It usually takes time to develop trust between a coach and an athlete during the recruiting process. In the case of Arkansas and combination guard Jalen Hudson, the seeds of a relationship were planted years ago.
Hudson’s father, Jerry and Razorback associate head coach Melvin Watkins were fraternity brothers while attending North Carolina- Charlotte and their friendship is serving the Hogs well.
“I plan to take an official visit,” Hudson said of Arkansas. “I have a very high interest in Arkansas.
Hudson, 6-5, 190 pounds of Akron, (Ohio) St. Vincent-St. Mary has approximately 25 scholarship offers, including Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth. His father thinks highly of Watkins.
“He just said he’s a very well rounded person and he knows a lot about him,” said Hudson, who also likes the Hogs’ style of play. “He thinks coach Watkins would have my best interest at heart, Actually, he doesn’t think it, he knows.”
Hudson, who averaged 16 points and about 6 rebounds and 5 assists a game in high school this past season, wants to play both guard spots in college. He said his size creates mismatches for the opposing point guard.
“There are a couple of the little 5-6, 5-7 guards that give us tall point guards problems,” Hudson said. “I’ve always been able to use my body and my quickness. At 6-5 I’m actually very quick. I tend to use that more so than my body when I’m playing against shorter guys."
"I definitely think it’s an advantage playing against shorter point guards because you can shoot over them and get to the rack. When they’re trying to press you you can see over them pass over them.”
He believes his skills are also suited for the two-guard position.
“So if one my teammates gets the ball off the board and they can take it,” Hudson said. “I can fill the wing and kick it ahead and get some action and maybe a quick bucket. Keep the game fast.”
Playing development is high on Hudson’s wish list when searching for the right school.
“I also want to go to a program where they develop individual players as well,” said Hudson, who has a 3.5 grade point average. “Because I have aspirations of playing at the next level after college whether it be overseas or NBA. Developing the individual as well as team because I like to win of course. I know a lot of coaches get a really good players and let their horses run but they don’t do a whole lot of coaching.”
Hudson said he plans to sign during the early signing period in November.