Gafford adjusting to extra attention

Most coaches hyperbolize to emphasize a point.

And my did Mike Anderson hyperbolize Monday night after Arkansas (1-1) defeated UC-Davis

(0-3), 81-58, at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville.

Sophomore center Daniel Gafford, of El Dorado, averaged six turnovers in the Razorbacks’ first two games. Gafford was a Preseason All-Southeastern Conference selection.

“That’s six in this game and six in the first game,” Anderson said, referencing a 73-71 loss to Texas

(3-0) on Nov. 9 at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

“So, people are going to keep coming at him. If he’s going to turn it over like that, then he’ll be sitting over with me.”

Of course, we know Gafford only sits during games if he needs a breather, has foul trouble or is injured, but Anderson’s point is well taken.

Gafford is by far the most recognized Razorback after Arkansas guards Jaylen Barford and Daryl Macon graduated from last year’s team. Barford and Macon led the team in scoring the past two seasons.

Defenses swarm Gafford when he has the ball, knowing he must be careful not to get into foul trouble. Defenders gamble on harassing him into bad passes as he looks for the unguarded teammates vacated for double teams.

“Daniel’s just got to be better with the double teams,” Anderson said. “I think they’re coming at him and he’s trying to split them. They banged him around pretty good tonight, but he’s going to get that all year long. So, he might as well get used to it.”

Gafford must also get used to picking his spots to bang back.

“He’s got to determine how they’re calling the game,” Anderson said. “He’s got to be strong with the ball. You’ve got to man up. That’s going to be my message to him. You’ve got the attention. You wanted it, you got it. So, now you’ve got to be to handle it.”

Gafford still needs to work on free throws, too. He shot 10-for-18,

56 percent, in the first two games, but did improve to make 6 of 9 against UC-Davis after making only

4 of 9 against Texas.

That said, there is not a collegian in the country for whom Anderson would swap with Gafford. The star sophomore turned down the one-and-done opportunity to declare for June’s NBA Draft.

Gafford can take over a game like his 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots against Texas. Or he can subtly support like the

12 points, four rebounds and two assists against UC-Davis.

Anderson said Gafford was instrumental on Monday in allowing other players to score on offense. Sophomore transfer guard Mason Jones led the Razorbacks with 21 points, junior forward Adrio Bailey scored 20 and freshman guard Isaiah Joe scored 14.

“They packed three guys around him,” Anderson said. “So, somebody is going to be the recipient.

“I think that’s why you see Mason having some wide open shots, and Isaiah, because there’s so much attention being paid to Daniel Gafford. So, what he’s doing is working. He’s just got to better with the double teams.”

Arkansas will be at home on Sunday to host Indiana (3-0) for the first time ever at Bud Walton Arena. The game will be broadcast on ESPN (Resort Channel 30).