Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball

Arkansas and Louisville are set to square off Tuesday at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis in the opening game of the Hall of Fame Showcase, which will be aired nationally on ESPN2.

Louisville is ranked 16th in the nation and lead by Coach Rick Pitino, while Arkansas is unranked and coached by John Pelphrey. Louisville is the favored team against the short-handed Hogs, but the mainstream storyline for this game has little to do with the game of basketball.

The ideal storyline would be the mentor vs. student. Pelphrey played for Pitino at the University of Kentucky, and was one of four players dubbed the "Unforgettables." Now as the head coach for Arkansas he brings in his young team to take on his former coach.

There are rich details from their time together that one could focus on and hype up all the way until the game. Unfortunately, that is not the storyline. The storyline is far more than the typical tale of two teams.

Scandal and suspensions are the headlines instead leading up to this game. Both programs were surrounded with offseason turmoil that has both teams relieved to be finally playing basketball. The media has had their hands full covering the details of both programs off-the-court dramas.

Rick Pitino's offseason focused on his affair and extortion case with a women who claimed he paid her to keep things quiet. The women, Karen Sypher is being tried in a federal court case for trying to extort millions from him.

Pitino has blasted the media for their continued focus on his personal life, and has had an offseason that appears to be one of the worst of any head coach in all of college basketball.

John Pelphrey probably feels the offseason he has had could rival that of his mentor. He has had to deal with a rape investigation, academic struggles, personal issues, and a DUI case with his student athletes.

In total, five players are currently serving suspensions . Coupled with the pressures to turn the Arkansas basketball program around Pelphrey has had more than his fair share of adversity to deal with this offseason.

On the court these teams have faced off six times in the past and stand all square at 3-3 all time. The Cardinals have a deep bench and return a large amount of players from last years squad that made it to the Elite Eight.

Arkansas on the other hand is left with six scholarship players and a borrowed football player and a golfer due to all the suspensions. Pelphrey has had to have a special walk-ons tryout just to fill out the bench.The Razorbacks are coming off of a disappointing season where they only won two SEC games after starting the season 12-1.

When these teams take the court many expect to see a good game, but these non-basketball related factors will make it a great game. Confused about that? Let me explain why it will make it a great game.

Both Pitino and Pelphrey understand the game of basketball as good as anyone in the nation. When dealing with what seems to be a continuous bombardment of negative issues what do coaches do?

They bury themselves even harder into their work and preparation. The same goes for the players on these teams who simply want to play basketball.

Arkansas put on an early preview of this in their season opener against Alcorn State when they shattered numerous records , and displayed more heart and determination than people anticipated. Everyone expected Arkansas to come out short-handed and struggle with a weak opponent, but they did just the opposite.

Louisville on the other hand is opening their season against the Razorbacks and everyone should expect to see a similar emotionally charged opener from the Cardinals. Pitino will have his troops ready to play his vintage style of hard nosed basketball.

They will press the Razorbacks after every made basket, and will show relentless emotion in the huge relief of finally being back on the basketball court.

Both teams will try to continue to win and make positives to drown out the negatives that have been surrounding their teams. Rotnei Clarke coming off of his record setting night in the Arkansas opener talked about the adversity and the focus to win to try and move on past the negative issues surrounding the team.

He seemed uninterested in the records he had broken and more relief that the Hogs had given their fans something good to talk about.

In this match-up the outcome of the game very well may be determined by the deeper bench of Louisville or their higher level of talent and experience than Arkansas. However, what will make this a great game is the high level of emotion that each team plays with from the extra work the teams put in during the offseason.

The hard work to try to avoid paying attention to the off-the-court issues detailed. That is what will make this game more than just a simple tale of two teams, and instead will make this game an emotional kickoff to another great season of college basketball.

Image courtesy of ESPN.

This is a huge time of year for all of you college sport fans out there. College football is in full swing and college basketball just got underway. In college football, teams are trying to finish their seasons strong and make a post season bowl game.

College basketball teams are working to merely get their feet wet and see where they are to start their seasons. In Arkansas, both of these hold true, but also it appears this is the season to break records.

Arkansas basketball has been in a constant state of turmoil and the players have been dealing with adversity as their season approached. On Friday, the players set out to open their season against Alcorn State. Many coined the team "John Plus Eight" or a similar play on words to reference the Razorbacks beginning the season with eight players; close, but not exactly.

The Razorbacks actually only have six basketball scholarship players available right now, a scholarship football player, a scholarship golfer, and a few walk-ons as well. So saying eight is actually an overstatement when you look at it more closely.

The uncertainty surrounding the suspensions and how this short-handed team would respond to all the negativity, has been the focus of many in the media. How did the depleted Razorbacks team respond? By breaking records.

Rotnei Clarke simply felt he could not miss and so his teammates continued to feed him the ball. At the end of the night, Clarke had connected on 13-17 three pointers and shattered the Arkansas and SEC single game record of three point baskets made.

The Arkansas and SEC record was previously held by Al Dillard of the Razorbacks' national championship team. This is a record that many believed would never be broken.

