"There are other times he’s stinky": John Calipari highlights Boogie Fland’s breakout performance and sky-high potential

John Calipari has a time and place on when to praise his players for solid performances. He also knows when it's the right time to be critical of their struggles.

He said as much following the Arkansas Razorbacks' 92-62 victory over Oakland on Monday. He geared his focus on Boogie Fland, who put up 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting as he's shown his ability to have great games but also have his struggles.

“There are times he’s really special, and then there are other times he’s stinky, but it’s his choice," Calipari said. "When he competes and plays at a high level, he’s good as anybody. When he goes and it’s the cool stuff, awful. But, it’s his choice.

“What (Fland) has done in practice has been an unbelievable change from where he was three weeks ago. When we had Camp Cal, he was good. He comes back from Christmas and was even better. And now it starts, you know, you play that way.”

John Calipari, Arkansas has updated ranking in AP Top 25

Arkansas' overall talent with John Calipari at the helm has elevated the team into the AP Top 25 conversation.

The Associated Press released its new poll on Monday, with the Razorbacks (11-2) maintaining their standing at the 23rd spot. Teams above them are Memphis and Illinois, while the ones below are Ole Miss and Baylor.

Arkansas, which is on a six-game winning streak, has one victory over a ranked opponent this season, happening against No. 14 Michigan on Dec. 10 in the Jimmy V Classic.

Adou Thierro and Boogie Fland are the lone players scoring in double-digits for the Razorbacks. Thierro leads the way with 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game on 62.1% shooting. For Fland, he is averaging 15.9 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.5 rpg and 1.8 spg on 44.6% shooting, including 40.3% from beyond the arc.

John Calipari and the Razorbacks have a big matchup on the way to begin 2025, visiting the No. 1 Tennessee Volunteers at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday.