Two games into the Arkansas basketball season of 2022-23 and the Razorbacks look a lot like the Hogs did this time last year.
Arkansas’ roster composition is almost completely different. One of the seve who logged minutes in Friday’s 74-48 win over Fordham were on the team last year. But the same goods and bads from November 2021 are showing again in November 2022.
The Razorbacks had tremendous spurts. They forced 20 first-half turnovers and went on a 23-4 run in the first half. They also led by just 11 at the break, anyway, thanks to poor shooting their own – compartively modest – issues taking care of the ball.
That’s what the early-season games are about, though. Arkansas needs to rat-hole wins against lesser opponents in November and December. The mediocrity of most of those opponents should allow the coach Eric Musselman to develop cohesion, chemistry and the semblance of a rotation when SEC play begins after Christmas.
Nov 11, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Fordham Rams guard Cantrell Charlton (24) drives to the basket as Arkansas Razorbacks guard Anthony Black (0) and forward Trevon Brazile (2) defend in the first half at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Even for most of the years since Nolan Richardson stopped coaching Arkansas, the Razorbacks have been a team that wants to be defensively aggressive. Friday may have been the Hogs’ best in that regard in a while.
Arkansas forced 30 turnovers, including 22 in the first half, leading to 30 points. The Rams’ errors keyed a 23-4 run for most of the back-end of the first half and an 11-point halftime lead.
Feb 26, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks commit Nick Smith Jr. is recognized along with Arkansas commit Jordan Walsh during a timeout in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The wait continued for the college basketball debut of Nick Smith Jr. The North Little Rock product was one of the top recruits in the nation is an expected lottery pick, potentially a No. 1 overall pick, in next spring’s NBA Draft.
Musselman had said earlier in the week Smith’s status was doubtful for the Fordham game as Smth continued to suffer the effects of a knee injury. He’s considered day-to-day.
Nov 11, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Trevon Brazile (2) shoots…
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