NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Baylor rolling, Ohio State tumbling

Arkansas split its two-game road trip to LSU and Ole Miss during this past week and it’s hard to be too upset with that. Even in a down year for the SEC, the league is still filled with plenty of talent and winning on the road will prove to be difficult. Arkansas, though, passed the eye test for me by falling to the Tigers by only two and then fighting hard for a four-point win over the Rebels after just two days of rest.

The Razorbacks, in my opinion, are one of the most fun teams to watch in the entire country as the squad has clearly bought into head coach Eric Musselman’s style.

For Arkansas, it all starts on the defensive end of the floor, particularly on the perimeter. The Razorbacks currently hold the No. 15 spot in adjusted defensive efficiency and that is largely due to the fact that the team ranks 16th in turnover rate forced and is surrendering just 22.6% shooting from 3-point range (best in the country). Their ability to harass ball-handlers and limit ball-movement is perhaps second-to-none in the nation. It really is impressive.

Then, on the offensive end, the Razorbacks look to push the pace a bit and will absolutely let it fly from three. Isaiah Joe is perhaps the most entertaining scorer in the entire country with his “in the gym” range and “greener than green” light from beyond the arc. He is averaging 18.2 points per game while shooting 36.2% from three on nearly 11 3PA per game.

Mason Jones, though, is also definitely worth mentioning. The junior guard is leading the team in points (19.4), rebounds (6.0), assists (3.3), and steals (1.9) per game as it is impossible to ignore his impact. Jones might not have the same quick trigger as Joe from three but he is still hitting 36.5% of over six 3PA per game.

If you haven’t watched Arkansas yet this season, do it. It’s fun.