NCAA Basketball: Updated early top-25 rankings for 2021-22 after NBA Draft deadline

The Hogs had little suspense with the NBA Draft, as leading scorer and star freshman Moses Moody was a lock to stay in and leave NCAA Basketball. Seniors Jalen Tate and Justin Smith moved on, along with Desi Sills transferring out. Of course, anyone who knows the sport and this team knew that head coach Eric Musselman was going to reload through the transfer portal.

Among the key pickups were All-ACC point guard Chris Lykes and Stanley Umude, a 20 ppg scorer from South Dakota that was in the draft process but stopped to officially join Arkansas. SEC 6th Man of the Year JD Notae likely will be elevated into a starter and go-to guy, while versatile forward transfers Au’Diese Toney and Trey Wade should fit into the Razorbacks system on both ends.

There are some questions as to how 7’3 center will be used after being effectively benched in the postseason. Look for sophomore big man Jaylin Williams to have a bigger impact next season, along with guards Davonte Davis and KK Robinson. Top-50 forward Chance Moore should also get some minutes at the wing position as well.

This team still has some spots left and has reportedly been after a few of the top remaining transfers. Whether they land one or not, this core rotation Arkansas currently has should be good enough to compete near the top of the SEC in 2022.