Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Sylvan Hills 6-foot-3 guard Archie Goodwin is considered one of the nation's top prospects for the Class of 2012 and has the scholarship offers to show for it.

Rivals.com rates Goodwin a 5-star recruit, and Arkansas Wings' Ron Crawford says Goodwin will be the state's most highly recruited player since Little Rock Central product and NBA All-Star Joe Johnson. Goodwin said he appreciates the accolades coming his way but admits he can't spend too much time thinking about it.

"It's good to have people complimenting me instead of being negative," Goodwin said, "but I don't pay too much attention to it."

Goodwin and his teammates played in the inaugural Arkansas Hoops Challenge on Saturday at Little Rock Hall's Cirks Arena. Class 6A Searcy defeated Class 5A Sylvan Hills 73-68 despite 36 points from Goodwin. Searcy's 6-foot-8 Jamal Jones scored 27 points in the win. Jones has signed with Ole Miss.

"This game was very important for us," Goodwin said. "We played out of our classification. It lets you know where you're at and what you need to improve on the most."

As far as the individual matchup with Jones, Goodwin felt it will be very beneficial to him as the season progresses.

"It was a good matchup with Jamal. He showed me he's a lot better than I thought he was," Goodwin said. "That is the first time I had ever seen him play. He shot the ball pretty good. That was a good challenge going against a guy who is much bigger than me. I didn't know he was that good, but he's very athletic and can jump. It was a good experience and I'm glad I was a part of it. I did alright going against a kid who is going to Ole Miss, but I could have done better. My goal is to get a lot better."

Goodwin has offers to such schools as Arkansas, Kentucky, Kansas and most of the other national powers. Despite that and the high recruiting ranking, Goodwin felt like playing in this event was good for him.

This showcase was very important for me [as far as exposure]," Goodwin said. "I got seen by a lot of coaches and I'm just letting them know I'm still working hard.

At this moment, I don't have a Top 3, Top 5 or anything, but I will after the season."

Goodwin was asked about being swarmed by reporters after his game and if the constant attention from the media is a distraction.

"I don't pay any attention to it [media attention]," Goodwin said. "I would rather have it than not have it. A lot of people don't get it. I'm just glad to answer questions for people."