Clarke did not stop there breaking records. He also scored 51 points on the night, which broke Martin Terry's Arkansas single game scoring record of 47 points from way back in 1973 against SMU. Along with the record books, the SEC took notice of Clarke's performance and named him the SEC Player of the Week for his performance in the season opener.

After the game, Rotnei was asked what he knew about their records and he said he was not aware until now, but what mattered more to him, was how unselfishly the team played all night. The unselfishness showed in the Razorbacks running out to a 71-26 halftime lead, which set the record for most points scored in a single half by the Razorbacks. The Razorbacks received a standing ovation to close the first half of play from the 7,713 in attendance.

The record breaking continued as the Razorbacks totaled 130 points, breaking the Bud Walton Arena record, and the record for highest point total for a season opener. When you think back on some of the great teams that have played for Arkansas and in Bud Walton Arena, that is astonishing.

In the shadow of all the record breaking, four Razorbacks scored in double digits and three newcomers started for the Hogs. Two of the newcomers, Jamal Farmer and Marshawn Powell, recorded double-doubles as the Hogs went on to win the game 130-68.

The attendance is the one thing that marred this great evening for the Razorback Nation. I know the excuses fans keep making for not showing up to the games so far this year have been weak opponents, off-the-court troubles, the economy, and the list goes on and on.

None of those have any relevance as to the Razorbacks that were on the floor putting on a show and playing their tails off. Half of the players were playing in their first game as Razorbacks and this was not the way to show them a proper welcome.

The short-handed Razorbacks proved Coach John Pelphrey right when he stated this team will play with intensity, show pride in the uniform they are wearing, and give it everything they have got. This showed in the records being broken and the final score, but also on the stat sheet.

The Razorbacks blocked 10 shots, had 14 steals, forced 24 turnovers, and held their opponent to 29 percent shooting from the floor, not bad for a team in despair.

To all the Razorback fans that missed this game and could have been there, I think you know you missed a great game and all the history that was made. Hopefully that serves as a lesson for the future. This young depleted Razorback team has heart and talent to go with it, which they showed in shattering so many records in the season opener.

Before history passes you by again, maybe you should just show up to the games and see it all for yourself and that, my friends, is the whole hog truth.

Keep checking in for up to date stories and news on the Arkansas Razorbacks here at the Bleacher Report.

Image courtesy of ArkansasRazorbacks.com

All the worries were unfounded, the Hogs are fine and all is well...not quite.  However, tonight was a great night in light of the circumstances surrounding the Arkansas Razorback program.  Going into the game, no one really knew how the Hogs would respond to the suspensions, which left only eight players available to the team as they faced Alcorn State.  No one . . . except Rotnei "I've never met a three point shot I didn't like" Clarke. 

On this night, he was firing on all cylinders.  Clarke connected on his first 7 three pointers en route to not only an Arkansas record but an SEC record of 13 three-pointers as Arkansas won 130-68.  The man was in a hypnotic zone rivaled only by Joey Chestnut in a hotdog eating contest. 

In addition to setting the aforementioned record, Clarke also decided he would take it upon himself to set the Arkansas record for most points scored in a single game with 51.  Yes, it was quite the night for Mr. Clarke and his magical, mystical jump shot.  Clarke finished 15 of 21 from the field and 13 of 17 from three-point range. He scored 31 of his record setting 51 points in the first half.

In addition to the high scoring, the Hogs displayed some pretty good defensive prowess as they held Alcorn State to just 29.7% from the floor and 27.3% from three-point range.  As for the Hogs, they shot 55.1% from the field and, with a little help from the Sultan of Swish, 53.3% from three-point range.

The newcomers for Arkansas also contributed nicely.  Jemal Farmer (transfer junior from Chicago, IL) threw in 28 points and 12 rebounds, and highly touted freshman Marshawn Powell had 17 points and 11 rebounds.

All in all, it was a great way to begin even if it was just Alcorn State.  Considering the suspensions and turmoil off the court, I think Coach John Pelphrey summed it up well:

"I think everybody had fun . . . Good for those young men that show up every day early, ready to work, encourage each other, serious about going to school. Good for them."

The Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team is set to start the 2009-2010 season with eight players. One could say that things seem pretty bleak. However, Coach John Pelphrey is optimistic about the future. During Pelphrey's press conference this week, the subject of discussion was the five suspensions of current players. Most notable were the questions surround starting point guard Courtney Fortson and his indefinite suspension .

Talking about the current predicament Pelphrey and his staff find themselves in—going into the season with eight players—is something that many would believe would have a coach looking for the eject button. Is that the case with John Pelphrey?

No, during the press conference Pelphrey found time to talk about the future. He did not lament on the problems he faces today. He spoke confidently about where the Razorbacks will be a year from now, and how they are going to get through the problems that face them today and tomorrow. Hard work, good attitude, very good work ethic, and yes, discipline.

These are the things that will allow the players and staff to see the end of the tunnel. Hard work will garner them the support of the Razorback Nation, which can help create an atmosphere of positive change and an anticipation of great things to come with a ferocity rarely seen in fan bases. And it is all of these things that will get them to a new era of Razorback basketball; one that Pelphrey sees rivaling the great Razorback days of old.

