Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball

The mood surrounding Arkansas basketball for most of the season resembles that of the Grinch or Ebenezer Scrooge for most Razorback fans. In the case of each of those principal characters, something good happened to turn their rotten dispositions around and make them very happy in the end.

Razorback players gave Arkansas fans an early Christmas present this week that they hope will have a similar effect on the Razorback Nation's outlook on the basketball program.

So far this season, the Hogs had given fans very little to cheer for and because of that, Razorback fans were prepared for Missouri State, and what most believed to be another loss dropping the Hogs to 6-6.

Instead, the young Razorback squad had their best performance of the season in front of the “best” crowd of the year at Bud Walton Arena—estimated just below 11,000.

The Razorbacks battled the Bears in a physical game that had fans involved from the opening tip. Elbows were thrown, and hard fouls were made.

Arkansas took a two-point halftime lead, and opened the second half extremely well. The Hogs extended the lead to as much as 11 points in the second half.

However, Missouri State surged back and made a last second bucket to force the game into overtime. At this moment, the Grinches and Scrooges of the Razorback Nation were hard at work talking down the Hogs.

In the final portion of the second half and the overtime period, Rotnei Clarke stole the show—scoring the final 12 points for the Hogs. Clarke’s clutch shooting gave the Razorbacks the win and moved them to 7-5 and extended the Hogs winning streak to five games.

To the shock of Grinches and Scrooges everywhere in the Razorback Nation, their frowns began to turn to smiles, and they felt the tiny pumping of their excited heart beat for the first time this season.

Heading into the Christmas break, this gives the Hogs a boost in confidence and an early Christmas present to all the Hog fans out there.

The Hogs will not be able to savor this one long, because right after Christmas break the Hogs will face off with Baylor, UAB, and No. 2 Texas. Each of these teams will play the Hogs just as physical or more so than Missouri State did Tuesday night.

In the win, the Hogs got a huge boost from freshman forward Glenn Bryant. Bryant was a rebounding machine, and made some highlight blocks for the Razorbacks. His energy seemed contagious throughout the team and with the fans. It was his best performance of the season even if he only scored five points.

Bryant was thrust into the game with Michael Washington in foul trouble, and then again late in the game Bryant was relied on when Washington fouled out. Following the game Bryant said that this was an early Christmas present.

The Hogs got contributions from all of their players in this win. Freshman point guard Julysses Nobles was the only player that played not to score a bucket for the Hogs Tuesday night.

While the Hogs showed heart and determination that should win them more games if they continue that way, they also showed some sloppy play evidence of the youthful makeup of this team and what has plagued them all season.

Turnovers were a huge problem, and the reason the Hogs did not put Missouri State away when they had the chance after building their 11 point second half lead.

Three-point shooting was also off Tuesday night for both teams, but when the Hogs needed it late, Clarke was able to come up in the clutch and win the game.

However, the Hogs did not let their miscues keep them from winning this game. The Hogs huddled up just before Clarke made the game winning three-point basket, and all pounded their chests as they broke the huddle to run their play. This emotion and desire is what is going to win Razorback fans back, and get Bud Walton Arena rocking again.

Coach John Pelphrey was visibly pumped following the game—as were the players and fans—as they celebrated a great overtime win over a previously undefeated team (one of only eight that remained prior to Tuesday night in Div. I).

Pelphrey wants fans to remain optimistic with the Hogs on this five-game winning streak, but also to understand that the Hogs have a long way to go.

The Hogs performance was by far their best of the season, which resulted in their best win of the season. The crowd was the "best" of the season, and played a large role in the energy in Bud Walton Arena.

This win is the best early Christmas present any Razorback fan or member of the program could ask for, and hopefully is a sign that the Hogs best is yet to come.

For more updates on the Arkansas Razorbacks, follow Blake and the Bleacher Report College Basketball page on twitter.

Image Courtesy of ArkansasRazorbacks.com

The Arkansas Razorback basketball team has stumbled out of the gates to a 6-5 start to the 2009-2010 season, and it is only going to get tougher as the Hogs continue their season.

The Hogs have been a roller coaster emotion ride for Razorback fans for the past decade, and as the first decade to the new millennium approaches its end, it appears things will get worse before they get better for the Hogs.

The Razorbacks are currently riding a four-game winning streak, but the wins have come narrowly and against competition far below the level they will begin to face the rest of the season.

Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey knows better than anyone that the Arkansas basketball team has a tough road ahead. Their early season struggles are mostly due to lack of depth and experience because of suspensions and injuries, but the Razorbacks have also shown to be inconsistent in all aspects of the game.

The losses have piled up, and Arkansas fans have begun to not come out to the games. The current attendance numbers are record lows, and for many, it seems winning is the only thing that matters.

Starting with Missouri State (10-0), who is one of only eight teams still undefeated in Division I basketball, the Hogs schedule is about to get brutal.

