FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas continued to push the comparison between former Razorback and current Chicago Bulls NBA player Bobby Portis to Razorback recruiting target Reggie Chaney on the prospect’s official visit this weekend.
Chaney (6-8, 230) of Henderson, NV., Findlay Prep, relishes being compared to a player who was the SEC’s Player of the Year for the 2014-2015 season.
“The Arkansas coaches took time to sit down with me and show film of Bobby Portis and how they think I bring some of the same things he does to the table both inside and outside,” Chaney said. “It was very informative for me and makes me even more interested in Arkansas.
“I also think they have great facilities with the arena and the practice facility. That is so big for players these days, having a place you can work on your craft at any time and put in the extra work that can make you better.”
Razorback head coach Mike Anderson has impressed Chaney.
“He is a great coach and somebody who wants to have a true relationship with you that is real,” Chaney said. “I am very impressed by how much he seems to really care about you as more than a basketball player.”
Arkansas was the first of four official visits scheduled for Chaney along with Texas A&M (Sept. 29-Oct. 1), Wichita State (Oct. 13-15) and TCU (Oct. 20-22).
He is also likely to take a fifth visit in there somewhere before the early signing period of Nov. 8-15.
“I am looking for a great school where you would have a relationship with the head coach that goes beyond the court,” Chaney said. “I also want to go to a place that I can have an impact right away. I want to play as a freshman and really help out the team.”
Chaney, who once lived in Tulsa and played his freshman and sophomore seasons for Frisco, Texas, Liberty, will be playing his second year at Findlay Prep after his team went 34-4 last season.
The Pilots added former Baptist Prep star Connor Vanover (7-3, 220) and Memphis East star T.J. Moss (6-5, 180) to their roster this season.
“I really feel like we have a great chance to win the national championship this season,” Chaney said. “I know there are some who don’t think we have a chance, but I know we do and I am really looking forward to getting the season started.”