That optimism and confidence Pelphrey exuded began today, because today the Razorbacks took a step towards a bright future with the signing of three talented future Hogs. The coach and his staff worked tirelessly to sign three high-character and extremely talented young men to letters of intent this week. Rickey Scott, Mardracus Wade, and Marvell Waithe are extraordinary basketball players and young men.

For those of you that know nothing about these new Hogs, allow me to share with you the story of three different young men all working towards a common goal. A journey of three young men all working to come together at the same place, and the path each must take to get there.

Rickey Scott

In Irving, Texas, Rickey Scott is in a gym working day in and day out to be a better basketball player. When Scott is not on the court, he is in the classroom working to raise his already solid 3.2 GPA. And when he is not on the court or in the classroom, Scott is spending time with kids while participating in the Big Dogs Program.

The Big Dogs Program is a non-profit organization that focuses on the mentoring of youth. B.I.G D.O.G.S., according to their website , stands for “Believing In God Depending On Gods Strength.”

On the basketball court, Rickey Scott is described as a relentless defender with rising skills and a hard work ethic. He has worked on his outside shot, which was identified as an area he needed to improve to be a complete player. He is a tall, rangy guard that projects to be a small forward or a shooting guard in college. Scott is rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, and received offers from top programs across the country.

Scott's coaches have spoken about how great of a player he is and the potential he has to be an outstanding player at the collegiate level. They believe a person like Scott, on and off the court, does not come around all that often. It is all the positives Scott dedicates himself to that will allow him to succeed as a Razorback in the coming years.

Recruiting and bringing a young man like Rickey Scott into your program gives a coach dealing with adversity, like John Pelphrey currently is, the confidence that things are going to change. Pelphrey likes to say, "doing things the right way," and Scott is the epitome of just that.

Mardracus Wade

In Chatham, Virginia, Mardracus Wade is sitting in front of cameras dressed in his military school uniform and smiling as he signs his national letter of intent to play basketball for the University of Arkansas. Wade is a long way from the streets of Memphis, where he grew up playing basketball and where he was first noticed by college recruiters.

Wade’s dream of playing college basketball and becoming the best player and person he could be lead him to Chatham, which is the home of Hargrave Military Academy. Hargrave is a place Wade decided he could improve his basketball skills by playing against top prep programs in the nation. Hargrave has a very good reputation on the court. It has produced numerous NBA stars, most notably Josh Howard and David West, through their basketball program.

Hargrave is also a place that offers Wade structure, structure that will allow him to prepare for college better. The balance of academics, discipline, and athletics at Hargrave is preparing Wade for the challanges he will face on a college campus.

On the basketball court, Wade is ranked as a four-star recruit by Scout.com. They see him as the No. 18 point guard in the country and one of this recruiting class' best defenders. He is known for his quickness at getting to the rim as well, and has developed a jump shot over the past year that was identified as an area for him to improve. Wade was pursued by top programs locally and from nearly every major conference in the nation.

Prior to his decision to attend Hargrave, Wade made a name for himself playing for the Memphis Magic. The Magic is a team consisting of nothing but high-caliber players. They play a very up-tempo style of basketball and that similarity to John Pelphrey’s system at Arkansas factored into Wade’s choice to play for the Razorbacks.

The skill improvement not only on the court, but in his daily regiment, that Wade has learned in his time at Hargrave will have him in a position to make a big impact for the Arkansas Razorbacks next season. His arrival on campus will be meet with much anticipation and the occasional salutes.

Marvell Waithe

Perhaps the longest journey of any of the three new Arkansas singes comes from Marvell Waithe. Waithe was a Mr. Canada in basketball for Toronto, where is from. He originally committed to play for Rutgers, but as is the all-to-common story for Canadian athletes, he did not have the academic requirements to enroll right away.

Waithe ended up at Tallahassee Community College, where he starred last year as a freshman. Waithe now is a Preseason NJCAA All-American and has lead his team to a 3-0 start, averaging 21 points per game.

His college decision was a very tough one because Rutgers is close to home, but he has said he feels more comfortable at Arkansas, with coach Pelphrey’s style of play. Waithe feels he can make an early impact and joins Scott and Wade as an extremely talented class heading to the hill next season.

On the basketball court, Waithe is a relentless scorer and rebounder. He burst on the NJCAA scene with a 20-point, 20-rebound performance his freshman year. Wade is 6’9” and has filled his frame with muscle. Coming out of high school, his size was the area that recruiting services said he needed to improve.

Waithe’s journey to play Division I basketball was a long one, but the lessons he has learned along the way will prove to be priceless. He has been far from home for a long time now, and so he will transition well onto the hill. His development as a junior college player should have him ready to compete right away. If everything goes smoothly for Waithe, he may be able to convince some Arkansas fans to sing "O Canada" before tip-offs in honor of the former Mr. Canada Basketball.

The Future

The future of Arkansas basketball is in a mode of change. Rickey Scott, Mardracus Wade, and Marvell Waithe are three entirely different young men with one common purpose. Come to Arkansas and win.

They have each had different journeys, but share this common purpose and the talent to be great basketball players. John Pelphrey’s optimism and hard work has paid off in the addition of these young men, and he has a jump on the 2011 class already, as well.

