Louisville Basketball: Previewing 2020 Wade Houston Tipoff Classic
Little Rock
- 2019-20 record: 21-10 overall, 15-5 Sun Belt
- 2019-20 KenPom rating: 129
- 2020-21 KenPom rating: 132
- Schedule:
- Nov. 25 vs. UNC Greensboro
- Nov. 28 vs. Western Kentucky
- Nov. 30 vs. Prairie View A&M
- Dec. 3 vs. Duquesne
- Dec. 4 vs. Winthrop
- Schedule:
Little Rock has endured a rocky stretch since Chris Beard’s one and only season in 2015-16, but former NBA player and head coach Darrell Walker has done an incredible job rebuilding after inheriting a program that went 22-42 in two seasons under Wes Flanigan.
After finishing in a tie for last place and recording a 10-21 overall record in 2018-19, Walker turned things around immediately in his second season, going 21-10 overall and 15-5 in Sun Belt competition to claim the Sun Belt regular-season championship.
The Trojans have not enjoyed a victory over a high-major school since their double-overtime upset over Purdue in the 2016 NCAA Tournament, but Walker’s squad was competitive in those games this season, falling to Memphis by ten and NC State by 16 in back-to-back games. Additionally, Little Rock nearly pulled off an upset over East Tennessee State in late November, losing by four.
Little Rock might not have the pedigree or wins that Duquesne and UNC Greensboro have, but they do have the talent and heart to pull off wins against those teams. Leading the way is the point guard, Markquis Nowell. At 5-7, Nowell’s been able to overcome – and demolish – any obstacles pertaining to his height.
His stat-line last season is nothing short of impressive, and he is undeniably one of the best players in this field. Maintaining shooting clips of 43% (FGs), 39% (3PT), and 88% (FT), Nowell leads the team in scoring (17.2 ppg), assists (4.9, 136 for the season), and steals (62 on the year).
Nowell leads a trio of double-digit scorers returning for the Trojans who are all immensely talented. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Ruot Monyyong is a double-double machine, leading the Sun Belt at 16 after averaging 11.9 ppg and 9.8 rpg to go with 62 blocks. UNLV transfer Ben Coupet Jr. had a stand-out junior year for the Trojans, averaging 11.2 ppg on 45% shooting.
The Trojans will play in five games throughout the 10-day span, and they have an opportunity to pick up some signature wins over some premier mid-major programs. They should be the favorites again this year in the Sun Belt, and they will undoubtedly put some teams on notice. This is a fun and talented group, and it is difficult to root against a player like Nowell.