quote:
One of Arkansas' main offseason objectives was adding more defensive studs to its frontcourt. Arizona State transfer Jalen Graham is just that. Graham was in the 92nd percentile defensively, per Synergy. He was very good in spot-up and post-up situations. Opponents shot just 26.2% against Graham in 71 spot-up opportunities. Graham is 6-foot-9 with a very long wingspan that he knows how to use effectively. Arkansas has length all over the place, but Graham's defense will stand out early and often.

quote:
RICKY COUNCIL IV, ARKANSAS

quote:
Ricky Council IV quickly became one of the most prized players out of the transfer portal because of his defensive instincts and measurables. Arkansas scooped up the Wichita State stud to add to its impressive display of perimeter defenders. Council was in the 87th percentile in overall defense last year, per Synergy. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard is so comfortable blowing up pick-and-rolls. When he got put on an island, Council put on a show. Opponents shot just 3-for-16 from the field in those situations. Council is super competitive and takes the challenge personally. It's really easy to see why Eric Musselman and the Arkansas coaching staff wanted him so badly.

2 ...

Report Post

Posted by Arksulli

Fayetteville

Member since Aug 2014

25261 posts

Posted on 7/19/22 at 11:54 am to RazorHawg

Defense wins championships as they say. I like making teams miserable when they have to try to score on us.

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by RazorHawg

Member since Aug 2013

24360 posts

Posted on 7/20/22 at 12:44 am to RazorHawg

LINK

quote:
1. NICK SMITH, ARKANSAS

quote:
From: North Little Rock (Ark.)

Mosley had an argument for the top spot, but ultimately Smith has a lot more upside. It is within the realm of possibility that Smith turns out to be too good for the college level and establishes himself as a contender to go No. 1 overall next season as an alternative to French phenom Victor Wembanyama.

At 6-foot-4, the nation's No. 1 recruit according to 247Sports' evaluators has the full package on offense and plays hard on defense too. Smith can play point guard if necessary and when off the ball will serve as a dynamic secondary creator. If Smith successfully adjusts to the physicality of the college game early on, then he could easily win the SEC Player of the Year award.

quote:
10. ANTHONY BLACK, ARKANSAS

quote:
From: Duncanville (Texas)

Spoiler alert: This list ended up being heavy on transfers. Black is an exception, as the 6-foot-7 point guard brings elite play-making skills that will make things easy for his teammates at Bud Walton Arena.

Arkansas likes to play fast, and Black is an ideal player to run the break and direct what should be an explosive offense even if he is not one of the team's leading scorers. It would not be a shock if Black leads the Hogs in assists and rebounds. Black could average fewer than 10 points per game and still push for All-SEC honors thanks to his all-around game.

quote:
HONORABLE MENTION

quote:
Trevon Brazile, Arkansas

An overlooked prospect coming out of high school, Brazile is the type of 3-point shooting and shot-blocking big man that every team wants.

quote:
Jordan Walsh, Arkansas

Arkansas has a lot of mouths to feed, but has the talent to play significant minutes for a potential top-five team.

LINK

quote:
4. ARKANSAS

quote:
Eric Musselman's best three wings are all similar but different, which is exactly what you need. 5-star guard Nick Smith Jr. is a scoring machine with ridiculous athleticism. Fellow McDonald's All-American Jordan Walsh looks like a rugged, versatile defender who can move his feet on the perimeter and also help add rim protection. Wichita State transfer Ricky Council IV is another nasty defender who will make your life hell. Arkansas also has great developmental pieces like Derrian Ford, Barry Dunning and Joseph Pinion. Yeah, the Hogs are loaded.

1 ...

Report Post

Arkansas Sports Board - Replies to Post

Return To Board

Page 1

Return To Board