Razorback Wrap-Up (Last Basketball Post, Thankfully)

Caption: The Big Nasty looks to add to his legacy in Arkansas as a coach.

I couldn’t make up my mind whether I wanted to write this blog or not, especially after last night’s failure. However, I feel better today, and it makes sense to write a wrap-up blog about the Arkansas basketball team now that the season is officially over.

(I intended to post this on Saturday; nevertheless, I didn’t get it finished in time and one of my many cousins came down to Arkadelphia for a visit.)

First, I’d like to start with a website I find amusing, and it’s actually relevant: http://firejohnpelphrey.com/

I guess it would be a stretch to think this is some sort of conspiracy by Pelphrey or Jeff Long to make a few extra bucks? I mean, with all the money the university is throwing at the football program, the basketball program has to keep up somehow, right? Of course, I am kidding, I think.

Anyway. I listen to a number of Arkansas sports shows daily and the hottest topic for the past month has been whether Pelphrey should be fired or not. I have mixed feelings about this, though. When I worked at the Daily Press, I wrote a column arguing that Stan Heath deserved another season. Why did I think that, you ask? Well, and this fact is even more evident now, Heath was an amazing recruiter. Coaching was another story—Heath struggled to turn nationally ranked recruiting classes into wins. Plus, he seemed devoid of any personality or passion. So I wasn’t overly upset when he was let go.

However, reality slapped Arkansas in the face when replacing Heath turned into a circus. Less than twenty-four hours after calling the Hogs and being hired as the new UA head coach, Dana Altman (approximately the Razorbacks’ sixth choice) changed his mind. The result was the hiring of John Pelphrey from South Alabama. To put that hiring into perspective, I interviewed Pelphrey when I worked for the Daily Press. Not to say I didn’t meet a few interesting people, such as Houston Nutt and Gene Stallings, but a coach that’s been interviewed by me probably isn’t the splash hire that Arkansas wanted.

With that said, Pelphrey is a nice change of pace from Heath—he displays plenty of passion, but he doesn’t seem to have a personality outside of those wicked scowls. Also, those scowls don’t seem produce any positive results from his players. Besides mentioning a few flaws, including his seeming weakness with X’s and O’s, I’m not going to speculate on his future. What I want to focus on are the graduating and returning players from this season.

Before I do a quick breakdown of graduating and returning players, I’d like to pass along one more note. Former Razorback Corliss Williamson was named the head coach at the University of Central Arkansas: http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/sports_article.asp?aID=120838.39409.132921&spID=5

Quick Player Breakdown:

Mike Washington, graduating: Thanks for a good three years, because your senior season was a waste. At least you showed up for the last game of the year, I guess. Sorry, needed to get that out. Washington was a huge disappointment this year, whether it was because of injury or apathy. I’ll take Marshawn Powell (more on him later) any day.

Stefan Welsh, graduating: Did you make some sort of pact with Washington? “Hey, Big Mike, if you don’t hustle, I won’t hustle.” Another wasted senior year, so I’m not going to waste my time talking about him.

The Golfer, graduating: I always forget this guy’s name. Something like Stephen King or Jeremy Cox or Phil Mickelson—oh, I don’t know. But when a former scholarship golfer earns a basketball scholarship as a walk-on, you know your program is struggling. Nothing against dudes that play golf.

Marcus Britt, Senior: Will be the only player with a full term of experience next season (see next two entries), but he isn’t an impact player. Yeah, he provides some height and athleticism to the guard position, but he isn’t a threat to score. He’s the type of player that needs to average around 8 points on junk baskets—back-cuts, offensive rebounds, and steals.

Jemal Farmer, Senior (junior college transfer): Had a great start to the season, scoring twenty-plus in his first game as a Razorback. SEC play was a different story: he seemed to have no confidence in his shot and he couldn’t get to the rim. I think he has a chance to contribute next season. He looks like he just needs another summer in the weight room and playing against better competition.

Delvon Johnson, Senior (junior college transfer): Probably the player with the lowest ceiling on the team. Not bad as a rotation player in the front court but will never make a difference. Sorry if that sounds too harsh. He’s just another body.

Courtney Fortson, Junior: Arkansas is obviously a better team when he plays—I won’t dispute that. But does he drive me crazy most of the time? Absolutely. He’s too unpredictable, which is strength at times. I question his maturity and desire to be a leader and not just the best player. In my opinion, he has to learn to be effective without dribbling so much, cut down on turnovers, improve his shooting, and stay out of trouble. I’m skeptical that he will improve in any of these areas, and the Hogs will just have live with the good and the bad.

Rotnei Clarke, Junior: Probably the purest shooter in the country, great range, and unbelievable heart; however, he isn’t a player that Arkansas can rely on to win the SEC. Look, I know people won’t like my opinion, but it’s the truth. I love Clarke as much as anyone—he gives all short white guys hope, but he can’t carry a team. He struggles to create his shot, he is a liability on defense, and he doesn’t make enough plays with the ball outside of scoring. He needs to find other ways to contribute besides shooting.

Michael Sanchez, Junior: (However, I think Arkansas is appealing to the NCAA for a medical hardship, which would make him a sophomore again): Frustrated me more than any player besides Courtney Fortson as freshman; he didn’t play enough this year for me to evaluate his growth; however, he continually struggled to finish around the rim and got pushed around in SEC play.

Jeff Peterson, Junior. A transfer from Iowa that sat out the entire season, Peterson will probably replace Julysses Nobles as the backup point guard and allow Fortson to play off the ball more, which is a look Pelphrey likes. I’m not sure another point guard will make the difference for the Hogs next season, though.

Marshawn Powell, Sophomore: Powell possess the most potential of any Razorback. Unlike Fortson, he seemingly has the character and attitude to be a leader. He has soft hands for a big man, finishes around the rim, and is able to step out and knock down a jumper. I just hope he isn’t forced to play out of position at center too often—he is clearly most effective as a forward.

Julysses Nobles, Sophomore: Played pretty well during the absence of Fortson. His play slipped as the season went on, even before Fortson returned, but I think he can be a solid backup option. He has super quick hands and shows some playmaking ability. He needs to improve his shooting and ability to finish around the rim.

Glenn Bryant, Sophomore: In an ideal situation, Bryant would not have had to play as a freshman. Unfortunately, he had to play immediately at Arkansas. He has plenty of athletic ability and raw skill, but he looks like a guy who may never reach his full potential or at least not until his junior or senior season. Players who rely solely on athletic ability are always a crapshoot. He needs to add some muscle in the offseason.