Arkansas Juniors Building Their Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These players may not carry the national buzz yet, but their skill sets, production, and developmental upside make them valuable recruits for coaches seeking hidden gems. From versatile guards to interior anchors, each prospect brings skills that could translate well at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2673263"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6937a56cae767"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Golden is an offensive guard with a clear confidence in his shot. He's willing to fire in volume, and when he's in rhythm, he can stretch defenses with his outside scoring. His offensive mindset gives him a chance to put points on the board quickly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Developmental Focus<strong>:</strong> To maximize his impact, Golden will need to refine his ball-handling under pressure and grow as a creator for others. Adding playmaking instincts to complement his shooting will elevate him from a volume shooter into a more complete guard who can dictate pace and generate opportunities for teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2473516"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6937a56cae7de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Strickland is a lengthy, paced guard who brings a calm presence to the floor. He's a three-level scorer with the ability to knock down shots from deep, attack off the bounce, and finish inside. His willingness to rebound adds value beyond scoring, and his leadership qualities make him a steady floor general who elevates teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Developmental Focus: To continue unlocking new levels, Strickland will benefit from growing his understanding of post mismatches and learning to consistently exploit smaller defenders inside. Adding that dimension will round out his offensive arsenal and make him even more difficult to guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2392365"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6937a56cae82f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jennings is a solid, growing two-way guard who impacts the game with his scoring and rebounding effectiveness. He shows confidence attacking offensively and has the size to contribute on the glass. His versatility makes him a reliable presence on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Developmental Focus: Adding muscle will be key for Jennings to elevate his strength and defensive impact. With improved physicality, he can become a more consistent stopper against stronger guards and wings while continuing to expand his offensive game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2422995"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6937a56cae87c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Moore is a quick guard with a well-rounded offensive game. He shows confidence attacking off the dribble, finishing at the rim, and knocking down shots from the perimeter. His speed and offensive versatility make him a reliable backcourt option who can generate points in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Developmental Focus: To continue elevating his game, Moore will need to improve his ability to defend bigger guards and sharpen his mechanics and footwork. As those areas progress, his offensive skill set will become even more efficient, positioning him as a guard to track closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2480950"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6937a56cae8c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Raath fits best as a reliable spot-up threat who gets by defenders with one-dribble pull-ups when they close out hard. His shooting ability stretches the floor, and he complements that with a willingness to move the ball, keeping the offense flowing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Developmental Focus: To round out his game, Raath will need to grow as a rebounder from the guard spot and sharpen his transition playmaking. Adding those elements will elevate him from a floor-spacing guard into more of a backcourt presence who impacts multiple phases of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2315403"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6937a56cae912"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bell brings spark-plug energy to the floor, as a lefty shooter who thrives on catch-and-shoot looks. He spaces the floor effectively, knocking down shots when defenders lose track, and shows the ability to finish at the rim when attacking closeouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Developmental Focus: To elevate his impact, Bell could look to learn from attacking the rim more consistently and expanding his finishing package. Adding that dimension will balance his perimeter shooting with downhill pressure, making him a more complete scoring threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2404469"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6937a56cae95f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Griffin is a solid big man who fits naturally at the power forward spot. He can score inside with touch and strength, while also stepping out to face up and attack off the dribble. His willingness to battle around the rim provides steady rebounding presence around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Developmental Focus: Griffin will benefit from sharpening his back-to-the-basket footwork and embracing a more agile style of play. Adding those elements will round out his skill set and make him a tougher interior presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2397928"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6937a56cae9af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rhodes is an agile guard who thrives both on and off the ball. He can score from the perimeter with confidence, stretching defenses when left open, while also showing the ability to create offense through smart playmaking. His basketball IQ stands out in how he reads the floor and keeps teammates involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Developmental Focus: Continued growth in strength and consistency when attacking the lane will help him maximize his impact, especially when facing bigger, physical guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->