The Bears upset the Hogs last season at the opening of their new arena, as many Hog fans may remember. They will be one of the best—if not the best—team the Hogs have faced so far this season, according to Pelphrey.

Yes, better than Louisville and Oklahoma. The Bears already have an SEC win under their belt this season when they beat Auburn in their season opener easily.

Following Missouri State the Hogs face: Baylor (9-1), UAB (10-1), and No. 2 Texas (10-0).

That is a combined 39-2 record for the next four opponents, and then the Hogs dive right into SEC West play when they face off against Mississippi State (9-2).

The time is now for the Hogs to make that move to the next level in their play.

The mentioned injuries and suspensions have passed, with the exception of Courtney Fortson who is indefinitely suspended and Michael Sanchez who continues to struggle with plantar fasciitis in both feet.

The players who were missing to start the season (Stefan Welsh, Marcus Britt) have had some games to get back on their feet, and the newcomers have been a good surprise. The most notable newcomers have been Marshawn Powell and Jamel Farmer.

The team chemistry seems to be coming along, although it has not been evident to many observers at their games. The Hogs have had one thing or another it seems happening to them that has caused this chemistry to be very difficult to build over the last year.

Aside from the issues that this team has dealt with off the court, the team has to work on a large laundry list of things on the court if they want to keep from sinking as this season begins to get more challenging. For now, lets take a look at three areas that have to improve for the Hogs to be competitive this season.

First on that list is the fact that they have to improve on their defense. Improvement has been made and is a large part to their four-game winning streak. However, during that time they have shown that they are inconsistent with their intensity and have the tendency to let up. The Hogs rank near the bottom of the SEC in defense.

The let ups have caused the Hogs to have games come down to the wire against inferior opponents. The Hogs need to play tough-nosed defense for 40 minutes or their upcoming opponents will run them off the court.

Second, the Hogs must get into a better offensive rhythm. There are far too many times where two or more players are standing still on the offensive end waiting for someone to just shoot it or drive to the hole.

Some of this has to do with the large group of newcomers being thrust into starting roles, but the Hogs cannot afford excuses anymore.

More movement and better passing is essential. The teams they are preparing to face are far more talented defensively than those they have been facing to start this season. If the Hogs are not executing their offense and just standing around, they will not get anything going and will be run out of the gym.

The next area the Hogs must continue to improve is in their rebounding and hustle.

So far this season the Razorbacks have only outrebounded their opponents in a few games. More specifically the Hogs have been getting hammered by opponents on the offensive boards.

The fact is the Hogs will be out-talented by every team they face here on out. In order for them to get things going and be successful they must out-hustle and be more determined to win than their opposition.

If they can do that, they can make some of these games good games. So far this season the Hogs have not been able to do that even against their lesser competition, but they cannot afford to be the less emotionally driven and charged team anymore this season.

If the Hogs get traction in each of these areas, they can be competitive this season. That does not mean wins will pile up, and no Arkansas fans should expect that this season. It will be a long season and that is known.

However, if the Hogs show heart and determination every game for 40 minutes, they will win some games, but most importantly they can win back the Razorback fans.

For more updates on the Arkansas Razorbacks, follow Blake and the Bleacher Report College Basketball page on twitter.

It has been quite some time since basketball was the primary focus of Arkansas Razorback fans.

It seems like many Hog fans have forgotten the Jack Crowe and Danny Ford years of Razorback football and how the Arkansas basketball team carried the pride of the state for so long.

Bud Walton Arena stands as a testament to that very fact and the NCAA and conference success is evident by the banners hanging from the rafters.

Arkansas basketball has not been a reason for Hog fans to get up and "call those Hogs!" over the past decade or so, but Hog fans need to take notice of some good things going on for the Hogs basketball program. The tables have turned and Hog fans seem to only dive into the football news currently because the basketball team seems to be a black eye to many right now.

For that very reason, here is a short list of some positive things going on with the basketball program that seem to get lost in the cracks these days—including what many believe to be the newest mistake by the Hogs.

Recruiting

 

One of the most positive things going for the Hogs right now is on the recruiting trail and that goes for both 2010 and 2011 classes.

The most recent positive news is how the Hogs stand with the No. 1-rated JUCO player in the nation, Ricardo Ratliffe. Ratliffe lists the Hogs as his favorite with high interest according to Scout.com

Ricardo is listed at 6’9”, 220 lbs. and a four-star power forward recruit rated as the top JUCO player in the nation by many sources. He is one of the top scorers in JUCO basketball and is a perfect fit for the Razorbacks' up-tempo style of play.

He will be an anchor to the Arkansas 2010 recruiting class if he chooses the Hogs and join Mardracus Wade, Rickey Scott, and Marvell Waithe.

