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Central Arkansas Lands Albanian-Canadian 7-Foot Phenom Arden Begaj

By Josh Millican, Founder of The Maple Minute


Photos featured in article via FIBA website


An exciting announcement brought to you by The Maple Minute, Canadian-Albanian basketball prodigy, Arden Begaj has revealed his commitment to Central Arkansas, sending shockwaves through the college hoops world. Standing tall at an impressive 7 feet, Begaj brings an extraordinary combination of size, skill, and versatility to the Bears' roster, and Head Coach Anthony Boone is undoubtedly thrilled to have this promising talent on board.


Central Arkansas is no stranger to basketball excellence, I mean they have Scottie Pippen on their alumni list. But Begaj's commitment signifies a significant addition that could change the game for the Bears. With the tallest player on their current roster measuring 6'9, Begaj's towering presence in the paint will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost. However, what sets Arden apart is that he's not your typical traditional center; he's a game-changer.


One of the most intriguing aspects of Begaj's game is his ability to stretch the floor with a jumper that features an almost otherworldly high release. This unique shooting touch not only adds a new dimension to Central Arkansas' offensive arsenal but also keeps defenders guessing as they struggle to contest his shots. Begaj's range extends well beyond the three-point line, making him a true threat from any spot on the court.




But Begaj is more than just a long-range shooter; he possesses the ball-handling skills to put it on the floor and maneuver to his preferred spots. This versatility allows him to be a connective piece within the team's offensive schemes or to take the reins as a focal point, depending on the situation. His ability to handle the ball as a big man is a game-changer and could create mismatches galore in the ASUN Conference.



When Arden had announced his commitment day, I immediately reached out to see why he chose Central Arkansas over the many other schools recruiting him? He had this to say:


"I chose Central Arkansas over other schools that had offered me because they fit my playstyle very well as they play 5-out basketball [offence] and have very versatile players. The coaches and players created a very friendly environment and they are very keen on development which were 3 things I looked for in a University and Central Arkansas checked all the boxes."

Arden Begaj's journey to Central Arkansas is rooted in his impressive performances on the international stage. Averaging 14.9 points per game, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in the FIBA U18 European Championship while representing Albania, Begaj showcased his mettle against top-tier competition, solidifying his status as a rising star in the basketball world.


For Head Coach Anthony Boone and the Central Arkansas Bears, securing the commitment of Arden Begaj is a transformative moment. This 7-foot sensation not only brings size to the paint but also the potential to revolutionize their style of play. College basketball fans, keep your eyes on Central Arkansas because the arrival of Arden Begaj could change the game and elevate the Bears to new heights. This is a signing that has everyone buzzing, and The Maple Minute will be here to cover every exhilarating moment of Arden's journey in the NCAA.


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