SEC recognizes Gafford for a second time
Big Red Recruiting Board, 2018
Updated Scholarship Distribution
Commitment Analysis: Andrew Parker
Arkansas freshman Daniel Gafford is in a group with some of the best in Razorback history after the SEC named him the conference’s Freshman of the Week on Monday.
Gafford joined former Hogs Bobby Portis and Patrick Beverley as the only Razorbacks to receive the honor multiple times. He earned the nomination by averaging 14.5 points and 10 rebounds in Arkansas’ week 11 matchups against Florida and Ole Miss. In a loss at Gainesville, Gafford put up his first career double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds). He proceeded to record an impressive stat line of 15 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and three steals (career high) in a home victory over the Rebels.
The El Dorado (Ark.) native is averaging 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds through 19 games in his freshman campaign. He leads the Razorbacks in field goal percentage at 62.5 percent.
Comparatively, Portis posted eerily similar numbers his freshman season (12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds). The former Razorback big man improved to 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds in his second year and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft.
Just like with Portis, the Razorbacks will likely have a difficult time convincing Gafford to stay beyond his sophomore year. That is, if he doesn’t leave after this season.
In its latest mock draft, Sports Illustrated projected the Milwaukee Bucks will select Gafford with the 21st pick in this year’s draft. ESPN has Gafford at No. 13 on its NBA Draft Big Board. Most pundits agree that he would benefit from another year in college, but if he’s a potential lottery pick, he’ll have a decision on his hands.
Tonight’s battle with Georgia should test the Razorback freshman as he’ll be matched up with the co-SEC Preseason Player of the Year, Yante Maten. Maten averages a league-best 19.6 points and 9.1 rebounds.
Arkansas looks for their first true road win of the season tonight in Athens. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 pm (CST) on SEC Network.