MBB: Recruiting The 2021 Class

After bringing in a consensus Top 5 class in 2020, the pressure and expectations couldn’t be higher for Head Coach Eric Musselman. In order to take the next step as a program, Arkansas needs consistency in recruiting. In the 21^st century, Arkansas has had some great classes, but Musselman may be the first to do it consistently.

This staff casts an extremely wide net in recruiting process. By my count, they offered 42 players in the 2020 class, 39 in the 2021 class, and 29 in 2022. This offseason they even contacted 69 different transfers!

But what does all of that mean for 2021? Who will Arkansas ultimately end up with? I expect Arkansas to have 4-5 openings for 2021. Time will tell, but let’s dive in who is on the Arkansas radar!

Harrison Ingram – 6-7 SF 5-Star #15

Ingram has been a top priority for Arkansas for months and took an unofficial visit last year. He is a program changing type player. Ingram included Arkansas in his Top 10 with Baylor, Louisville, Memphis, Michigan, North Carolina, Purdue, Stanford, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. Experts believe that Purdue and Stanford are the current leaders.

Daimion Collins – 6-9 PF 5-Star #20

Collins attended the Red/White game at Barnhill Arena back in late October. Collins is extremely athletic and can do a bit of everything on the floor. He included Arkansas in his Top 10 with Alabama, Baylor, Houston, Kansas, LSU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma St., Texas, and Texas Tech. Oklahoma and Texas are the favorites as of now.

James White – 6-5 SG 4-Star #98

Arkansas offered White on June 30 then just 2 weeks later made his Top 12 with Alabama, Arizona St., Creighton, Florida, Florida St., Georgia, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, South Alabama, Texas A&M, and Xavier. White is plus shooter who should be lights out at the next level.

Mike James – 6-6 SF 4-Star #105

James released his top 8 this week that included Arkansas, Alabama, Cincinnati, Louisville, Oklahoma St., Texas A&M, USF, and Virginia Tech. He can step out shoot the 3 and likes to get out in transition.

K.J. Adams – 6-7 F 4-Star #73

Adams is a forward that can play inside or out. He handles the ball pretty well and can shoot from range when open. His Top 10 includes: Arkansas, Baylor, Georgetown, Iona, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, and UCF.

J.D. Davison – 6-3 PG 5-Star #12

Davison is a star! He will be elite wherever he ends up. Experts believe he is staying home in Alabama by going to Auburn or Alabama. The G League is a possibility here as well. Davison included Arkansas in his Top 10, but it really is a 2 team race.

Arthur Kaluma – 6-8 PF 4-Star #36

Kaluma displays good footwork and ability to finish through contact at the rim. Don’t sleep on his ability to take you off the bounce either! Kaluma’s Top 8 includes: Arkansas, Arizona St., Kansas, Oklahoma, Syracuse, Texas A&M, UNLV, and USC.

David Okwera – 6-11 CF

The hiring of David Patrick as Associate Head Coach has already reaped benefits for overseas recruiting. Okwera is from Australia and can do a little bit of everything. At 6-11, he handles the ball like a guard and looks to share it with his teammates. He has offers from Maryland, Mississippi St., Oregon St., Utah, and Wake Forest.

Trey Alexander – 6-4 SG 4-Star #41

Alexander was the first 2021 prospect that Eric Musselman offered since arriving on the Hill. The Arkansas staff has stayed persistent in recruiting Alexander. Oklahoma is the favorite right now.

Jalen Ricks – 6-6 SF 3-Star #201

Ricks had an underwhelming junior season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. He is a Arkansas native that moved to play at Oak Hill just like current Razorback K.K. Robinson. He played well in the Circuit League this summer. I expect Ricks to climb in the rankings in his senior season. As an Arkansas native, there’s a strong chance that he will end up on the Hill.