IMG Academy guard Keyshawn Embery signs with Arkansas

Keyshawn Embery

Former Oklahoma prep star Keyshawn Embery (6-4, 187 pounds) signed his letter of intent with Arkansas on Wednesday, the first of six players expected to sign basketball letters with the Razorbacks on the first day of the fall signing period.

Embery averaged 26.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals last season while leading Midwest City to a 23-4 record and a state championship. The guard has since transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

“It felt great to get signed in the early period,” Embery said. “So many basketball players don’t get this chance so I feel very blessed. I am just going to continue to work because this is just the start of everything.”

Embery, ranked as the 175th-best player in the country in the 24/7 composite rankings, chose Arkansas over Texas A&M, Wichita State, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Arizona State, Houston and others.

“It was just the coaching staff at Arkansas,” Embery said. “The facilities are also great and it just felt like home while I was there on my visit. They talked about me playing a combo guard role and I’m very excited about being a Razorback."

Arkansas head basketball coach Mike Anderson commented on Embery after receiving his sign letter-of-intent.

“Keyshawn is one of the best players in Oklahoma and in the country and he certainly has a bright future here in Razorback land,” said Anderson. “He is a very instinctive player that can really score the basketball, pass and defend. His athletic ability and basketball IQ sets him apart. He is going up against some of the better teams in the country playing at IMG Academy and he comes to Arkansas as a proven winner. We look forward to having Keyshawn join the #Fastest40 family next year.”

Embery is rehabbing a stress reaction to a shin splint injury and expects to return to action in December.

“They just want to wait until it is fully healed," he said. "I have another X-ray in December.”

Other players expected to sign with Arkansas on Wednesday are: Arlington, Texas, Grace Prep forward Jordan Phillips (6-7, 210) at noon; Jonesboro guard Desi Sills (6-1, 170) at 1:45 p.m.; Little Rock Parkview power forward Ethan Henderson (6-9, 190) and Fort Smith Northside guard Isaiah Joe (6-4, 170) at 3 p.m.; and Henderson, Nev., power forward Reggie Chaney (6-8, 230) at some time this afternoon.