“Mid” “First round exits per usual”: Fans left unimpressed by Arkansas’ star-studded roster
The Arkansas Razorbacks are entering their John Calipari era this season. Bleacher Report Hoops and NCAA March Madness collaborated on a post on Instagram that showcased the reloaded Razorback roster, and fans were quick to jump in the comments to voice their opinions.
"This is just Kentucky's roster from last year but less shooters" one fan commented.
"They ain on nun lol😂" another fan wrote.
"First round exits per usual" another commented.
A great many Hogs faithful were not impressed at the roster that coach Calipari has assembled in his first season at Arkansas. The comments kept on coming:
"Mid"
"This has first round exit written all over it 😭"
"Where’s the spacing gonna come from ??"
Coach Calipari at the Arkansas helm for the first time
John Calipari will coach the Razorbacks for the first time after moving on from Kentucky earlier this year. As one of college basketball's greatest-ever coaches, the move turned heads and immediately raised expectations of the Razorbacks.
Fans hope Calipari helps the team turn a corner after a below-par 2023-24 season (16-17) under former coach Eric Musselman.
This time, the team is full of potential and outright established stars.
Take star forward Trevon Brazile, for example. He started 23 games last season for the Razorbacks, averaging 8.6 points and 5.9 rebounds. Calipari also landed former Florida Atlantic star Johnell Davis, who was the 2023-24 AAC co-Player of the Year, and former Tennessee forward Jonas Aidoo, who is one of the best in the country at his position.
The Razorbacks also have plenty of young talent on their roster. 2024 four-star recruits Billy Richmond (wing), Karter Knox (forward), and Boogie Fland (guard) all followed Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas when he made the move.
Not to mention 7-foot-2 Zvonimir "Big Z" Ivisic, who played under Calipari at Kentucky last season.
Expectations aside, the Razorbacks have leveled up on the coaching front, and their roster is fairly stacked. That means fans might be in for a few pleasant surprises this season.
They'll get a first look at the roster in action when the Razorbacks take the court for the first time this season in an exhibition game against the No. 1 ranked Jayhawks on Oct. 25.