John Calipari reacts to Boogie Fland transfer: 'He knows I will always be here for him'

Arkansas coach John Calipari weighed in Tuesday after star point guard Boogie Fland entered the NCAA transfer portal. Fland has also entered his name in the 2025 NBA Draft and will go through the pre-draft process while maintaining the option to return to college.

Regardless, though, it appears he will not be back in Fayetteville. Calipari took to X to wish Fland well with his future and express his belief that the guard will flourish at the pro level.

“Been talking with Boogie the last few days,” the coach said. “I fully expect that he is going to be a first round draft pick. I’ve coached players with his talent and know how they are doing in the NBA, he has ‘IT’. He also knows I will always be here for him.”

Some draft experts project Fland as a late first-round pick, but he could potentially improve his stock at the NBA combine. If he doesn’t like the feedback he receives, he can also return to college and try to play his way up in the 2026 draft.

Fland started 18 of 21 games as a true freshman for the Razorbacks in 2024-25, but injuries cut into his season. Still, he managed to finish the year averaging 13.5 points, 5.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. He shot 34.0% from 3-point range on decent volume (106 attempts).

Fland battled back from a season-ending hand injury suffered in mid-January to help the Razorbacks (22-14) in the 2025 NCAA Tournament but struggled in his return. Fland averaged just four points, two rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals during Arkansas’ run to the Sweet 16.

Prior to enrolling at Arkansas, Boogie Fland was a four-star prospect, the No. 19 overall recruit and top-ranked point guard in the 2024 recruiting cycle out of Archbishop Stepinac (Harlam, NY), according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Fland was also a McDonald’s All-American last year and participated in the Nike Hoop Summit and the Jordan Brand Classic.

This past season was the first for Calipari at Arkansas after spending the previous 15 seasons at Kentucky. He has coached several NBA players during his career with both the Wildcats and at Memphis, including stars such as Derrick Rose and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Calipari believes Fland to be the next pro level talent and is happy for him even if the loss stings for the Razorbacks.

On3’s Thomas Goldkamp contributed to this report.