Signees get one more chance to play for state pride

Khalil Garland of Little Rock Parkview dunks during the All-Metro Classic on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, in Little Rock.

— Before Little Rock Parkview guard Khalil Garland and his fellow 2017 Arkansas basketball signees make it to Fayetteville, they have one more chance to play for state pride.

Garland (6-6, 190), El Dorado center Daniel Gafford (6-11, 223) and Little Rock Mills forward Darious Hall (6-7, 210) will play for the Arkansas squad in the Mike Conley Challenge.

That event will take place Saturday night, April 8 at Memphis University High School and pit the Arkansas stars - coached by former Razorback and NBA center Joe Kleine - against a team of Memphis prep standouts.

“The All-Star game is going to be something nice,” said Garland, who averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds this season. “You’ve got all the best players going against each other so it should be some great competition.”

Garland’s Parkview squad won a state title back in 2016, but Hall’s Mills team knocked them off 65-62 in the Class 5A final this season in Hot Springs.

Hall had 24 points and 13 rebounds in the championship game and was named the MVP.

“I felt good for Day Day (Hall),” Garland said after a practice Friday night at the Real Deal in the Rock. “Losing his dad was tough and he had to fight it not having a father in his life. I am glad he got him one.”

All three Arkansas signees are slated to report to campus in June and begin taking classes and working out with their new teammates.

“I think we are all going to be there by mid-June, get in summer school and start early,” Garland said. “It’s an exciting time for us.”


Garland was heartbroken when North Carolina rallied to beat Arkansas 72-65 in the NCAA Tournament round of 32 after the Razorbacks had a 65-60 lead with three minutes left.

“Arkansas had that game, but when refs get involved, it is going to be tough,” Garland said. “The future is in good hands with us three coming up.”

Garland is hoping that former Little Rock Parkview and current Arkansas guard Daryl Macon doesn’t forego his senior season in college.

“I have talked to Daryl a lot, but haven’t talked to him on whether he is going to stay or not,” Garland said. “I hope he stays so he can get that last run with me, Day Day and Daniel.”