SW Christian senior forward Gabe Osabuohien commits to UA.

Southwest Christian Academy of Little Rock forward Gabe Osabuohien orally committed to Arkansas Razorbacks Coach Mike Anderson for the 2017 recruiting class Wednesday.

His pledge comes two days after Anderson announced freshman forward Brachen Hazen was transferring. The departure opened up a scholarship for Osabuohien.

Osabuohien, 6-8, 219 pounds, of Toronto had scholarship offers from Murray State, East Tennessee State, the University of Chicago, North Carolina-Charlotte and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock while drawing interest from Missouri, Iowa State, Tennessee-Martin and others.

“Gabe is a very active, instinctive player,” Southwest Christian Academy Coach Charles Baker said. “He defends as well as any high school player I’ve been around. He handles the ball real well for someone his size. He’s very athletic. He can seriously impact a game without taking a bunch of shots. That’s his best attribute.”

The Hogs started recruiting Osabuohien in September, but it appeared he was going elsewhere until Hazen left the program. The Razorbacks and Baker started communicating Tuesday, and Anderson and associate head coach Melvin Watkins extended the scholarship offer Wednesday.

He averaged about 11 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for a Lions team that had three other Division I signees. Southwest Christian Academy defeated Mount Mission of Virginia 54-44 to win the National Association of Christian Athletes championship Feb. 24.

Osabuohien said he was thrilled about being a Hog.

“I’m real happy to be a Razorback,” Osabuohien said. “I feel comfortable in the system, and Coach Anderson and Watkins have spent a whole year recruiting me. I love the style of play, and I feel like I can really fit in.”