2008 Arkansas Razorbacks Hoops Preview

Arkansas coach John Pelphrey’s summer media sessions were punctuated with smiles and self-deprecating humor. It was either that or tears for the second-year Razorbacks coach, whose club lost six key seniors who racked up 70 percent of the team’s scoring and 63 percent of its rebounds and assists last season.

Pelphrey’s touting major playing time to his big pack of newcomers.

“What a wonderful opportunity for a first-year player,” Pelphrey says. “To have a chance to play and compete and gain as much valuable experience ... as they’re going to get in year one, that’s pretty unique and rare. You know what, it’s so unique I hope it never happens again.”

Only two returning Razorbacks averaged at least 13 minutes per game. That would have included Patrick Beverley before the 6'1" dynamo was dismissed from the team. Guard Stefan Welsh and lanky big man Michael Washington are the only other returnees with substantial playing time.

“We have to overachieve,” Pelphrey says. “If we do, it could be exciting for the whole state and one of the most memorable seasons of all time. If we don’t, with our non-conference schedule and the league we’re in, it could be very, very tough.”

Frontcourt

The only recognizable face among the big men belongs to the headband-wearing Washington, who was eighth on the team in average minutes (13.4) and fifth in rebounds (3.9). With four frontcourt players from last season no longer around, Washington will have plenty of opportunity to increase his productivity. He had occasional splashes, like a 16-point showing at Oklahoma, and proved to be an instinctive offensive rebounder. But he needs to play with more consistency and needs to add some muscle;  he shot only 41.3 percent from the field while being jostled in the paint. He also needs to improve his accuracy when he steps out deep after shooting 25.9 percent from the 3-point line.

Look for Michael Sanchez and Andre Clark to play significant roles. Sanchez redshirted last season; Clark enrolled at Arkansas in January and practiced with the team.

The Hogs could use the bulk of freshman Brandon Moore (6'9", 215), who will likely vie for minutes off the bench.

Backcourt

The makings of a quality guard rotation are lurking on the Razorback roster, particularly if rookie point guard Courtney Fortson can handle the playmaking and transfer Montrell McDonald can be a quality wing.

A former Mr. Basketball in Alabama, Fortson showed the ability to be a prolific scorer and creator, a capable rebounder and a pesky defender. He could be a starter from game one. McDonald gets the unenviable task of taking Sonny Weems’ spot on the wing. He has the frame to remind people of Weems, but only time will tell if he can run, jump and score like Weems.

Welsh will have to bump up his consistency and score more effectively inside the arc. He had a prolonged slump through SEC play before getting hot down the stretch.

The key here will be replacing Beverly, whose production a year ago was undeniable. Perhaps signee Rotnei Clarke can fill the void. Clarke was a scoring legend in Oklahoma prep annals who had more than 30 scholarship offers. He averaged more than 30 points per game for three years at Verdigris High, including 40.9 his senior season, a year in which he made 159 3-pointers.

Marcus Britt is a defensive spark plug who must improve on the other end.

Final Analysis

The SEC West is undergoing an upheaval, and a challenge by Arkansas is not out of the question. However, the Razorbacks will have to mesh well with Pelphrey’s preferred up-and-down style of play in quick order, and the locker room must gain more unity.

“It feels like we’re in our first year again,” Pelphrey says. “Last year, we had to teach on a daily basis. It’ll be the same thing again this year because we don’t have a lot of continuity right now. We may be looking at a two-year project here. We’ve got a tremendous amount to replace, but we’ve got a time frame to be able to do it in and be successful with this upcoming group.”