The Recruiting Guy

National recruiting analyst believes Hogs' 2018 BB class similar to the glory days

NWA Democrat-Gazette/J.T. Wampler SPANISH LESSON: Arkansas men's basketball coach Mike Anderson runs practice July 25 in Fayetteville. The Razorbacks begin a four-game exhibition tour of Spain tonight.

ESPN national recruiting director Paul Biancardi believes Arkansas’ collection of commitments from the 16-under Arkansas Hawks for the 2018 class is comparable to what the Hogs have recruited in the past.

Junior forward Reggie Perry, 6-10, 225 pounds, of Thomasville, Ga., is ESPN’s No. 31 overall prospect for the 2018 class while junior forward Ethan Henderson, 6-9, 190, of Little Rock Parkview is the No. 60 prospect.

“Reggie Perry and Ethan Henderson can be as good as they want,” Biancardi said. “Those kids are as talented as can be. They have great length and great size for their positions.”

ESPN rates Fort Smith Northside junior guard Isaiah Joe, 6-2, 170, a 4-star prospect.

“The kid Joe can really shoot it,” Biancardi said. “They need that bad.”

Jonesboro junior guard Desi Sills, 6-1, 170, brings a lot of intangibles that’s needed with a class.

“He’s a winne;, he’s got toughness,” Biancardi said. “He brings everyone together. That’s what I like about him. That kid would play all day even if you shut the lights off.

“This group reminds you of a profile of what Nolan Richardson had in the past. A collection of great athletes with skill and kids that had major upside.”

Biancardi said Coach Mike Anderson landing forward Bobby Portis from Little Rock Hall set the Hogs up to lure the Hawks.

“I think that is when it all started,” he said. “They’ve done a great job of mining the local kids. Whether it's the kids for the Hawks or the [Team Portis] Wings.”

Success won’t be automatic once the 2018 class arrives in Fayetteville.

“The coaches have to groom and coach these guys now,” Biancardi said. “They don’t walk on campus and change it, but they walk on campus with hope to change it. You don't step on campus and change it; you have to step on campus and work to change it.”