Arkansas Basketball: Ranking Hogs 2019-20 non-conference opponents

Arkansas Basketball 2019-20 non-conference schedule finally looks to have come together.  Let’s preview the opponents and take a look at how the slate shakes out for new head coach Eric Musselman and the Razorbacks

It’s the dawn of a new era for Arkansas basketball as long-time head coach Mike Anderson is out and newly appointed “Head Hog” Eric Musselman is in after a successful stint at Nevada.  Musselman has invigorated a starved fan-base with aggressive recruiting, high-energy, and a refreshing social media presence.  There is a long line of fans from Bud Walton Arena wrapped all the way to Dickson St. looking for a spot on the “Muss Bus” as they gear up for what should be an exciting season.

Last year, Arkansas finished 18-16 (8-10 SEC) and advanced to the second round of the NIT before falling at Indiana.  While that did not meet the always lofty expectations in Fayetteville, it was a promising finish for what was one of the youngest and most inexperienced rosters in all of college basketball.

While undersized, the Razorbacks will boast one of the most dangerous back-courts in the SEC.  Returning are sharpshooting wings Isaiah Joe and Mason Jones, point-guard Jalen Harris, and a supporting class primed to take a big step forward in combo-guard Desi Sills and forward Reggie Chaney.  Add in grad-transfers in Jimmy Whitt Jr, Jeantal Cylla, and a possible eligibility waiver for 7’3 forward Connor Vanover and Arkansas has the look of a team capable of doing some damage in ’19-20.

While this season’s non-conference slate does not feature many top-end opponents, it will certainly be challenging to navigate.  There are three challenging true-road games that give solid opportunities for resume-building wins, the BIG12/SEC Challenge, and several contests against solid and dangerous mid/low major opponents.

Let’s go through all 13 of the non-conference games, ranking them based on difficulty and appeal.