The New Big Man On Campus

With a top-25 recruiting class for the 2017-18 season, Razorback Basketball is releasing a four-part series highlighting each of its incoming players. In the first installment, the series will tip-off with Daniel Gafford.

The El Dorado, Arkansas, native was not only the top ranked player in the state of Arkansas in the 2017 class, but one of the most highly recruited high school players in the country. The big man is ranked as high as the No. 8 power forward in the 2017 class by 247Sports.com and rated as a four-star prospect by every major recruiting service, including ESPN, 247Sports.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com and Future150.com.

In a system that preaches defense, Gafford’s skill set should allow him to flourish around the rim on the defensive end. The 6-11 forward tallied 11 double-digit block games during his senior year at El Dorado, all resulting in triple-double performances.

@Dan_G33 Congrats Daniel Gafford on being named the 2016-2017 Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year in Arkansas! #GatoradePOY pic.twitter.com/yYDzqMOAVc — Hudl (@Hudl) March 20, 2017

His ability to run the floor, even as a big man, is a major reason why Gafford was so highly recruited.

“He is a tremendous athlete that can score, block shots and has a big time motor to run the floor,” said coach Anderson. “Daniel is oozing with potential and his ability to score in multiple ways makes him a special talent down low.”

Big-time slam by Arkansas signee @Dan_G33 vs DeQueen tonight. pic.twitter.com/NyE71zhOIO — Richard Davenport (@ArRecruitingGuy) December 3, 2016

Another view of Daniel Gafford’s throw down. pic.twitter.com/Q5j84dDMFp — Richard Davenport (@ArRecruitingGuy) December 3, 2016

Often doubled or tripled teamed in high school, Gafford showed he could fight through contact and finish at the rim. Recording nine 20-point games during his senior year, including a 33 and 34-point performance, Gafford finished in double figures in 31 of the Wildcats’ 33 games.