Ratliffe has offers from top programs across the nation, including Florida, Michigan State, and Kentucky just to name a few. John Pelphrey has worked his tail off to build a great relationship with Ricardo.

Pelphrey has also done the same for the 2011 class. Arkansas has nothing but five-star and top four-star players offered and interested in the program.

The three in-state players in Ky Madden, Aaron Ross (already committed), and Hunter Mickelson, all rank in the top 65 of the 2011 class nationally. It appears the Hogs have a very good chance of landing this trio, as well as a handful of other top national players, highlighted by five-star recruit Adonis Thomas of Memphis Melrose.

Grades

 

The next positive going on for the Hogs is the way they are performing in the classroom and this may come as a big surprise to many that have only heard how the Hogs have struggled in the classroom or are serving suspensions.

According to Coach Pelphrey, in his press conference this past week, the Hogs are exceeding expectations in the classroom as a group and doing some great things. Given that this has been one of the more negative areas surrounding the Hogs over the last year, this is a really big boost in confidence for many fans.

The annual progress report from the NCAA comes out soon and while the Hogs may be below the standard again, it is possible that if the Hogs have shown great improvement and stayed on the plan with the NCAA to get things on the up-and-up, there will be no scholarship loss.

Pelphrey has worked tirelessly over his time at Arkansas to show discipline and to get players to do right or show them the door. Many of this has garnered coach criticism, but in some eyes (including mine), he should be applauded for as the Arkansas coach. It is this area that was in shambles when he arrived on campus and why Dana Altman bolted after a short pit stop.

Pelphrey has not backed away from the challenge and while it has appeared he has had a revolving door to many observers, it has been quite the opposite.

The Razorbacks are on the right track. The 2009 season may or may not show it in the win column, but in the area of getting players right in school and off the court, Pelphrey has worked harder than or just as hard as any coach in the country.

Winning

The Hogs are on their first win streak of the season and it appears that win streak could reach four or five games.

Much of this has to do with the Hogs getting some players back from suspension, with the only exception being Courtney Fortson. Fortson is practicing and could be back as soon as the end of the week. Pelphrey has made it clear that when Court is back, he will be on the court.

It is always nice to get wins regardless of whom they are against. The Hogs look to be in for a very long season and the winning is likely to be spotty, but improvement will be seen over the season.

Hog fans need to turn out to the games and show the program support. If they do not, then not only will the team continue to suffer, but it could also hurt the great recruiting that has been taking place for both the basketball and football teams.

The Razorbacks will be a force in 2010 and on, so Hog fans just need to get on board now, ride out the good with the bad, and help the ship get back on track. Bud Walton Arena stands in its place as a testament to how great of fans the Razorback basketball fans are, and with it sitting nearly empty on game days with stretched estimated crowds of 6,000 and 7,000, it is a poor reflection on not just the current team.

Secondary Violation

Before I get into the positive, let me first say that I am very disappointed in a few Arkansas media sources and members in particular for what appeared to be them trying to dig this story up and get the Hogs in more trouble.

The editor of the magazine Celebrate Arkansas, in her released statement, lashed out at these sources and said this was a small mistake and that these sources who first broke the story (her competition) were fabricating this story.

These originating sources of the story have since said they report the news and she promotes it ,and that they are not competition, which sounds like they are saying her magazine has no editorial quality.

Maybe they do not understand that their websites and papers are full of more advertisements than editorial copy. A profitable news source is predominately 60/40 in advertising to content. Sounds like someone thinks they are on a high horse, but doesn't know their company all that well.

By now, those of you who follow the Hogs, know that the basketball team reported a secondary violation to the NCAA and SEC early this week for a misuse of players in this NW Arkansas magazine photo shoot.

Apparently, the players were modeling clothing along with Coach Pelphrey and did a Q&A in what was the featured story. The mistake was that Celebrate Arkansas then put in the story where to get the clothes. This is where the secondary violation occurred.

It does appear to me that many of the media sources in Arkansas at this time seem to like to break the negative stories over the positives. Maybe the editor of the magazine is being paranoid that her "competition" is trying to hurt her magazine's image, or maybe they were. But this was a small mistake and nothing to spend two days worth of featured stories writing about it like it was the next big strike against Arkansas basketball.

Anyway, where this is a positive is that the Hogs have gone from making big mistakes and very negative ones to this. This is just an honest itsy-bitsy mistake. The university released a statement yesterday that this will not affect player eligibility and that they see this as a closed matter now that they have self-reported.

In a world of Lane Kiffins and major violations, this is about as cream-puff as they come. The Hog's issues over the past years for some, make this just another in a line that upsets them, but it should not.

In looking into it, I found other SEC teams that appeared in similar shoots over the years, and I did not look very hard (just try Google). I am sure they either self-reported or did not have a local media source try to get a scoop on the next big story against their program, imagine that.

