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Arkansas Basketball: 2019-20 season review for the Razorbacks

By Curtis Wilkerson

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 15: Head coach Eric Musselman of the Arkansas Razorbacks tries to huddle his team during the second half of a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bud Walton Arena on February 15, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 78-77. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 15: Head coach Eric Musselman of the Arkansas Razorbacks tries to huddle his team during the second half of a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bud Walton Arena on February 15, 2020 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Bulldogs defeated the Razorbacks 78-77. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 15: Head coach Eric Musselman talks with Mason Jones #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – FEBRUARY 15: Head coach Eric Musselman talks with Mason Jones #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Key Players for the Razorbacks

6’5 Jr G Mason Jones (22 PPG | 5.5 RPG)

Mason Jones was expected to be a key contributor for Arkansas this season, but he wound up being arguably the most improved player in the country. Jones led the Razorbacks in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals. His 22 points per game led the SEC and was good for 8th overall in the country.

Jones scored over 30 points in 9 games, which is the most by an SEC player in the last 20 years. He led the NCAA in free throws attempted and made. The 4-time SEC Player of the Week was also named one of 5 finalists for the Jerry West Award, given to the top shooting guard in the nation.

Mason’s phenomenal season led to him being named a consensus 1st Team All-SEC performer, AP Co-SEC Player of the Year, and an AP Honorable Mention All-American.

6’5 So G Isaiah Joe (16.9 PPG | 94 3pt made)

Arkansas was 19-7 with Isaiah Joe and 1-5 without him and that tells you all you need to know about his importance to the team. A full year of a healthy Isaiah Joe most likely would have meant an NCAA Tournament berth for the Razorbacks, who struggled in his absence.

Joe is widely regarded as one of the most pure and lethal shooters in the country. Arkansas was a visibly different team when they had a healthy Isaiah spacing the floor with his deep range. Additionally, his length and athleticism made him one of the team’s top perimeter defenders. Known for his on-ball defense and charge taking ability, Isaiah Joe was a game-changer on both ends of the floor for the Razorbacks.

6’3 Sr G Jimmy Whitt Jr (14 PPG | 5.1 RPG)

Jimmy Whitt Jr was a revelation for Eric Musselman and quietly may have been the most underrated grad-transfer pick-up of the year. The long, unorthodox combo-guard was the straw that stirred the drink for Arkansas.

The mid-range marksman averaged 14 points per game while only taking one three-point attempt all season, which was a last second heave. He was huge on the glass for the undersized Hogs. Defensively, he proved to be one of the more versatile players in the league.

Whitt played nearly 40 minutes per game and defended all five positions. We saw him effectively defend everyone from Trayce Jackson-Davis to Anthony Edwards.

6’6 Sr F Adrio Bailey (6.3 PPG | 4.4 RPG)

Bailey was the ultimate role player for Arkansas this season. Not known for his scoring prowess, the athletic forward made a name for himself as a top defensive rim protector. He also brought an infectious energy and personality that made the Razorbacks flat-out fun to watch.

He made huge play after huge play on the defensive end and mixed in his moments as a scoring threat, reaching double figures in several games. Bailey, standing only 6’6″, finished 6th in the SEC in blocked shots.

6’1 So G Desi Sills (10.6 PPG)

Sills got off to a forgettable start from beyond the arc this season, but caught fire down the stretch and proved to be a very important outside shooting threat for Arkansas. Finding his shot made him even more of a threat as a fearless slasher who does not shy away from contact.

Desi embraced moving to a 6th man role down the final stretch of the season and provided a huge spark off the bench. His scoring punch and defensive intensity made him a fan favorite who embodies the Eric Musselman philosophy.

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