"Brutal news","Just gives Cal an excuse": Fans have mixed reactions for John Calipari's Arkansas after Boogie Fland season-ending update
John Calipari and Arkansas will be without its second-best scorer, Boogie Fland, for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The guard sustained a hand injury during the Jan. 11 game against Florida after falling down and accidentally being stepped on by teammate Billy Richmond.
Fland, who averages 15.1 points, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals, had played against LSU and Missouri Tigers despite the injury. He averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 assists on less than 26% shooting in the stretch.
Fans reacted to the news in the comment section, citing the effect of Boogie Fland's absence on Arkansas' season.
"Brutal news. This season is pretty much over for the Razorbacks now.," a fan commented.
"Season really is over now. We may not win a conference game," another fan wrote.
"Maybe Fland was the issue Arkansas will become awesome. be a 3 seed," another fan commented.
A few fans commented on John Calipari's coaching with one pointing out that he could use this reason for any postseason struggles:
"Just gives Cal a excuse," another fan wrote.
"Over for that squad. Never thought the Calipari downfall would feel this sweet," a fan wrote.
"Arkansas will also miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to John Calipari," a fan commented.
Boogie Fland is part of the talented 2025 NBA draft class, with ESPN labeling him as a 26th pick in its latest mock draft. With this, the freshman can either stay with the Razorbacks or declare for the draft. His other option includes the transfer portal this summer.
Anonymous SEC coach criticizes John Calipari and his coaching staff
John Calipari began his first year in Fayetteville with an 11-2 run. However, the team's troubles have been exposed in SEC play as the Razorbacks have mounted a 0-5 record. An anonymous Southeastern Conference coach believes that despite talented players, Calipari's staff is unable to adapt.
"They have a ton of individual talent, but none of their pieces fit, none of them," the coach said to Jeff Goodman.
"I don't think Calipari and his staff can adapt. ... There's just no fear now when I see him on the other sideline. The game has changed and he is becoming archaic."
On the other hand, Kentucky Wildcats, the program Calipari abruptly left in 2024 summer, is 3-2 in the conference play and ranked 6th in the SEC.