Bud Walton Arena sits awaiting the beginning of the Arkansas 2009-2010 season, and the future that these players can mold as Arkansas basketball players next year. The team begins its season with only eight scholarship players because of suspensions Pelphrey handed out earlier this week for offseason incidents, as discussed earlier.

There is no doubt the Hogs could use these three tremendous young men now instead of a year from now, but the pieces are coming together for change on the hill. Change that could help fill Bud Walton Arena’s rafters, which are already covered in the rich history of the program.

Today, Arkansas basketball moved one step closer to that change.

Keep checking in for up to date stories and news on the Arkansas Razorbacks here at the Bleacher Report.

Image Courtesy of ArkansasRazorbacks.com

Alright!  It is Razorback basketball time!  Time to take that next step.  Time to get back the swagger that Arkansas Razorback basketball had in the 90’s.  We’re back to a place where the Arkansas basketball program was mentioned in the same breath as Kentucky basketball . . . back to a time when the Hog Call resonated with the power of over 19,000 Arkansans through the hallowed halls of the palace of basketball known as Bud Walton Arena . . . back to…wait a second, I just got a text…What?…9 suspensions…INCLUDING Fortson who is suspended indefinitely?!?…Only 8 total players available for the first 2 games!?!

Well that’s a fine start to the season!.  Hell, not even a fine start.  To call it a “fine” start is like saying Quint and the Orca gang were off to a fine start once they got out to sea to capture Jaws after they got 3 barrels on him.  “He can’t go down with three barrels on him – Not with three he can’t!”[1] 

What this team needs is not to go all Chief Brody and ask for a bigger boat vis-a-vis a new coach.  No, what this team needs is steady leadership and an administration that is willing to back up that leadership.  It needs John Pelphrey to remain the captain of this ship, for Jeff Long to continue to back him up, and for this program to have a foundation of responsibility, respect, and discipline.  Pelphrey is right – great teams are built in a day, but great programs are built over time.

Yes, Arkansas has hit what most hope is rock bottom.  The program has become irrelevant being fourteen years removed from the National Championship, going 2-14 in conference play, missing the NCAA and NIT tournament, losing four of the six players that came to campus as freshmen last year, and now this “incident.”  From this place of despair, John Pelphrey gave his most energetic and hope-filled speech of his Arkansas tenure.  He proclaimed that this job was his dream job, that it is his mission to get this program back to where it was in the 90s, and that the current state of the program has not thrown him off that set course.  Granted, both the program and his career needed that kind of impassioned speech given the current state of affairs.  However, there was something interesting posted on Courtney Fortson’s twitter page around 10 p.m. on the night of John Pelphrey’s press conference announcing the suspensions:

           

There's always hardships u go through wit life but as long as u have control of yourself I'm sure u will find a way. C fortson

 

 I’m not sure if Courtney came up with this statement himself or if someone he respects imparted it to him – I’m looking at you coach.  I would venture to guess that this “tweet” was in direct response to the events that have unfolded over the past month or more, including his indefinite suspension.  Whatever the origin, I would like to propose that this “tweet” become the “montweetra” of this season.[2] 

Control is always a good thing whether you are trying to put together a championship-winning, nationally recognized college basketball team or trying to walk away from that all-you-can-eat pizza buffet with some kind of self-respect[3].  Control is what this basketball team needs and what it will get as long John Pelphrey is given the ability to build a program, not just a good team that pops up every now again and is ripe for a good scandal involving some kind NCAA violations due to lack of control over the program, which allows the inmates to run the asylum.  No, John Pelphrey is going to make sure that he builds this program in the vein of Frank Sinatra (whether it be the Old Blue Eyes version or the Bon Jovi “It’s My Life” version) . . .  his way[4].  This is the same way that allowed him to be Mr. Kentucky in basketball out of high school, and the same way that he got his jersey retired and hung from the rafters in Rupp Arena as one of the “Unforgettables.”  His way includes hard work, perseverance, respect, and discipline a/k/a control.

Also, when was the last time you ever heard a coach proclaim that he was at his dream job in the midst of such turmoil?  Sure, he might have been saying it to save his job like practically everyone does when their ass is on the line or when they are trying to get a little bump in that yearly raise/bonus, but I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt.  If you want a little history on how Pelphrey has built a program in the past, take a look at his recent past at South Alabama:

Season	Team	Overall	Conference	Standing	Postseason
South Alabama (Sun Belt Conference) (2002–2007)
2002–2003	South Alabama	14-14	7-8	T-3rd (West)
2003–2004	South Alabama	12-16	6-9	T-4th (West)
2004–2005	South Alabama	10-18	6-9	T-4th (West)
2005–2006	South Alabama	24-7	12-3	1st (West)	NCAA 1st Round
2006–2007	South Alabama	20-12	13-5	1st (East)	NIT 1st Round
South Alabama:		80-67	44-40

What have we learned?  At South Alabama, things appeared to get worse before they got better.  From looking at the record from his first season to his last, Pelphrey had to break down South Alabama before they could become a very good team.  I don’t know if he ever had to endure anything like what is going on currently at the University of Arkansas, but it is not inconceivable to think that at his prior head coaching stop his philosophy of suspensions was the same.  Maybe a combination of poor talent and poor attitude among his early players is what caused the down seasons and then a slew of suspensions and good recruiting helped correct both the lack of talent and improved attitude.  Then again, this is all just my own suspicion, but I don’t think it is all that far-fetched.[5]

So Arkansas fans do not jump ship yet.  Yes, there are tough times ahead.  Yes, while improved, this season could potentially not be much better than last season.  And yes, there could be even worse news around the corner if the special prosecutor hired to investigate the alleged rape involving at least two of the players on this team uncovers some validity that the county prosecutor did not.  However, whatever you do, remember this:  control can get you through a lot of things, but control without patience is not enough.

