FAYETTEVILLE — The Real Deal on the Hill started Friday night with the Arkansas Hawks looking as if they are the real deal.

The Hawks took an easy 70-54 victory over Team Nashville Fire at Fayetteville High School with three Arkansas prospects — point guard Fred Gulley, power forward Clarence Trent and center Anthony Boden — leading the way.

Trent, 6-8, played for the Hawks last year but said this year’s version is much better with the addition of some players inside to help him.

“We’ve got more height this year,” said Trent, who is from Gig Harbor, Wash., and plays for Findlay College Prep in Henderson, Nev. “We had Michael [Sanchez ] for a couple of games last year, but then he committed to Arkansas and left. We lost a lot since it was only me and Andre Clark inside. This year, we’ve got four big men and we’re able to get in and go harder.” Trent had 14 rebounds against Nashville.

“Most of my rebounds were on the defensive end,” Trent said. “On offense, I can get rebounds to help my teammates get shots outside.” Trent said he’s considering any school that is showing interest in him and said Arkansas, Kansas, Florida, UNLV, Gonzaga and Colorado as some of his favorites.

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“I like how Arkansas gets up and down [the court ],” Trent said. “I like the way they move the ball unselfishly. I like how [John ] Pelphrey coaches. I talked to Andre Clark and he said he loves it even though Coach Pelphrey gets after you when you need it.” Gulley, 6-3, of Fayetteville, had 13 points Friday and ran the team from the point and is no stranger to good competition. He said he works out every summer with his cousin, Utah Jazz guard and former Arkansas Razorback Ronnie Brewer.

“In the summertime I try to go over to the University of Arkansas and scrimmage with some of the Razorbacks,” Gulley said. “I used to go to [Arkansas-Fort Smith ]. I just try to get out and play with the best competition.” Gulley said he’s looking at Arkansas, Missouri, Georgia Tech, Baylor, Virginia and several others.

“It seems like every day somebody new is recruiting me,” Gulley said. “I’m just going to look at my list after Real Deal and kind of narrow it down.” Gulley has always been close to Missouri Coach Mike Anderson and admits the Tigers are very much in the running for his services.

“I talked to Coach Anderson last night,” Gulley said. “He has a good program and is turning it around. They had a lot of trouble this year, but he’s trying to clear it out and get players he’s looking for. He wants me to come in and try to use me for recruiting and put the ball in my hands and see what we can do.” Gulley said regardless of where he decides to go, don’t expect it to be a long, drawn-out decision.

“I will make a decision in late June or July,” Gulley said. “I want to go through my high school season with all that behind me. I want to focus on my season next year.” Gulley said Arkansas is also high on his list and that there are some obvious advantages to playing for the Razorbacks.

“Arkansas is looking good,” Gulley said. “They’re right here in my own back yard. It’s a good opportunity. All my family and friends came here and [Brewer ] came here.”