Anderson pleased with new signing class

By Otis Kirk

Special to the News-Times

Arkansas announced the signing of four prospects on Wednesday, which is the first day of the early signing period that lasts until Nov. 15.

It has been confirmed that five have signed with only Findlay Prep (Nev.) 3-star power forward Reggie Chaney missing at this point.

Chaney is expected to sign today as well. Arkansas also hadn't confirmed the signing of Little Rock Parkview four-star power forward Ethan Henderson though he was confirmed signed by Hawgs247.

Anderson did comment on Jonesboro three-star guard Desi Sills, Fort Smith Northside three-star guard Isaiah Joe, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star point guard Keyshawn Embery and Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep Academy three-star shooting guard Jordan Phillips. Sills, Joe and Henderson all played for the Arkansas Hawks 17-and-under team.

“Desi is a tough, competitive combo guard that has worked his way into being one of the best players not only in our state, but the entire nation,” said Anderson.

“He can really defend, is a good passer and gets after it on the boards for his size. He’s a gym rat and plays with an edge. He brings a winning culture with him after leading his team to a perfect 32-0 record and a state championship last season. His competitive demeanor is contagious and we couldn’t be happier to have this young man join our family.

“Isaiah has a tremendous basketball IQ. When it’s all said and done, he will have a chance to be a special player for us. He can really handle the basketball, has unlimited range shooting the ball, good vision and is sneaky athletic.

“He makes an impact on both ends of the floor and comes from a winning culture that captured the state championship last season. We look forward to having Isaiah join our program and we are excited to add another Arkansas native to the #Fastest40 family.”

Joe helped lead Northside to a state title during his junior year, averaging 18.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. He was named to the 2017 All-State and All-Tournament teams.

In his junior season at Jonesboro High School, Sills averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, two assists and two steals per game, leading the Hurricane to a 2017 6A Arkansas State Championship.

Jonesboro defeated the El Dorado Wildcats and Sills’ future Razorback teammate Daniel Gafford in the state championship game.

Sills was named to the 2017 All-State team, after leading the Golden Hurricane to a perfect 32-0 record.

Embery is now at IMG Academy after previously playing at Midwest City (Okla.) where he was rated the top recruit in Oklahoma.

During his junior year at Midwest City High School, Embery averaged 26.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals, helping Midwest go 23-4.

“Keyshawn is one of the best players in Oklahoma and in the country and he certainly has a bright future here in Razorback land,” said Anderson.

“He is a very instinctive player that can really score the basketball, pass and defend. His athletic ability and basketball IQ sets him apart.

“He is going up against some of the better teams in the country playing at IMG Academy and he comes to Arkansas as a proven winner. We look forward to having Keyshawn join the #Fastest40 family next year.”

During his junior year, Phillips played at Cedar Hill (Texas) High School where he averaged 21 points and six rebounds per game.

Phillips led the Longhorns to a 29-5 overall record last season, finishing 12th in the state of Texas. He's another one that Anderson is pleased to have signed.

“I love Jordan’s versatility,” said Anderson. “He is long, athletic, has a college body and can guard multiple positions on the floor. He is a gifted scorer that can really rebound and pass well. He will be great in our up-tempo style of basketball and our fans will really enjoy watching him play and develop. Jordan comes from a great family and we look forward to having him in a Razorback jersey next year.”

Arkansas has six seniors on this year's team. They will open the season on Friday at 7 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena against Samford.

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