While these are a few of the most recent positive things going on for the ball Hawgs, there has been a list of others since the season began, most notably the solid play of the newcomers in the absence of all the suspended or injured returning starters.

Pelphrey and the Hogs hope that while fans have had plenty of negatives to talk about over the past year, Hog fans will start to take notice of many of the other positives going on with the program. Fans need to come out to the games and not solely rely on the football team for their pride in Arkansas athletics.

The Razorback basketball team and Bud Walton Arena are awaiting the real Razorback fans to stand up and "Call those Hogs!"

Continue to visit the Arkansas Razorback Basketball team page at Bleacher Report for news and updates.

Also check out these related stories:

Razorbacks Win Streak

Arkansas 2011 Recruiting Class

And More at Blake's Article Archive

The Arkansas Razorbacks have had an extremely rough start to their season. They currently sit at 4-5 overall and hold the worst record in the SEC.

The Hogs snapped a four-game losing streak on Dec. 5 with a win over Mississippi Valley State and followed that with a win over Delaware State on Dec. 7.

The back-to-back wins were the first consecutive wins for the Hogs this season, and the Hogs hope to make a little winning streak out of their remaining non-conference games.

The Razorbacks next play Alabama State after their finals break on Dec. 16 and should be able to get back to .500 with a win. The Hogs then play two more small schools in Stephen F. Austin and Missouri Valley State. Both SFA and MVS are talented teams and could give the Hogs all they can handle.

If the Razorbacks can find a way to win those three games, they will be sitting at 7-5 overall heading into their final three non-conference games of the year. The final three non-conference games will truly show if the Hogs have been able to learn and develop from their rough 2009-2010 season start or if they will continue to stumble.

Those three games are against Baylor, UAB, and Texas. All three of these teams are playing extremely well this season, and Texas currently ranks second in the nation.

Texas will have motivation this year when they roll into Fayetteville to beat up on the Hogs. Last season the Razorbacks upset the Longhorns when the 'Horns were top-ranked and an early favorite to reach the Final Four.

This season Texas appears to be one of the top teams in the nation once again, with their eyes set on making a NCAA Tournament run. The Hogs will need to be on a roll and full of confidence if they hope for a miracle upset of the Longhorns two years in a row.

Arkansas coach John Pelphrey has had to work against tremendous odds during the early part of this season. The Hogs have had to play with a makeshift lineup but are close to being full strength for the first time all year. Early season suspensions for off-the-court incidents and player injuries have hobbled the Hogs all season so far.

The only scholarship player yet to make his return from suspension is last year's starting point guard, Courtney Fortson. Fortson had a great freshman season last year for Arkansas and was believed to be a key piece in the Hogs making improvements this season. His absence thrust current freshman Julysses Nobles into the starting point guard role.

Other newcomers playing large roles are Marshawn Powell and Jemal Farmer. Both Powell and Farmer have led the Hogs in scoring and rebounding and carried the Hogs on nights when scoring and production were not coming from anywhere else. When you take them and Nobles all together, the Hogs do have three newcomers that are playing extremely well for the struggling Hogs.

The Hogs were all set to return all five starters from a year ago and hoped to make strides from a disappointing 2008-2009 season. However, the suspensions and injuries have left the Hogs with only Michael Washington and Rotnei Clarke consistently playing so far from the returning starting five.

Stefan Welsh is back playing and working his way back into more playing time, and he could eventually make starts again for the Hogs after serving his suspension. Michael Sanchez has returned and is playing sparingly while he continues to struggle with his foot troubles.

Fortson is back practicing, but as mentioned he has yet to lace them up for a game. His suspension is indefinite, but it appears he will play this season.

The Hogs' attendance is down to record lows. Bud Walton Arena is a 20,000-person capacity facility, but the announced attendance has been under 7,000 nearly every home game. For the Hogs to get fans back in the seats, they need to get this win streak going.

The final three non-conference games and SEC play will be far tougher than the stretch of games the Hogs have played so far this season. However, the odds the Hogs have been up against being shorthanded could prove to be a learning experience. If the Hogs make a turnaround and a miraculous run in SEC play, it will come as an amazement to nearly all observers.

Right now the only choice the Hogs have is to keep on fighting and try to grow and accomplish more. If the Hogs find a way to win more, they could make this a successful season and a memorable one.

Everyone loves a comeback story, but most importantly, everyone loves a winner.

Notes

This week for Arkansas basketball was no better than the last week, as the Hogs continued their losing streak which is now at four games. All four games were non-conference games and three of them were against mid-major teams, seen as inferior by Razorback fans. The latest was a 20-point defeat to the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman.

However, the Hogs next four games should all be wins, as they face off against Mississippi Valley State, Delaware State, Alabama State, and Stephen F. Austin. This stretch begins Saturday when the Hogs host Mississippi Valley State at Bud Walton Arena.

