Arkansas Razorbacks - A-
Arkansas made waves in the media world last year after they hired one of the best coaches in the sport, John Calipari, who formally was coaching at Kentucky. Coach Cal's first season with the Razorbacks would start off disappointingly slow as they would have a record of 12-8 through their first 20 games. Arkansas would end up getting on the right track as they went 10-5 through their next 15 before eventually losing to Texas Tech in the Sweet 16 and would finish the season with a 22-14 record.
One thing Coach Cal is known for is his ability to recruit. This offseason he has so far picked up 5 high school/international recruits and 2 transfer commits. Cal did most of his best work through the high school scene getting 2 5-stars, 1 4-star, 1 unranked, and 1 international player. The 5-stars being a 6-2 guard from Bradenton, Florida, Darius Acuff Jr., and a 6-3 guard from Atlanta, Georgia, Meleek Thomas. Cal will also be bringing in 4-star guard from Springdale, Arkansas, Isaiah Sealy, 1 international commit in Karim Rtail, a 6-9 forward from Lithuania, and 1 unranked commit in Paulo Semedo, a 7-1 center from Orlando, Florida.
Coach Cal cooled off a little bit this year in the transfer portal, only getting 2 commits. While only getting those 2 commits, both players are very solid and will likely have an important role next season with the Razorbacks. Those players being Malique Ewin, a 6-11 center coming over from FSU and Nick Pringle, a 6-10 center coming over from South Carolina.
The best news Arkansas fans received this offseason was the news of all the players that will be returning to Arkansas next year. The players that will be returning from last season are D.J. Wagner, Billy Richmond, Trevon Brazile, and Karter Knox.
With the players that are returning, a couple solid transfers, and one of the best recruiting classes in the country Cal will likely continue his success with Arkansas this season. Especially with a full offseason with these players under his belt. No matter what, Arkansas will likely be a threat in the tournament and a team you don't want to run into.