.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) March 26, 2018
The 6-foot-11 Arkansas native averaged 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game during his rookie campaign in Fayetteville. He shot 60.5 percent from the field.
His return his a major boon for coach Mike Anderson as it was widely expected that Gafford would be spending just one year in school before bouncing to the NBA. This June’s draft, however, looks to be especially strong in big men with Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III and Michael Porter, Jr. leading the way. Next year could potentially be a weaker crop of bigs, which could move Gafford up draft boards dramatically should he have a strong sophomore season.
The Razorbacks went 23-12 last season and lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Butler.