Jaylen Barford (6'4/CG/2016) from Motlow State has committee to Arkansas. One of top players in 2016 JC class. http://t.co/RuVEH9RskE
— Brad Winton (@JucoRecruiting) September 23, 2015
Some good news for Mike Anderson and the Arkansas basketball program! The Razorbacks continue to add immediate backcourt help with the commitment of JUCO All-American Jaylen Barford from Motley State CC in Tennessee.
He's a 4* prospect on 247Sports and also had finalists of Arkansas, Missouri, Xavier, Memphis, and Ole Miss. Louisville has not officially offered but were interested enough that an official visit had been planned for the Cardinals this weekend. We don't know yet whether that visit will still take place. UPDATE: It is being reported that the Louisville visit will not happen.
Barford averaged 20.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game in his freshman season. He also shot 52.5% from the field, 32.7% from three, and 70.1% from the free throw line.
This is Arkansas' second commitment for the ultra-important Class of 2016 along with fellow JUCO All-American shooting guard Daryl Macon. Those two, along with Jimmy Whitt should create a pretty solid frontcourt for the Hogs in the near future. The Razorbacks still have several spots available for the class and are still after more frontcourt prospects.
Here's a scouting report from jucorecruiting.com:
Barford is a high-level combo guard who spennt most of his time at the 2 spot last season, but will most likely play more minutes at the PG spot this season. He can score it multiple ways, has a solid mid range game and gets to the rim. He is explosive around the rim and is dangerous in the open court as well as in half-court settings when he turns the corner. Barford has a quick first step and isn’t afraid of contact at the rim, which makes him tough to handle when coming off of ball screens. He is a good passer who uses his size to see the floor. He is physically ready to transition to the high major level and contribute immediately.