NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top 25 power rankings for 2023-24 season
9. team. 524. . . . Razorbacks
2021-22 season record: 22-14 (8-10 SEC)
Expected losses: Nick Smith, Anthony Black, Makhi Mitchell, Makhel Mitchell, Jalen Graham
It was a season of ups and downs truly for the Hogs, as they both finished under. 500 in SEC play but still ended up in the Sweet 16 for the third straight season under Coach Eric Musselman. A big part of the inconsistencies was due to the injuries, including to starting guard Nick Smith.
As expected, he’s off to the NBA Draft as a projected lottery pick. Although there’s a chance that his teammate Black could end up as a higher pick. A guy who will return is Trevon Brazile, who averaged 11.8 ppg and 6.0 rpg before suffering a season-ending injury. He’s the lone true frontcourt player expected to come back but will be joined by five-star freshman commit, Baye Fall.
Another freshman joining is top-30 perimeter prospect, Layden Blocker. He’ll join the backcourt rotation and replace Smith. There’s also Davonte Davis, the hero in the upset win over Kansas. He’s in the NBA Draft process but could come back. Ricky Council led the team in scoring with 16.1 ppg and likely comes back, while former five-star prospect Jordan Walsh isn’t a projected first-rounder and could easily be a breakout to watch next year as a sophomore.
Arkansas has a lot of interesting pieces and once again, look for them to go into the transfer portal once again for a few impact players as well. Depending on who they reel in, could be a top-5 caliber team for 2023-24.