The University of Arkansas had a surge in publicity yesterday, and to the contrary of what Lane Kiffin believes, the negative variety is not good.

The multiple suspensions handed out for the Razorbacks' men's basketball team, while anticipated, can be taken as a step back for the program with the inaccuracy and twist in the way it is delivered by many media outlets.

But alas, there is a positive change on the horizon.

The University of Arkansas has reached an agreement with Nike Inc. to be the new exclusive provider of apparel and shoes for all of the athletic department's nineteen sports. This change will take effect on July 1, 2010.

Not a big deal? Just clothes and shoes?

Oh, it means much more than that.

Arkansas' current exclusive provider is Adidas. They make very good products, but in all honesty they are not the most desired brand of the young athletes across the country. Who can name the Adidas slogan off the top of their head (I apologize if you can)?

Nike, on the other hand, is that desired worldwide brand and everyone knows to "Just Do It" or "Air" and "Jordan." The swoosh is as strong of a universal symbol in branding as there is, and certainly the top branding symbol in all of sports.

There are recruits in sports that let what brand a team wears impact their college decision. Most notably in basketball and football, where many players decide what they like to wear in their pee wee leagues and stick with those brands all of their lives.

In the design of uniforms, many of the most recognized in the country are designed by Nike. Many Arkansas fans have voiced displeasure with the current new-look football uniforms being sported by the Razorbacks that Adidas designed. Nike will bring a change, and while it could be controversial (see the Oregon uniforms), it also will most likely be a hit with the young athletes.

But, I can hear the old school, traditional Arkansas fans now, "just don't change the helmet!"

It has also been pointed out that Adidas has used the same template of the new Arkansas uniforms for other teams' new looks. Most notably, division rival Mississippi State has new uniforms that are identical other than, obviously, the name and color on the jersey.

Keep an eye out for that in two weeks, when the Hogs and Bulldogs face off in Little Rock, if you were not aware of the similarity.

All of this may seem meaningless to many of you, but Arkansas has joined an exclusive group of athletic programs chosen by Nike to have an agreement for all sports.

This is a change that will impact recruiting, perception, marketability, and appearance.

With all of these positive impacts, it is easy to see why the Hogs have decided to make the change and "just do it."

Image courtesy of ArkansasRazorbacks.com

As was announced and expected Arkansas coach John Pelphrey doled out suspensions today all as expected, but there is one piece of shocking news. Starting point guard Courtney Fortson is out indefinitely. It was known that Fortson would serve at least a one or two game suspension for insensitive comments he made during the off-season on Twitter regarding the situation with basketball players being accused of wrong doing at a fraternity house. So this is only half shocking.

Pelphrey said that the team will be without Fortson for an undetermined amount of time, and that is one part suspension (Twitter comments) one part undisclosed personal issues Fortson wished to address. Pelphrey said Fortson came to him to address these issues, and so they are working on his “issues.”

While it is an indefinite suspension just note that Fortson is practicing with the team, and has taken part in both exhibition games. Pelphrey has been aware of this situation for some time and that probably explains why Fortson did not start any of those games and played off of the bench.

Now to the non-surprises.

 The other suspensions are Marcus Britt, Glenn Bryant, and Nick Mason for their involvement in a fraternity house incident. Britt will be serving the largest time with 6 games because of this incident as well as a DWI he received during the off-season. Britt has been a role player during his time for the Hogs. He plays good defense off of the bench and when he is able to make his return the Hogs will be happy to have him back.

Freshman Glenn Bryant who has played extremely well in the Razorbacks’ first two exhibition games will serve a 2 game suspension for his involvement in the incident.

Nick Mason a walk-on player will not be permitted to dress out for games for the entire fall semester for his involvement in the incident.

There is also Stefan Welsh who will be suspended indefinitely. Pelphrey has said it could last the entire fall semester, but that Welsh has been working hard to rectify it. Pelphrey is unable to say more because of the student information acts and Welsh’s rights as a student.

Pelphrey has stated that all of these players have done well since their incidents and have worked hard and have learned from their mistakes.

In addition to these suspensions Michael Sanchez is sidelined with plantar fasciitis, he is out indefinitely with that pain.

The Razorbacks are lucky to have picked up Brandon Mitchell from the football team as well as Stephen Cox from the golf team, but do not count these Hogs out.

The Razorbacks will still have a number of weapons and will be back at full strength before SEC play begins. It is unfortunate that the Hogs will go into their second game of the year with the showdown against Louisville and Pelphrey’s mentor Rick Petino missing so many players.