Also, the Razorbacks saw the return of Michael Sanchez, Stefan Welsh, and Marcus Britt to the hardwood, but lost All-SEC player Michael Washington to a back injury.

Courtney Fortson is back in practice, but will not play this weekend.

The Razorbacks currently rank last in the SEC power rankings  and have the worst overall record in the SEC.

In somewhat related news, it appears that Stan Heath has got himself into trouble down at South Florida. The program is under investigation and a player just failed a drug test for the second time.

More on all of these topics in the below quotes and links sections.

Quotes

When asked about the current state of the program, Corliss Williamson said, "You want to see the program back where it was when coach Richardson was here. Even when coach Richardson was here, there were some tough times. I think that's what we're going through with coach Pelphrey. Things are going to be fine. I support him. It's a mountain to climb and we'll get to the top,things will get better."

When asked about the programs status and attendance numbers, Nolan Richardson said: "I can't see them competing well until they don't have all those guys [who are] missing. They've got to compete well to get the fans. In order to get attendance, you have to win; everybody loves a winner."

When asked about the the status of Michael Washington's injury, John Pelphrey said, “He’s walking upright, which is positive,”

On the future success of the program and current players, John Pelphrey states: “Those guys aren’t cheap material. They’re the good stuff. We are riveting human beings like that into this program and that’s going to be the foundation for our success down the road. That’s why I continue to believe in them and we’ll continue to prepare and it’s going to happen.”

Links

Bleacher Report:

Razorback Spotlight: Did Michael Washington Kiss the NBA Goodbye?

A Birthday Wish For Arkansas Basketball

Is This Arkansas Razorback Basketball's Darkest Hour?

ArkansasRazorbacks.com:

Schedule

Hog's Battle, can't corral Sooners

Clarke's 19 not enough

ESPN.com:

SEC Standings

Arkansassports360.com:

Toughness Lacking For State's Top Basketball Programs

NCAA Men: Sooners Too Much for Razorbacks, 67-47

Former Razorback Great Williamson 'Concerned' But Hopeful for Basketball Program

Back Troubles Leave Razorbacks' Washington 'Day-to-Day'

Former Hog Hoops Coach Stan Heath In Trouble At South Florida

Arkansas News.com:

Three-Point Line Hurting Hogs

Blog: Michael Washington Update and More Notes

That's a few notes, quotes, and links to help you keep up to date with Arkansas Basketball over the past week.

Continue to check the Arkansas Razorback Basketball page at the Bleacher Report for your Hog news and updates.

The Razorbacks had a tough 2008-2009 season, and hopes and expectations were that the Hogs would have a better 2009-2010. A big reason everyone believed the Hogs would make progress this season was because of the return of Micheal Washington.

Washington was the highlight of last season. He had been a role player the previous season, and nobody knew how good he could be once given the starting role.

He did not disappoint becoming a double-double machine; he had the most in a season since Derek Hood. Washington earned second team All-SEC honors following his junior season, and entered his name into the NBA Draft. Hog fans nerves shored as everyone believed he would head to the NBA after his breakout season.

As Washington tested the waters his feedback varied from source to source. Many believed he would go in the late first round, while some boards had him in the second. There were also boards that did not have Washington on their list at all.

After taking all of his NBA feedback into consideration Washington decided with his family to withdrawal his name from the draft and return to Arkansas for his senior season, and at the time things looked like they could only get better for Arkansas.

The Hogs returned all five starters from a year ago, and would be adding much needed depth with their incoming recruiting class. It was believed that the Hogs could be a much-improved team, and make a run at the NCAA tournament. Washington was named a preseason first team All-SEC player.

As it turns out the Razorbacks are relying heavily on those incoming players while they have had only one of the returning starters in Rotnei Clarke consistently in the lineup. Courtney Fortson and Stefan Welsh have been on suspension most of the season, while Welsh has recently returned. Fortson is back in practice but is not expected to play in a game until after the first semester ends.

Washington was having a slow start to his senior year, and his numbers are down considerably from a year ago. He is now listed as day-to-day after injuring his back, which also plagued him a year ago. Not much has been said on his injury, but many Hog fans and myself believe Washington played through the injury because of the depth issues the Hogs have had to start the season.

Another starter Michael Sanchez just returned after missing the first of the season with foot troubles. Sanchez has had very little impact so far in his career, and helps the Razorbacks merely with depth at this point.

So the Hogs are hobbled to say the least, and off to one of the worst starts in program history. All this begs the question: Did Michael Washington make a mistake returning for his senior season? Will this cost him a chance at an NBA career?

All early indications are that it did.

Like I stated his numbers are down, and the team is worse off than a year ago.  Washington also has not garnered near the hype from analysts that he did a year ago. In the Razorbacks game against Louisville Bob Knight made a comment that Washington should stay in school a few more years. Well this is his senior season and his last chance to impress, but we all get what Knight was saying.

