FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas had a trio of players on campus this weekend — two 2017 in-state prospects committed to sign with the Razorbacks in November, and a 2018 Texas prep standout they hope to convince to sign next year.
El Dorado center Daniel Gafford (6-11, 223 pounds) and Little Rock Mills small forward Darious Hall (6-7, 210) both took their official visits to Fayetteville this weekend.
Little Rock Parkview’s Khalil Garland (6-6, 190) — the third of Arkansas’ trio of four-star prospects and the No. 61 player nationally per ESPN.com — couldn’t join them because of a school obligation, but will take his official visit the weekend of the Arkansas-Florida football game in November.
Houston Cypress Falls four-star power forward DeShang “D.J.” Weaver (6-7, 200) was also on campus, as was 2019 Razorback point guard commit Justice Hill of Little Christian.
Weaver, who has many schools recruiting him, will play with the Arkansas Hawks’ AAU organization next spring and summer.
“This trip really helped Arkansas with me,” Weaver said. “It gave me a chance to meet with the players that would be here when I got on campus as well as visit with two of the ones that are getting here this next year. There is a lot of talent here and a lot coming.”
That obviously includes Gafford and Hall. Both are expected to sign during the Nov. 9-16 early signing period.
Gafford, ranked by ESPN.com at the 52nd-best player nationally, averaged 14 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks last season. He is one of eight Arkansans committed to play for the Razorbacks in the next three recruiting classes.
“It’s really exciting to see all the players that are going to come up here with me and the next few years,” Gafford said. “We are all excited about playing together, playing for our state and getting a (national championship) ring.”
He has been putting in time on his shot and his strength.
“One thing I have been working on — and think I have gotten a lot better at — is my shot,” Gafford said. “You can see it improving. My coach, Coach Simmons, told me I needed to work on my jumper and I did.
“I started taking more shots each day and now I am taking them in practice and they are going in. It’s like I suddenly got touched by the basketball gods or something.
“The other thing I have been working on is getting stronger and getting more physical in the post. I’m getting bigger. I was around 215 and now I am 223.
“I’m not sure what happened there either. I guess I ate something good.”
Hall, who averaged 12.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.8 steals last season, thoroughly enjoyed his visit as well.
“It looked good, I can’t wait to get here and this is a dream come true,” Hall said. “It’s a blessing that we have all these great players in Arkansas coming up there the next few years and they all want to come play for the Hogs.
“I feel like we started a trend and it’s going to be great with all of us being up here and trying to win it all back in the day.”