Could Indiana Basketball target Johnuel "Boogie" Fland this cycle?
Fland is the latest in a group of Kentucky commits to request a release from their National Letter of Intent. The Hoosiers heavily recruited him before he committed to Kentucky.
By Dante Pryor
Attrition is a common part of coaching changes in the new landscape of the transfer portal and the one-time transfer rule. Kentucky basketball is currently experiencing heavy attrition on its current roster and with high school commits. Five current players from its roster have entered the portal, including guard DJ Wagner and center Aaron Bradshaw.
Kentucky has also lost four of its six high school commits this cycle. Jayden Quaintance, Somto Cyril, Billy Richmond, and Karter Knox are players in the 2024 class to reopen their recruitments. The most critical player to reopen their commitment is combo guard Johnuel "Boogie" Fland.
Fland, the 26th-rated player in the 2024 cycle, is the number two combo guard and third-rated player in the state of New York.
Could Indiana Basketball Aggressively Target Fland?
The short answer is yes. Mike Woodson wants depth to use an NBA-style rotation system. While Fland could be one-and-done if he has an outstanding freshman season, he would be a great young rotational piece in Woodson's system. In addition, Indiana needs shooters and his best asset is his ability to shoot the basketball.
Fland could follow John Calipari to Arkansas but if he doesn't, Indiana is a viable option. There was mutual interest before he signed with Kentucky. A lot of what happens with Fland depends on his relationship with the coach who signed him.