Isaiah Elohim: Three Thoughts on Arkansas' Latest Commitment

Eric Musselman got his man as four-star Isaiah Elohim committed to Arkansas on Thursday. Elohim is the second commitment of the 2024 recruiting cycle for the Razorbacks, joining four-star wing Jalen Shelley.

The two-man 2024 class comes on top of a two-man 2023 class that included the four-star duo of center Baye Fall and guard Layden Blocker. 

Let’s discuss what getting Isaiah Elohim means for Arkansas.

Who is Isaiah Elohim?

Isaiah Elohim is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Chatsworth (CA) Sierra Canyon. Elohim is the No. 35 player in the 2024 On3 150 and the No. 9 shooting guard in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. 

Along with Arkansas, Elohim took official visits to Kansas and Villanova. 

What does he bring to Arkansas?

Isaiah Elohim fits a player archetype that Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman has had a lot of success with. Elohim is a 6-foot-5 guard who can create scoring advantages off the bounce. When Musselman has had his best college teams, dating back to his days at Nevada, he has had a lineup filled with players who have positional size and can create their own shot off the bounce. 

Elohim battled through injuries this summer, but in his seven games on Nike’s EYBL Circuit, he averaged 9.8 points. Elohim is good in the mid-range and is at his best playing off two and three dribbles and getting into his pull-up jumper. He has a good base with a nice vertical lift and a soft and consistent release. 

Elohim has played a lot of games on the big stage. He has even traveled across the world with his high school program. He is used to the spotlight. His biggest thing will be staying healthy; as they say, sometimes the best ability in sports is availability. As he continues to grow in his game continues to get stronger, he will need to become more consistent shooting from three. He is fine attacking the basket and finishing through contact, and that is a piece of his game that should continue to grow as he gets into a college weight and conditioning program.

How does Elohim fit in the lineup?

Arkansas typically has a lot of turnover year over year. A look at their current roster makeup: the Razorbacks have seven seniors on their roster. There should be plenty of opportunities available for newcomers. 

Isaiah Elohim and Jalen Shelley should fit well, playing beside one another. Shelley has good length as a wing. He is more of a set shooter with good court vision and defensive versatility. Elohim is more wired to score. 

There is opportunity and fit, but everything will depend on who Arkansas brings in from the transfer portal. Musselman has shown that he is not afraid of creating competition, and the best man gets on the floor. With seven seniors and the possibility of Trevon Brazile heading to the NBA Draft, the roster will need to be rebuilt.