Fans also please remember that these issues have been known for quite some time, and the players are being disciplined in a way that was deemed appropriate by the coach, athletic department, and school officials collectively.

The only surprise is the indefiniteness of Fortson’s suspension length. It is a positive sign though that Fortson is said to have come to Pelphrey to work on his personal issues.

Other than that nothing here is new.

The Hogs very well could come out of this period of suspensions and injury with a quality record. The games will be played regardless of how you look at the situation.

The young Hogs that will be playing and the veteran in Michael Washington deserve the support and the chance to endear the fans.

The sky is not falling, the knee jerk reaction many will hear is just fans that have been unaware of what has been going on over the past months. The administration took its time and looked into everything and worked out a suspension plan.

These suspensions will all run concurrent so after six games expect to see everyone back with the exception of Welsh maybe. Fortson may take some time as well, but expect to see him back some time during the still early season.

Keep checking in with me for updates and news as it surfaces.

Image Courtesy of ESPN

The Arkansas Razorback basketball team has enough off-the-court issues documented that I could write about them non-stop, but the positives seem to keep slipping through the cracks.

When it comes to the Hogs, I like bringing the positives to everyone, and the latest positive to happen for the Hog basketball team is the addition of Brandon Mitchell.

Mitchell was a highly sought-after basketball prospect in high school, and committed to play for John Brady and LSU as a sophomore in high school. The firing of Brady at LSU sent Mitchell in a different direction with his college choices.

Ultimately, Mitchell decided his best opportunity was to come to Arkansas and play for Coach Bobby Petrino in working to be a future NFL quarterback.

Even with Mitchell joining the basketball team for this season and red-shirting in football, he has made it clear he is a quarterback first.

He is excited to join the basketball team and work to help them improve and sees his quarterback experience as a positive he can bring to the court.

Quarterbacks Coach Garrick McGee spoke this week about how athletically and intellectually gifted of a person Mitchell is on the football field and in meeting rooms.

McGee and Petrino both spoke about how much Mitchell will play into the future plans of Arkansas football, and how they believe he can help the Razorback basketball program with his talent and ability on the court this season.

Monday in the first exhibition game of the season Mitchell was dressed out but never logged any time. Pelphrey spoke about Mitchell following Monday's game, and it was known then that Mitchell would be joining the team but had not been cleared from his surgery yet.

Many questions remained after the game, and still many do but Mitchell and the football coaches as discussed have worked to make it all clear. Mitchell is a future quarterback for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

Pelphrey received a early Christmas present out of this whole deal. Mitchell had surgery a little over three weeks ago on a sports hernia and was just cleared Wednesday to participate. He practiced with the football team and then shortly after made his first appearance on the court for the Hogs' basketball team.

Thursday in this first on the court appearance Mitchell showed why he had been a highly recruited basketball player. He played eight minutes and logged eight points.

The most memorable came on his first score when he stole the ball around half court and took it the other way finishing it off with a two-hand slam that got the entire Hogs' bench on their feet.

Mitchell was also 4-of-4 from the free throw line and brought a defensive spark into the game with him. He has practiced with the team for less than a week, but when asked about him Coach Pelphrey and current players all ooze with optimism.

Pelphrey made it clear Mitchell is behind on schemes and things, but that if put into a position to make an athletic play he has confidence Mitchell will get it done.

All of this is very fortunate for Coach Pelphrey, because had it not been for the hernia and subsequent surgery Mitchell most likely would have continued to work on the field and not on the hardwood.

The two-sport plan that was worked out this week for Mitchell will have him on the basketball team, but he will still meet with the football team and continue to learn and grow at the quarterback position.

Coach McGee when asked if the Hogs make a bowl if he would like Mitchell back, because of the extra learning and practice time that gives young players, made it clear he would desire that.

So down the road their will be some difficult choices and decisions made between the coaches of the football and basketball programs on Mitchell's two-way sports involvement.

However, the fact that Pelphrey and the Hogs' have Mitchell now as they work to open their regular season next Friday against Alcorn State is a big-time bonus.

Next week, Pelphrey is expected to announce a suspension schedule for incidents that happened during the off-season.

The start of the season is when this will have the biggest effect so having such a talented player as Mitchell come over and help out is a life saver for the team.

When I think of a quarterback and basketball player in one, the first name that comes to mind is Charlie Ward. While at Florida State, Ward successfully contributed to both the Seminole basketball and football teams.

Razorback fans will think of Matt Jones the tall, lanky quarterback for the Hogs that not so long ago helped the football team and basketball team with his great athleticism.

Mitchell has the opportunity and ability to make the same impact these players made as two-way athletes in college athletics and more.

You hear the saying from coaches that a player is a "General" on the court, but today the Razorbacks' now have a "Quarterback" on the hardwood.

For more of my outlook on the Razorback Basketball program, also check out these two stories from the Arkansas Razorback Rundown: Gaining Steam and Where are you?

Brandon Mitchell image courtesy of ArkansasScout.com

It is that time of year again for Arkansas Razorbacks' basketball to get started and Bud Walton Arena is going to be rocking.