He does not think Washington is ready for the NBA.

On the bright side it is possible that Washington has been trying to be a team player, and has been playing through injury, which could be the cause of his numbers decline. If that is the case, and he makes a strong return for the remainder of the season, it is possible he could play his way back into the draft board talks.

This is a subject that usually you hear the other way around; he should have stayed another year. It is not all that often that the tables are turned, but in the case of Michael Washington it appears that he should have forgone his senior season and entered the NBA Draft.  The current state of the Hogs team and their struggles very well may have caused Washington an NBA career.

While Washington may or may not have made it to the NBA in the draft last year, odds were on him being drafted. Now it appears Washington will have to come back and have a monster remainder of the season to have any chance at the NBA, but hindsight is always 20/20.

It has been 28 years, to the day, since my love for Arkansas Razorback basketball began. In those years I have been with the Hogs through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

Since 1981, the Razorbacks have had four head coaches: Eddie Sutton, Nolan Richardson, Stan Heath, and current coach John Pelphrey.

During the first half of my 28 years of existence, the Razorbacks enjoyed their greatest run on the national scene. That included three NCAA Final Four appearances and the 1994 National Title. It also included seven conference championships—five in the SWC and two in the SEC.

During that span of time the Razorbacks went to the NCAA tournament 13 times, and advanced past the first round in all but one year.

The second half of my 28 years was not as kind to the Hogs, or the Razorback fans. They have zero Final Fours, and have won zero regular season conference championships during that time. However they have been to the NCAA tournament eight times over that 14 year span, and advanced past the first round in all but three of those trips to the Big Dance.

I have seen legendary players wear the Razorback uniform during my time. Names like: Corliss Williamson, Pat Bradley, Darrell Walker, Andrew Lang, AL Dillard, Alvin Robertson, Todd Day, Corey Beck, Ronnie Brewer, Scott Hastings, Joe Johnson, Joe Kleine, Lee Mayberry, Oliver Miller, Scotty Thurman, and the list goes on.

I have seen enough good times for Arkansas Razorback basketball that it would take ten times my age of bad times to erase all the good memories.

I was there "the night the lights went out in Barnhill," and I was there for the first ever game played in Bud Walton Arena.

Unfortunately I was there when Nolan Richardson and the University of Arkansas had a nasty split, and happily I was there when Nolan made his return to Bud Walton Arena for the Celebration of Champions 15 years after the 1994 National Title just last year.

Currently I stand by a young group of Razorbacks who are off to the worst start in Arkansas Razorback history since the 1950s and possible the worst year ever if things continue the same way they have begun.

I have been with the Hogs through thick and thin, and nothing will erase the memories I gathered while going to hundreds of games growing up. I went to the games in Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Fayetteville, Memphis, and everywhere else the Hogs went. I was part of the Hog fans that took over places like Dallas, Atlanta, and other major venues as the Hogs marched their way into tournaments.

The times spent calling the Hogs in the confines of Barnhill and Bud Walton Arenas, and everywhere else, I will cherish all my life. These memories were a large part in my happy childhood.

Today on my birthday my ultimate wish is for the continued health and happiness of my two year old daughter Taylor. She already has the fire I do when saying Woo Pig Sooie and Go Razorbacks! I hope she enjoys the times cheering for great Razorback teams in the future the same way I have been able to past and present.

My birthday wish today for Arkansas Razorback basketball is simple: it is that they enjoy another 28 years as good as the last.

If that comes true than Arkansas basketball will be memorable for fans for years to come.

Arkansas basketball is having a hard time getting off the ground to start the 2009-2010 season. The Razorbacks are 2-3 coming off of losses to Morgan State and East Tennessee State. There are no excuses or positive spins to make following these losses to two teams that many Arkansas fans may mistake for exhibition teams.

As one who always works to rally the troops and show the glass as half-full I have to admit one thing; Hogs you are making my job almost impossible.

I have worked to put the spotlight on the newcomers playing well on this struggling team. I have written stories on the great newly signed 2010 recruiting class , and the great prospects of the 2011 class , and I will continue to do this very same thing because I do believe there are many signs that things are heading in the right direction.

But lets make no mistake this current Hog team is in a bad place, and the only people that can change anything is themselves, and unfortunately the Hogs are doing more than just losing games-they are losing fans, and fast.

John Pelphrey has worked very hard since arriving on campus and he has faced difficult odds since the day he took the job, but on a regular basis so far this season his team has been out-rebounded, outsmarted, and all around out-played. They have shown great effort, but more times than not they have been out-hustled by the opposing team.

The Hogs seem less prepared and less comfortable than they did to begin the season, and they look to be far worse than they were a year ago. Last season was already one of the worst in the history of Arkansas basketball when the Hogs only won two conference games.

