Guard Layden Blocker, the No. 28 ESPN 100 recruit for 2023, announced his commitment to Arkansas on Saturday, becoming the Razorbacks’ first commitment in the class.

Blocker visited the Fayetteville campus in early June, and Arkansas was considered the weekend favorite.

“They have a winning culture in basketball and other sports,” Blocker told ESPN. “Coach Muss was an NBA coach and he has an NBA style of play. He’s a cool guy off the court. He’s intense on the court. My goal is to play in the NBA.”

Blocker becomes the 12th ESPN 100 prospect to commit to Arkansas since Eric Musselman’s first full recruiting class of 2020. The Razorbacks signed six ESPN 100 prospects — including three five-stars — in the 2022 class, finishing with the No. 2 recruiting class in the country.

“When I attended their practices, it was intense with great energy,” Blocker said. “I liked the atmosphere. During my visit, they had a thorough analysis of my game and it was impressive.”

A 6-foot-2 point guard from Little Rock who plays at Sunrise Christian Academy (Kansas), Blocker is the No. 7 ESPN 100 point guard for 2023. In 13 games with Brad Beal Elite on the Nike EYBL Tour this spring, Blocker has averaged 16.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

He’s a quick playmaker who’s best on the open court, putting pressure on the defense off the dribble. The blocker has a great flurry in the transition and can finish on the edge or find the open man. He has a capable jumper from depth and is improving quickly with his ability to slow down and navigate ball screens. The blocker is also a solid defender of the ball and has tremendous lateral quickness.