Or is it?

The young Ball Hawgs played their Red and White game, and their first exhibition game of the season over the past week and half. To say attendance was poor would be like saying the financial market is in a little bit of trouble.

Just a mere couple hundred fans sprinkled the stadium for the Red and White game. This was an opportunity for fans to interact with the players, get autographs, and the event was free! Not to mention that the Red & White game used to pack the house every year.

On Monday, night at the first exhibition game of the season against Dillard, the attendance according to ArkansasRazorbacks.com official stats was 2,278.

Just for comparison, the Razorbacks' first exhibition game last season according to the University attracted 4,500 and the second exhibition game last season drew 12,100. Here is a link to a list of last years stats . Even last year there was a decline in attendance.

From 1994 to 2001 the Hogs packed Bud Walton for every game. The Hogs couldn't have played a pick up game on a blacktop in the nineties with less attendance than these two turnouts so far this season.

What are these numbers telling us?

Coach John Pelphrey was asked following Monday night's exhibition with Dillard about the attendance, and he responded by saying the fans are great. He also stated that because of the early start this year to basketball and football being full swing that people may have their attention elsewhere right now.

If you ask me, Pelphrey is being kind in his statements. The Razorbacks are a young team made up of a large group of newcomers, a few upperclassmen, and key second year returning players. A young bunch of Hogs that need fan support. The lack of fan support makes Coach Pelphrey's job in recruiting and building the program much harder.

I have made it clear in previous articles that I believe Pelphrey has the Razorback program on the rise. Click here to read more on my opinion.

The Razorbacks have some great young talent on the floor, and are recruiting extremely hard for the 2010 and 2011 classes. I believe fan support is instrumental in helping the program turn the corner. A corner Hog fans want the program to turn. Right?

If so, fans need to look at the past two turnouts as unacceptable, and come out and change those attendance numbers. Even if the Hogs were playing the school for the blind the turnout is unacceptable.

Fans of the Hogs like to call Bud Walton Arena the "Basketball Palace of the Midwest." It is the 5th largest on-campus basketball facility in the nation. Razorback fans pride themselves on supporting the Hogs through thick and thin. I have to ask, has something hit the fan?

For the past 15 years the Razorbacks have ranked in the top 15 in attendance in the nation. That's great, but let me tell you why that is not impressive.

From 1994-2001 the Hogs basketball team was always in the top 10 and mainly in the top five in attendance for those years. When you have the fifth largest facility in the nation, it would seem logical that you should be in the top 10 in attendance.

Many will argue that the Hogs were a top team in the nation at that time so fan support was at an all time high. Is that admitting to being fair weather fans? Just understand that on a bad day the football team still brings out over 50,000-plus fans. Over 30,000 fans on an ugly day came out for the Razorback football Red and White game, and that was down big from last year.

Bud Walton Arena during its early years was one of the most feared places to play in the nation. Many experts still mention BWA when speaking of tough places to play, but every year more and more of these experts are dropping the "Basketball Palace of the Midwest" off of their lists.

Who does that fall on? The "fans."

"Fans" of the Hogs have become more and more into making statements about their disappointment in a loss or poor season with not attending games or canceling their season tickets. Really?

Seems a little bit like being bitter about a broken relationship. Not so much following the definition of being a fan. I will spare you the literal dictionary reference of fan for now, but I reserve the right to drop it on you at a later date if "fans" out there do not get the message.

Attending games and supporting the Hogs for better or worse is what it takes to be a top program. Players want to play in exciting atmospheres. Being able to hear every squeak of the sneakers in the first two games the Hogs have put on for the fans for the 2009-10 season is not exciting.

Pelphrey and his staff have put in a lot of hard work with the current players and in recruiting. Sometimes a team needs that sixth man to push them on the hardwood.

There have been good teams turned great just by the support of their fans. Not everyone is going to be happy with a loss, or with an off-the-court incident, or critical play gone wrong.

There is no shame in being upset or frustrated with your team, but simply not showing up and not supporting the team? Shame on you.

UPDATE:

In their second exhibition game of the year the Razorbacks' shrugged off a slow first half to blowout the LeMoyne-Owen Magicians 102-69.

The Razorbacks held a two point half time lead and played poor defense in the first half, but in the second half the Magicians ran out of magic.

Rotnei Clarke, Courtney Fortson, and Marshawn Powell lead the way tonight. Razorbacks star Michael Washington had a relatively quiet night.

One of the more interesting moments came when Brandon Mitchell the freshman quarterback came into the game for the Razorbacks. Mitchell who committed as a sophomore to play basketball for John Brady and LSU before Brady's firing looks to be a great basketball talent.

The news came out this week that Mitchell would play basketball for Arkansas this season, while still working with the football team.

Mitchell rallied off 8 quick points, with his most exciting coming off of a steal he took the other way and finished off with a two hand slam.

The Magicians played Memphis earlier in the week and lost by 30 points.

Arkansas appeared to click for the first time this preseason in the final twenty minutes of play, which could be a good sign of things to come this season.

On a more negative note the attendance in this second exhibition game was 3,233. Maybe the score in the paper tomorrow will peak some interest in Razorback basketball fans.

