Watching Jaylen Barford play last season was a total treat.
Unless, of course, you were an opposing coach. Once Barford found his groove and role inside the Arkansas program, he flourished.
He was a package of energy on both ends of the floor as he asserted his 6-3, 202-pound presence inside of his game.
He mixes in his offensive presence with a strong rebounding mindset and then adds to it the ability to guard and take opponents out of their comfort zone.
Barford and fellow senior Daryl Macon complement each other well in the Arkansas backcourt as each has different dynamics in how they play the game while being able to set each other up in getting to the basket.
That excellent chemistry should be present once again this season in Fayetteville.
Inside the Numbers
Barford came on strong as the 2016-17 season unfolded.
He played a key role for the Razorbacks in averaging 12.8 points per game, which included 16.4 per game in the Hogs’ last 11 outings of the year.
His 3.8 rebounds per game were good for third on this team as, again, it showed off his energy and hustle on the defensive end of the floor.
His five 20-plus point games on the road also furthered his tough mentality and ability to play through rough moments in games.
Those aspects of his game will play a key role in his role as one of Arkansas’s top leaders this season.
What They’re Saying
“I learned from Moses and Manny and Dusty last year…and this time last year, I was just coming in and just trying to learn my role on the team.
And now, it’s just seeing what needs to be done and what Coach Anderson wants me to do”
– Jaylen Barford, on his leadership role this upcoming season
Ken Says….
Barford and Macon will combine as two solid leaders who will help integrate an excellent group of freshmen into the Razorbacks’ attack.
Barford’s penchant for setting up his teammates, 72 assists and 21 games with 2-plus assists, will offer a confidence boost for his teammates when he’s on the floor.
He has a motor and it runs throughout the game. He started 30 of 36 games last season as a newcomer, and he was the most noticeable player on the floor in many games.
There’s no doubt that Barford will immediately show potential to be able to take over any game in 2017-18.
And that should give the Razorbacks the opportunity to return to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.