SEC takes notice as Gafford leads Hogs to two big victories
2019 Preview: Offensive Linemen
Razorbacks sweep Bucknell in low-scoring finale, 3-1
Arkansas’ Daniel Gafford is now the only freshman in the conference to be named SEC Freshman of the Week three times this season as the SEC office honored him again Monday. Gafford joins Bobby Portis and Patrick Beverley as the only players in Razorback history to do this.
The 6-11 big played a major role in the Razorbacks’ victories over Ole Miss and No. 21 Texas A&M last week, averaging 18.5 points and 6.0 rebounds. In Oxford, he led the team with 19 points (on 6 of 7 shoot) and grabbed six boards. Saturday’s home win over A&M saw Gafford put up 18 points (7 of 8 shooting), six rebounds, two dimes, two blocks and a steal in a battle against two of the conference’s top bigs.
On the year, Gafford is averaging 11.7 points and 6.1 rebounds. He has accounted for 54 of Arkansas’ 97 dunks this season. The most dunks Arkansas has had under Mike Anderson is 100.
Sporting News’ latest mock draft has Gafford being selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 17th pick in this year’s NBA Draft. They believe his “length and athleticism translate at the rim on both ends of the floor.”
After the Texas A&M win, Joe Lunardi has Arkansas as a 10-seed in his most recent bracketology prediction. The Razorbacks take on the Kentucky Wildcats tomorrow in a Super Tuesday matchup on ESPN at 8:00 pm (CST).