Arkansas Freshman Guard Johnuel “Boogie” Fland to Miss Remainder of 2024–25 Season Due to Thumb Injury
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Razorbacks received devastating news on Monday as freshman guard Johnuel “Boogie” Fland announced he will miss the rest of the 2024–25 basketball season due to a significant thumb injury. The injury, which he sustained in a game against Florida on January 11, required surgery, sidelining one of the Razorbacks’ most promising young talents.
Injury and Surgery
Fland suffered the injury to his right thumb during the SEC matchup against the Florida Gators. Despite initial attempts to continue playing, further evaluation revealed that the damage was severe enough to require surgery to repair the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL). The surgery was successful, but Arkansas’ medical staff confirmed that he would not return to action this season.
“This is tough news for Boogie and our team,” Arkansas head coach John Calipari said. “He’s an incredibly talented young man with a bright future, and while we hate to lose him for the season, his long-term health is our priority. We’ll support him every step of the way in his recovery.”
Impact on Arkansas’ Season
Before his injury, Fland had been one of the most exciting freshmen in the country, averaging 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. His dynamic ability to create offense, combined with his defensive intensity, made him a key player for the Razorbacks.
His absence comes at a difficult time for Arkansas, which has struggled to find consistency this season. The team is currently 12–8 overall and just 1–6 in SEC play. Without Fland, Coach Calipari will need other players to step up, including transfers D.J. Wagner and Johnell Davis. Wagner, who followed Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas, has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to be more consistent, while Davis, a senior guard from Florida Atlantic, will be expected to take on a larger role.
“We have guys who are ready to step up,” Calipari said. “It’s never easy losing a player like Boogie, but we’re going to keep pushing forward and competing every game.”
Boogie Fland’s Journey and Future
Fland was a highly touted recruit coming out of Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York. He was a McDonald’s All-American and won the prestigious Mr. New York Basketball award in 2024. Originally committed to Kentucky, Fland changed his decision to join Arkansas when Calipari made the move from Lexington to Fayetteville.
Despite the setback, Fland remains optimistic about his future. In a statement, he thanked fans for their support and promised to come back stronger next season.
“This is just a minor setback for a major comeback,” Fland said. “I appreciate all the love and prayers. I’ll be working hard to get back and help this team in the future.”
For now, the Razorbacks must adapt and find a way to push forward without their star freshman as they continue SEC play.