NCAA Basketball: Top 25 early winners from 2023 offseason moves
By Joey Loose
3. Arkansas
Eric Musselman has done a tremendous job of leading this Arkansas program since arriving back in 2019. The Razorbacks made the Sweet Sixteen after upsetting Kansas this past March and had been in the two previous Elite Eights. It’s not just that Musselman is a great coach but he’s been a dynamic recruiter, both through freshmen and transfers and he’s at it again this season, replacing much of last year’s talent.
On the recruiting trail, he nabbed point guard Layden Blocker and center Baye Fall, who both project as 5-star prospects. As expected, his work in the Transfer Portal has been even more legendary, landing Khalif Battle from Temple (17.9 ppg), Tramon Mark from Houston (10.1 ppg), Jeremiah Davenport from Cincinnati, and El Ellis of Louisville. The Razorbacks outstandingly rebuilt this roster and will still have Trevon Brazile, Davonte Davis, and a few other key pieces from last season.
The Razorbacks, unsurprisingly, are dripping with talent all over the court. Not only are they adding those two 5-star athletes but this group of transfers is among the most talented in the entire nation. Arkansas will be a Top 10 team again next season, especially if they can avoid the injuries that sunk them at times this past season. Musselman’s squad will compete near the very top of a talented SEC.