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

By Curtis Wilkerson

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images /
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WICHITA, KS – MARCH 15: Head coach Travis DeCuire of the Montana Grizzlies reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 15, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS – MARCH 15: Head coach Travis DeCuire of the Montana Grizzlies reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half of the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 15, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

13. South Dakota (Nov. 22)

2018-19: 13-17 (7-9 Summit)

Key Returners: Stanley Umude, Triston Simpson, Tyler Peterson

The Coyotes will make their first trip to Fayetteville in late November, and while they may not be the “sexiest” opponent on the non-conference schedule the game does offer some intrigue.  South Dakota head coach Todd Lee and Eric Musselman have a long relationship dating back all the way to their days coaching together in the CBA.  With several solid contributors returning, expect South Dakota to be improved from last season, but this should be a game for the Razorbacks to roll.

12. Valpo (Dec. 21 in Little Rock)

2018-19: 15-18 (7-11 MVC)

Key Returners: Javon Freeman-Liberty, Ryan Fazekas

Valpo will be a bit of an unknown and it is difficult to project what to expect from the Crusaders this season.  Valpo crumbled down the stretch in ’18-19, losing 12 of 16 and saw numerous contributors from last season defect via the transfer portal.  Coach Lottich has a solid foundation in Freeman-Liberty and Ryan Fazekas.  He is also excited about a trove of newcomers and a renewed energy around the program, but it is going to take time for the new pieces to gel together.  Keep in mind, this game will be played in Little Rock which has been tricky for the Hogs to navigate for some reason.

11. Texas Southern (Nov. 19)

2018-19: 24-14 (14-4 SWAC)

Key Returners: Eden Ewing, John Jones, Tyrik Armstrong

Former LSU coach Johnny Jones is running the show at Texas Southern and he is no stranger to the confines of Bud Walton Arena.  His squad has made a name for themselves in recent years by putting together one of the toughest non-conference schedules year in and year out, and this season will be no different.  The Tigers lost several key pieces, but return forward Eden Ewing who was granted a 6th year of eligibility and should receive a boost from Texas A&M grad transfer John Walker.

10. Montana (Nov. 16)

2018-19: 26-9 (16-4 Big Sky) L to Michigan in NCAA Tournament round of 64

Key Returners: Sayeed Pridgett, Kendal Manuel

When you hear the name Montana, you probably do not think basketball.  Maybe you should.  The Grizzlies are no stranger to the big stage.  They have won 26 games in each of the past two seasons and performed admirably against Michigan in the NCAA Tournament round of 64.  While Montana has lost some key pieces to those runs, they return an important pair of wings in Kendal Manuel and Sayeed Pridgett.  The Grizzlies burned up the nets from deep last year at a near 38% clip, and Arkansas will need to contain them on the perimeter to assure a win in this one.

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