Razorbacks Get Second Crack at No. 2 Recruit

Anthony Black in Ron Holland's ear after release from letter of intent at Texas

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Apr 28, 2023 4:57 PM EDT

In this story:

FRISCO, Texas – It goes without saying that Arkansas coach Eric Musselman is doing a bit of shopping in Texas today.

Word began to trickle out yesterday that a huge name was about to end up in the transfer portal and this afternoon it was confirmed that huge name is none other than 5-star 2024 recruit Ron Holland.

A story posted here back in January envisioned this happening after the firing of Chris Beard at Texas with a hypothetical headline and then explained how.

BREAKING NEWS: Texas Longhorns star recruit Ron Holland announced today that he will seek his release from his letter of intent with the university and will sign with the Arkansas Razorbacks where he will join former Duncanville Panthers teammate Anthony Black. Holland was able to get out of his signing as a part of a rule that allows players to no longer be bound if the coach they signed with is fired or leaves.

Now, this isn't the exact way it's unfolding, but it appears Black is still technically part of the equation. Shortly after the announcement became official, the projected NBA lottery pick hit up Holland for an opportunity to share a little perspective and advice.

Whether the second tweet is directly linked to the first is not confirmed, but they came within a minute of one another, so there's not a huge leap to be had if they are. Back in October it was reported that Holland was down to three options: UCLA, Arkansas and Texas. However, it is believed that this came down to the Razorbacks and Longhorns in the end.

With so many players in limbo, it's hard to tell whether Musselman has room on his roster for Holland, but that has never been a deterrent for the Importer in Chief who is known for moving Heaven and Earth much lesser talent than Holland. The one unknown in this equation is going to be Beard, who is now coaching at Ole Miss. Holland's current relationship with the Rebels coach is an unknown at this time, as is his willingness to go to basketball purgatory in Oxford even if it is good.

The odds Arkansas gets another legitimate look are high. But, then again, this is the world of the NIL, so no one anywhere should feel certain about any player until he steps onto the court in personally declared full health.