So the question everyone is asking: is this the darkest hour or Arkansas basketball?

The answer is not simple. It may be, or it may not be. The Hogs have only played five games, but things do appear to be heading down a very dark and lonely road for John Pelphrey and this team if they keep it up the way they are playing and losing right now.

Pelphrey needs to pull a rabbit out of his hat or some sort of magic to get things going this season with his team. There is still hope that something will click and the Hogs will get it going. A lot of time remains in the season and this is a talented very young team that will be getting players back from suspension. When the Hogs get these players it will mark the first time all year they have been full strength.

However, when the Razorbacks lose back to back games to two teams easily mistaken for exhibitions people want to get down to the dirty truth. They do not want to hear how things may get better, or why to hope they get better. 

So here it is...this is a very bad Arkansas basketball team, and this has the potential to be one very long and painful season. Understand it is early in the season, and there have been extraordinary struggles with suspensions and injuries, but right now excuses are just that to Arkansas fans. Excuses.

Like everyone else these losses and struggles by the Hogs makes me sick. I want to see them win, and I can see effort and talent in the youth on the Razorback team. Odds are against this team and they are short-handed, but the Hogs need to win and they need to do it now. It does not take a rocket-scientist to see that much.

Razorback fans attendance to the Arkansas games are at their lowest and will continue to drop if the Hogs lose games like these to inferior opponents. Recruiting has been looking great, but losing never helps strengthen your case or close a recruit. Losing also can instill bad habits in current players, and foster an environment of acceptance.

This team needs to show the determination and pride to win games and get people back in the stands, and more checks in the win column and turn this negative feeling across the Razorback Nation towards the basketball team around.

Yeah, I know it can be easier said than done, but it is as simple as that right now. The players and coaches need to light a fire among one another that enough is enough, and at least show that they are going to put up a fight for this season not to be a total waste.

It is possible that the team can catch fire and make some resemblance of a successful or improved season over last years awful season. It also is a possibility that the Hogs could continue their downward spiral and continue to have what could be one of the worst seasons in both recent and all-time program history.

Look I know this all seems harsh, especially coming from me, but it is the reality of the current moment. Arkansas basketball is not what the fans expect of Arkansas basketball right now, and it needs to be not what the Razorback players expect.

Many of my old-school family and friends talk about how the old Eddie-Sutton teams won games with less talent than their opponents on a regular basis all the time with fundamentals. It is about time that John Pelphrey finds a way to get the same thing done with his current team.

Better effort, fundamentals, focus, and preparation and this can happen. It has been done before and would not be the first time a team with their backs against the wall achieved what seemed impossible.

For the Razorbacks in 2009-2010 it appears it has come to either they achieve the impossible or this very well could be the programs darkest hour.

Image Courtesy of ESPN.com

The Arkansas Razorbacks are who everyone thought they would be to start the 2009-2010 season—and that is a mess.

Don't get caught up on that long though, because, in my ordinary fashion, I like to make sure that the positives going on with the Razorbacks come to light. So, I will be writing a series of articles about Arkansas newcomers and how well they are currently performing for the Razorbacks.

First on the list is freshman forward Marshawn Powell.

Powell was picked during the preseason by FoxSports.com to be one of the top impact freshmen this season. That was even before the Razorback suspensions were known, and before he was thrust into an immediate starting role.

Powell has not been one to disappoint.

He was a star recruit out of high school, ranked in the top 100, and seen as one of the top power forwards in the nation. The moment he visited Arkansas, he knew that he wanted to play John Pelphrey's style of basketball.

While the Razorbacks have been unable to play that up-tempo style, so far this season Powell is averaging just under a double-double at 20.3 ppg and 9.7 rpg. He is the second leading scorer on the team behind Rotnei Clarke, and he leads a talented group of newcomers all carrying the Razorbacks through their early season schedule.

Powell is doing all of this with a cast on his left hand, after breaking the hand just a few weeks before practices began. The hand is not yet fully healed, and the cast appears to hold him back some in his ball handling and on some jump shots.

Still, his numbers and performance give Razorback fans a reason to be hopeful for the future.

Powell is one of three newcomers currently starting for the short-handed Hogs, who are 2-1 after three games and currently only have seven scholarship basketball players available.

As the Hogs on suspension begin to return to the team, expect Powell to continue to start. He has outperformed Arkansas' returning All-SEC big man Michael Washington, and will continue to be one of the Razorbacks' most dangerous weapons.

Coach John Pelphrey has commented after each game that this is what is needed out of Powell. He was specifically recruited to come in and make an impact and contribute right off the bat.

Once his hand is fully healthy and the cast comes off, Powell will more than likely start to impress even more.

For a power forward, he has extremely good ball handling skills. In fact, even with his cast he has been the one inbounding nearly every ball and helping bring the ball up the court against pressure.

