Four-Star SF Jalen Shelley commits to Arkansas

Branson (Mo.) Link Academy four-star small forward Jalen Shelley has announced his commitment to Arkansas.

The 6-foot-8, 175-pound senior chose the Razorbacks over a top group of Colorado, Houston, Louisville, LSU, Marquette, Ohio State, and Texas A&M.

According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Shelley — a Frisco, Texas native — is the No. 50 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle. He’s also the No. 17 small forward prospect and the No. 3 player in the state of Missouri. The On3 Industry Ranking is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Shelley discusses his commitment

Jalen Shelley spoke to On3 about his decision to choose Arkansas.

“I chose Arkansas because I feel as if they were the best fit for my development and goals,” he said. “They have a great plan for me to help me maximize my potential and I can see myself being great in a Hog uniform.”

In his own words, what type of player is Arkansas getting in Jalen Shelley?

“I describe my game as versatile. I can play multiple positions and can do whatever is necessary to win.”

He has a message for the fanbase.

“Arkansas fans will get my best effort.”

Scouting Report

“The first thing you think of when watching Jalen Shelley is upside. He is a legit 6-foot-7, 6-foot-8 with long arms, wide-set shoulders, and he moves so fluidly. Shelley is a former wide receiver, and you can see that with the way he moves. Shelley has excellent explosion at the basket; he really shows off in transition. The left-hander has a repeatable release on his jump shot. The shot is a bit of a set shot, so you would like to see him develop off movement and off-the-bounce. He is a good straight-line driver to the basket and able to take up so much space with his long strides. Shelley has an upside on the defensive end, given his natural quick-twitch athleticism and long frame. He has given up football to focus fully on basketball. With continued game reps and consistent training, there is a lot of ceiling ready for this one to take.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw