NCAA Basketball: North Carolina, Gonzaga still sit atop updated top 25 ranking
By Joey Loose
10. Arkansas (2-0)
You’ll find few complaints from the Razorbacks after back-to-back appearances in the Elite Eight. Suffice to say, it’s been an impressive start for Eric Musselman at Arkansas, and he’s done marvelous work building talented rosters, both through young talent and by hitting the transfer portal. This year’s team has a bit of both, with transfers already putting up impressive numbers one week in.
The season began with a 76-58 home win over North Dakota State, an outing in which Ricky Council IV had 22 points and Trevon Brazile had 21 points and 12 rebounds. Both players made fantastic debuts for the Razorbacks, even if it was against a Summit League foe. Game two went just as smoothly, as Arkansas pulled away for a 74-48 win against Fordham. Council led all scorers again, this time with a 15-point, 7-assist performance in the victory.
There’s talent on this team, with some of these new faces making an immediate impact for the Razorbacks. The defense has been solid against inferior opponents, though the long-range shooting it still coming together, though it’s probably too early for major concern. The following weeks gives another mid-major test as South Dakota State comes to town, while anything less than a third-straight win to open the season would be a big disappointment.