As he develops over the season, and begins to have more help and rest as the Razorbacks develop a bench, Powell could become one of the top players in the SEC—not just at Arkansas, and not just for freshmen, but the entire league.

The season is expected to be a long one for the Hogs, who are picked to finish fifth in the SEC West and go to the NIT.

Powell is a bright spot for the Hogs and a key component to the future.

As the Hogs build with their 2010 and 2011 recruiting classes they will build around Powell. The pieces for this are all starting to fall in place, but patience and support is needed from the Arkansas fanbase.

No matter how tough the season goes for Arkansas, one thing is for certain: Marshawn Powell is the Real Deal.

Continue to visit the Bleacher Report for updated news on the Arkansas Razorback Basketball team and their season.

Image Courtesy of ArkansasRazorbacks.com

The early outlook for the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team could be termed bleak.

Five suspensions have the Razorbacks working with six scholarship basketball players and working with no bench. The Razorbacks defied those odds and came out with a bang in their first game of the season against Alcorn State.

Reality hit in the the second game of the season, a 30 point loss to Rick Pitino and the Louisiville Cardinals.

The Razorbacks showed heart in their loss coming out to start the second half by cutting the 17 point lead down to three. The rest of the way was all Cardinals as the Razorbacks ran out of gas.

In the Hogs' defense, they started the game with half a tank of gas to begin with anyway.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino commented at halftime and after the game that Arkansas is a better team than the score indicated. He said that he simply had more bodies and was able to play his style of ball while wearing down the hapless Razorbacks who could do nothing but give it their best.

Arkansas coach John Pelphrey has talked about how the Razorbacks will have to give it their best for two weeks now and make do while they are short-handed. Fans never like to lose and certainly never like to lose blowouts, but Arkansas is a better team than the blowout loss would have you believe.

Coach Bobby Knight was the analyst for the game and he made observations about the Razorbacks that fans need to take to heart. He can see that this is a Razorback team that is working with a make shift line-up that will be a dangerous team as the season progresses and their numbers increase.

Knight also made some observations I disagree with as well.

He feels that when Welsh, Britt, Fortson, and Sanchez return from suspensions and injury the Hogs will have to start over.

I see it the opposite way. I believe those players will have to work their way back into the starting line-up and will give the Razorbacks the 10 plus man rotation coach Pelphrey needs to run his style of play.

Julysses Nobles, Jamal Farmer, and Marshawn Powell are all newcomers and they have all started along with returning starters Rotnei Clarke and Michael Washington. In the two games these three newcomers have impressed me beyond my expectations.

Yes, Nobles needs Fortson to play some so he is not always in the game and handling the ball, but he is very good for a true freshman.

Jamal Farmer can get to the basket and makes good passes to the interior as well.

Marshawn Powell is Mr. Double-Double, so far this season. He has been more effective than returning All-SEC player Washington.

On the bright side, now that two games are over the Razorbacks will be able to add one more player to their roster. Glen Bryant has finished his two game suspension and will give valuable help in the frontcourt. His defense and rebounding ability are something the Razorbacks will certainly need.

Pelphrey also commented on Stefan Welsh, who he says is close to finishing everything required of him to return to the basketball floor. Welsh has been doing everything right according to Pelphrey for weeks now so it was only a matter of time that his indefinite suspension ended.

There is still not an exact time table for his return but it could be in the next two games.

The Razorback basketball diehards understand what is going on with the team and praise Pelphrey for being firm in his discipline—playing the kids that are doing things right and sitting the kids that are not.

Many other Razorback fans are focusing on football still and using it to keep their attention away from the basketball team and the mess that they perceive it is in.

There is a long road ahead for these Hogs and every player with the exception of maybe Fortson should be back in time for the Razorbacks' next big game against Oklahoma.

At that point the Razorbacks will prove to be a much more better team than the start of this 2009-2010 season would suggest.

The Hogs schedule up until that Oklahoma game is relatively soft, so they should be 5-1 as they come into the game with the Sooners. The bench will be full again and not with the usual suspects. It will be full of returning starters and role players from a year ago working to get back into the rotation and out of Pelphrey's dog house.

This season the Razorbacks have the opportunity to make noise in the SEC West more than people think they will.

Mississippi State and Alabama just lost to mid-majors and have their fair share of issues. The Razorbacks will come out of their early season with a record no worse than 11-4 record and probably more like 12-3 or maybe even 13-2.

Hog fans, I know that sometimes it seems impossible to keep the faith, but things usually are never as bad as they seem.

There is a long road ahead for the Razorbacks, but expect to see them provide as many exciting moments as there is devastating losses, the glass is half full .

Check in daily for new up to date Razorback basketball news and stories.

Image Courtesy of ArkansasRazorbacks.com