Questions Every Prospect Must Answer

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this breakdown, we spotlight ten Arkansas prospects with the tools to rise. Each one brings a unique archetype to the floor, but all face the same challenge: proving they belong in the conversation. Here's what they need to answer to take that next step. Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on “X“ and “Instagram,” just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"<strong>QTNA</strong>" = Questions that need answers.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2947138' first='Carter' last='Garland'] </em>- Garland's stock can rise if he proves he can be a three-level scorer who doesn't need volume to impact the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he consistently create separation against length and athleticism? Is he efficient as a primary option or better off-ball? How does he defend at the point of attack?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2872510' first='Micah' last='Woodyard']</em> - Woodyard's growth hinges on showing he's more than a glue guy, that he's a winning piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he knock down open shots under pressure? Does his feel translate to pace control and late-game execution? Is he vocal and versatile defensively?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Hudson O'Neal</em> - If O'Neal proves he's a true interior presence with poise, his ranking has space to climb.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he handle himself vs frame and length? Is he skilled with touch or just strong? Does he elevate teammates?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2858724' first='Dexton' last='Howard'] </em>- Howard's stock grows if he shows he's more than fast and strong; he needs to show that he's smart and can control the offense with poise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he guard against length and pace? Is his jumper reliable enough to keep defenses honest? How does he impact in half-court play?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2767281' first='Connor' last='Stokes']</em> - Stokes becomes a riser if he adds a consistent deep shot and starts to make winning plays on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA:</strong> Can he guard multiple positions without fouling? Does he rebound out of area and start breaks? Is his offensive game catching up?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Quincy Perry Jr</em> - Perry's rise depends on proving he's a floor general who makes others better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he balance scoring with playmaking? Is he efficient against top defenders? Does he elevate in big moments or fade?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2767201' first='Mack' last='Mannion']</em> - Mannion climbs if he shows he's not just skilled as a shooter but tough and reliable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he defend in space and protect the rim? Is his shot consistent across roles? Does he rebound with physicality?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2936069' first='Brooks' last='Bolton']</em> - Bolton's stock rises if he proves he's a crafty facilitator who can fill a hybrid role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he create clean looks for others with inside-out play? Is his finesse and touch efficient around the rim? Does he compete defensively?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Elliot McLaughlin</em> - McLaughlin moves up if he shows he's a mobile forward with toughness and IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he shoot off movement and screens? Does he defend the wing to block with urgency? Can he rebound against size and strength?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2389960' first='Landon' last='Morton']</em> - Morton's rise depends on proving he's a matchup problem and versatile from the outside to the inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QTNA</strong>: Can he guard 3–5 and switch effectively? Is he a threat from mid or deep range? Does he bring energy every possession?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->