Looks like Boogie wants to dance.

Johnuel “Boogie” Fland, the Bronx native and former Archbishop Stepinac High School basketball star who played this men’s college basketball season with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, declared his eligibility for the 2025 NBA draft on Friday afternoon, via a post on his Instagram account.

“Thank you to all my fans and supporters. This year has been nothing short of unforgettable. Returning to the team from March Madness and competing alongside my brothers was an experience I’ll cherish forever.

“Much love to Razorback Nation, Coach Calipari, and the entire coaching staff, and every one of my teammates for believing in me. 

“To my family, especially my mom and dad: Thank you for all of the sacrifices you’ve made for me to be in this position. I couldn’t have done it without you.

“With that being said, I’m officially declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft.”

It’s a risky move for the former McDonald’s All-American. Fland was not a standout in his only season for Arkansas, and missed time due to injury. Arkansas defeated local favorite St. John’s in this season’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament, 75-66, but then fell short against Texas Tech, 85-83 to end their season. 

Fland averaged 13.5 points and 3.2 rebounds, with 5.1 assists and a 37.9% shooting percentage. The six-foot, 175-pound point guard will need to bulk up to be competitive and draw attention from professional teams.

“On behalf of all of us within the Stepinac Basketball program, we are excited for Boogie and what his future might hold. He understands he has to work extremely hard and knows we are all rooting for him,” said Stepinac Head Basketball Coach Patrick Massaroni, who coached Fland to multiple championships during his high school career.

The NBA draft starts June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Return to New York

During his first-ever game at Madison Square Garden in December 2024, Fland led the University of Arkansas Razorbacks with 20 points, seven assists, and one rebound as his college team downed the 14th-ranked Michigan Wolverines.

“It was nice. I had over 100 people here, so just for them to be able to see me play in person. Most of my career, they couldn’t see me, and especially this being my first time at the Garden, there’s not much more special than that,” the six-two, freshman point guard said after the game.

Fland’s journey from White Plains to MSG was more than just a Metro North ride. Initially committing to the University of Kentucky in October 2023 to join 2012 national championship winner Coach John Calipari, Fland’s relocation to Louisville was jeopardized when Calipari resigned in March, following his team’s early exit from the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament. Moving to the University of Arkansas, Calipari became the highest-paid coach in college basketball. Fland then indicated that he was re-opening his recruiting. He committed to Arkansas soon after.

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