Arkansas Basketball: 2019-20 season review for the Razorbacks
The most common phrase surrounding the Arkansas basketball program this season has been “Wait ’til next year”. There is plenty of reason for optimism in Fayetteville.
Who’s Out and Who’s Back?
Arkansas loses a pair of starters in Jimmy Whitt and Adrio Bailey and will also graduate reserve forward Jeantal Cylla. In addition to their senior defections, the Razorbacks recently announced that point guard Jalen Harris will enter the transfer portal.
Desi Sills, who averaged double-figures this season, is set to return in the back-court for Arkansas. The Razorbacks also expect back a pair of promising 6’8″ forwards in Reggie Chaney and Ethan Henderson, who each had big moments throughout the course of the year.
The Sit-out Squad
The Razorbacks will be looking for immediate contributions from a trio of sit-out transfers who practiced with the team in the 2019-20 season.
7’3″ Cal transfer Connor Vanover is expected to provide a big boost to the front-court. Known for his unique outside shooting ability as his size, Vanover will be a key floor spacer that will add some much-needed length around the rim on the defensive end. 6’9″ Stetson transfer Abayomi Iyiola will bring more size and rebounding ability to the front line.
High scoring combo-guard JD Notae (Jacksonville) should bring an offensive boost to the back-court. He has the ability to play on or off the ball and can create his own offense. The former A-Sun Freshman of the Year compiled just shy of 1000 points scored in just two seasons at Jacksonville.
The Fab-Four
Eric Musselman struck gold on the recruiting trail, landing a top-10 class in his first full year on the job at Arkansas. The Razorbacks will welcome four 4-star prospects who just so happen to be native Arkansans.
Davonte Davis and KK Robinson provide versatile play-making ability and defensive prowess to the point guard position. Moses Moody is regarded as one of the best three-point shooters in the 2020 class and bring good length on the wing. 6’10 Jaylin Williams is a volume rebounder that can bang inside and step out beyond the arc and knock down the jumper as well.
Looming Decisions
Arkansas fans are regularly refreshing their Twitter feeds awaiting word on their dynamic backcourt tandem of Isaiah Joe and Mason Jones, who are weighing whether or not to forego their remaining eligibility and enter the NBA Draft.
Personally, I consider it a coin-flip decision with both of them. It is highly likely that if Isaiah Joe declares, he will be drafted. However, time missed due to injury may have dropped his stock a tad and the uncertainty surrounding the combine and workouts limits his ability to eliminate questions. Does Joe bet on himself and try to capitalize on some guaranteed money now? Or, does he continue to expand his game on a better team in his junior year and boost his stock into a 1st round lock?
Mason Jones is another interesting case. The Co-SEC Player of the Year rarely finds his name on mock draft boards, and it is no given that he would be selected should he declare. With that said, after a tremendous season, it is fair to wonder if his stock right now is at its’ highest point. Mason Jones has always bet on himself and consistently proved doubters wrong. It will be fascinating to see if his heart leads him to professional opportunities or back to Fayetteville to lead the Razorbacks through his senior season.
Early Outlook for 2020-21
A once-storied program, Arkansas and their die-hard fan-base have been starved for success for quite some time. That success is largely defined as a return to the Sweet 16 or beyond, and that will be the goal for Musselman and the Hogs. Several “Way-too-Early” rankings have the Razorbacks included in their top-25.
With what is sure to return combined with an influx of talented transfers and freshmen, the Razorbacks have the look of a team that should finish in the top half of the SEC and return to the NCAA Tournament. Once you’re in, all bets are off.
Next. Final SEC power rankings for 2019-20. dark
However, should Mason Jones and Isaiah Joe return, the expectations change drastically in Fayetteville. That would have the look of a team capable of challenging atop the SEC standings and making a run into the second weekend of March Madness. Time will tell.