Examining the impact of Daniel Gafford

Examining the impact of Daniel Gafford

Daniel Gafford is arguably the most exciting freshman to watch in the SEC this season.

He has been integral in the Razorbacks’ 11-3 start and No. 22 national ranking.

Many draft boards have started to look at Gafford as a potential first round pick with his play and his measurables as well as his upside.

If he does indeed declare and keep his name in the draft in the spring, it will be disappointing for fans but it should also be solace that Arkansas can now recruit one-and-dones and point to Gafford as an example.

Let’s say he declares but doesn’t get the grade he wants and decides to stay. It’s almost a virtual lock that he will be a lottery pick in 2019. He’d basically be taking the Bobby Portis route.

Not only that, but Arkansas would make the NCAA Tournament next season for the third consecutive year for the first time since 2006-08.

Gafford, paired with the talented interior pieces they are bringing in with the 2018 crop, could make the 2018-19 Hogs one of, if not the SEC favorite.

By coming back, he could also vault his name into becoming one of the top 25 players in the history of the program. His freshman year will end up rivaling anybody that has ever put on the uniform.