Stepinac basketball star Boogie Fland didn’t rush into his decision last fall when he committed to play at the University of Kentucky. And he certainly wanted to weigh his options on choosing his next destination after the Wildcats’ recent coaching change.
On Thursday evening, Fland ended the suspense of where he’ll enroll this fall: He’s following coach John Calipari to Arkansas.
“The two-plus year relationship with Coach Cal was the leading factor,” Stepinac head coach Patrick Massaroni said. “The bond is not only (Fland) and Cal have formed – but Cal and with his family. They are entrusting Cal with the plan, just now at a new school.”
Fland, the New York State Class AAA Player of the Year, revealed he’ll stay loyal to the coach who ultimately earned his trust in the recruiting process the first time around. In the fall, Fland narrowed his choices to Kentucky, Indiana and Alabama.
Calipari, the legendary coach then at Kentucky, became a consistent visitor on the Stepinac campus and at Fland’s Bronx home. When Calipari abruptly resigned at Kentucky earlier this month and announced he’d take over at Arkansas, insiders believed Fland would eventually follow.
After a visiting to Fayetteville this week, Fland’s decision was made.
“There were lots of discussions, lots of calls and being able to get to the point to what he wanted,” Massaroni said. “Boogie was able to get to his circle and trustworthy group with Mom and Dad. It was stressful at time, but a good learning process.”
Fland finished off his Stepinac career as arguably the most accomplished player in school history. He led the Crusaders to their second straight CHSAA City Championship, earning All-State honors again and being named the LoHud Player of the Year for the second time.
Fland was released from the National Letter of Intent with the University of Kentucky following the departure of Calipari, which is permitted under NCAA rules.
Check back soon for more updates on this story, including comments from Fland.
