re: 2022-23 Basketball MegaThread

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4. ARKANSAS

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Injuries to Trevon Brazile and Nick Smith Jr. have completely changed the equation for Arkansas, but five-star guard Anthony Black has kept the Hogs afloat. Even against really tough defenses, Black continues to showcase how easily he can get into the lane and collapse the defense. Black is stuffing the stat sheet with 12.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists, and he’s shooting 57.5% on 2s. Opponents are shooting a measly 31.1% from the field when Black is the closest defender, according to Synergy. That’s one of the best marks of any freshman in the country.

When Smith has been on the floor, he’s been super productive. But a lingering knee injury is certainly very concerning. Fellow McDonald’s All-American freshman Jordan Walsh has become an integral part of the Arkansas rotation. Walsh’s struggles from 3-point range have been well-documented, but he plays with incredible energy and toughness. Walsh is averaging 7.7 points and 4.0 rebounds.

Joseph Pinion was an oft-forgotten piece of Arkansas’ prized recruiting class, but with the Hogs struggling to shoot the rock, Pinion has earned a much bigger role. Opposing teams continue to test him on the defensive end, but Pinion quickly proved he belongs on the floor. His role should only continue to grow as the season continues. Pinion moves without the basketball really well, and he opens up Arkansas’ driving lanes. His counting stats don’t jump off the stat sheet right now, but Pinion is transforming into a super valuable piece to the puzzle.

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SEC

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Real contenders

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Brandon Miller, Alabama: Miller has been phenomenal this season. The 6-foot-9 wing is just wired to score, and no one can stop him. When Alabama needs him to go off, he’s capable of flirting with 30+ points every single night. Miller is a legitimate National Player of the Year contender, and his numbers (19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 45% from 3) are insanely good.

Anthony Black, Arkansas: Black would be a Freshman of the Year frontrunner in a lot of conferences. But he’s got some work to do to catch up to Miller. That doesn’t take anything away from his brilliance in a harder-than-expected role. Arkansas has had to lean heavily on Black, and he’s responded in a big way. Black is averaging 12.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Black can get into the lane whenever he wants, and he’s been an impactful defender for Eric Musselman and Co.

Cason Wallace, Kentucky: No freshman is a better perimeter defender than Wallace. Kentucky’s 6-foot-4 guard is absolutely nasty on the ball, and he’s shooting it from 3-point range really well, too at 39.5%. Kentucky has had a rollercoaster season, but Wallace has been a breath of fresh air thanks to his toughness and all-out effort on both ends of the floor.

GG Jackson, South Carolina: Jackson ranks second among SEC freshmen at 15.9 points per game. Jackson is also ripping down 6.7 boards per game. South Carolina needs him to take a bunch of tough shots, and he’s certainly obliged which can be a double-edged sword. Jackson has proven he can be a big-time scorer and NBA executives will undoubtedly be salivating at the chance to draft a prospect like him. But the inefficient shooting nights can be killers against good teams.

Julian Phillips, Tennessee: The Vols have a ton of other guys who can score, but Phillips is not afraid to do the dirty work. He’s an elite offensive rebounder who has proven he can do really good things when the ball is in his hands. Phillips has come on strong as of late and is one of Tennessee’s best five players already. Phillips is averaging 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, but those numbers could spike.

Noah Clowney, Alabama: Clowney has to share the spotlight and the shots with a rotation that can go 10 deep, but when he’s out on the floor, the Alabama freshman is one of the most impactful two-way players in the country. Clowney’s rim protection and rebounding has been huge, and he’s showcased soft touch around the basket. Clowney is a stud.

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Must include them on the 'In the hunt' graphic for now:
Jordan Walsh, Arkansas: Walsh has struggled to knock down his 3s, but the 6-foot-7 wing is a nasty defender who can put a lot of pressure on opponents. He still has to grow in a lot of areas, but you can’t question how hard he will play every night.

Riley Kugel, Florida: Kugel continues to earn more run for a Florida squad that desperately needs more shooting. Kugel is shooting nearly 40% from downtown.

Jaden Bradley, Alabama: Bradley is learning how to find his way in a crowded backcourt. Sometimes, there aren’t a ton of shots for him to go get. But Bradley is defending well and getting into the lane constantly.

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Arkansas coach Eric Musselman is coaching with his hands tied behind his back without Smith and prized Missouri transfer Trevon Brazile. Smith, Arkansas' first-ever No. 1 recruit, is trying to return from a painful, lingering knee injury. All Brazile can do is change the color of his hair — it's pink right now for cancer research — after a season-ending knee injury robbed him of what looked like a breakout sophomore season.

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Jessica Alba @jessicaalba
Went to my first @RazorbackMBB game ?? this weekend #Razorbacks

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