I have received some feedback from fans that the opponent, off-the-court issues, and last years poor performance has turned them away. To that I say the Hogs deserve support no matter who they are playing. There are a large group of players on this team that have been model citizens, and have worked extremely hard to be a much improved team this year.

Enough with the excuses. You are a fan or you are not.

It has almost been a week since college basketball programs got back on the hardwood to begin practice. Few of you may have noticed this, though most fans are too consumed with what their football programs are doing right now.

I am no different, but to avoid harping on SEC officials incompetence or writing about their long overdue suspensions, I have decided to report on something brewing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Operation "40 minutes of Pel" is starting to gain steam.

Following Arkansas Razorbacks basketball has been a roller coaster of emotions for over 10 years. It has been 15 years since Nolan Richardsons' national championship team.

Young college basketball fans do not even remember when Arkansas was a top basketball program in the nation. Yet, many Arkansas fans still live in the mindset that Arkansas basketball is a top national program, and Bud Walton Arena imposes before all as a testament to what once was a great basketball program in the hills of the Ozarks.

Arkansas basketball is the program that dared to go toe to toe with UNLV, Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and Dukes of the world in the 90's. With tough, hard-nosed players from rougher areas of the Southeast and Mid South, Nolan Richardson forged a winner out of raw talent, blood, sweat, and tears.

The Razorbacks went to back to back national championship games in the mid-90s, winning the first and losing the second in a close battle with UCLA. It is that level that Coach John Pelphrey, the current players, and recruits strive to return to.

The History hangs from the rafters for all to see. Bud Walton has mementos in every corner and on every wall of the Palace that Nolan built. Interestingly, it was all built in Barnhill Arena.

I was there "the night the lights went out in Barnhill" and, interestingly, Pelphrey has talked about rekindling some of that old flames and playing a game or two in Barnhill. He is not sure if that is possible or what he would have to do, but he knows that place gets loud.

Now lets see where the past and the present come together.

During the 2008-09 season, a young Razorback team led many to believe Arkansas basketball was back. Early wins over Oklahoma and Texas, both top 10 ranked teams at the time, had everyone believing the program had turned the corner. In fact, Eddie Sutton the Hall of Famer and past Arkansas and Kentucky head coach of John Pelphrey were in attendance for one of the huge upsets.

The great beginning did not have a Cinderella ending.

As the Razorbacks entered SEC play, they won only two league games as depth, departures, and a slew of off court incidents ensued. The only returners last year with any playing time were Britt, Washington, and Welsh—and they were merely backups two years ago—so while the flashes excited us what was to be expected?

Failing to reach the NIT Tourney, let alone the big dance, brought out critics.

Many believe John Pelphrey is now on the hot seat. If the president of the university and the athletic director stating they are behind Coach Pelphrey is not enough for you, then take it from me, Pelphrey is going nowhere. Just wait I will back it up.

Pelphrey came into a program that lacked discipline.

The players had underachieved for years on the court and off the court. Yes, there has been a fair amount of headlines in the two years Pelphrey has been coach, but he has acted swiftly. Suspensions and dismissals from the team have been handed out with no hesitation.

Last week, Pelphrey met with media and supporters and answered questions about the state of the program. There are six newcomers—much like a year ago.

However, this season the Razorbacks return an All-SEC player in Michael Washington and a slew of veteran players. The most notable returners alongside Washington are Courtney Fortson and Rotnei Clarke. Unlike last year, the six newcomers will be relied on for depth, not to start.

The newcomer most likely to make a big impact before the season is over is Marshawn Powell. Powell was a top 100 recruit and has enough size and speed to make him tough to cover by smaller forwards and guards, yet enough quickness to make it difficult to be guarded by larger forwards and centers. His talent level will not allow teams to double down on Washington who led the Razorbacks in points, rebounds, and blocks last season.

Where Coach John Pelphrey really has got steam going is on the recruiting trail.

For the 2010 class, Pelphrey currently has two four-star recruits committed. Mardracus Wade (6'3" and 170 lbs) from Memphis, who is now at Hargave Military Academy is a player the analysts say may be the best all around defender in the class. He brings the toughness that great Hogs of the past from the Memphis area brought. He himself has spoken about Arkansas needing to reestablish themselves in the Memphis area since many of the greats came from there.

Rickey Scott (6'3", 195 lbs) is the second one for the 2010 class. Scott is from Irving, Texas and has the shooting and finishing ability that scouts say will allow him to be a big time player at Arkansas. He gets to them rim and has the ball skills and outside shot to be a threat all over the court.

Rounding out the 2010 class, Pelphrey is known to be in hot pursuit of two outstanding top Juco players.

Marvell Waithe (6'9", 215 lbs) originally a Mr. Basketball in Canada in 2006 and a player who committed to the Rutgers. Waithe was one of the top scorers in the Juco ranks last season and has developed his game and grown in size. He was highly rated out of high school, but would have been higher if he was larger in stature. A picture of him now will show you that is no longer a weakness.

Waithe's commitment is expected any day to either Arkansas or Rutgers—where he originally committed out of high school. Waithe has the inside game as well as shooting a high percentage from the perimeter to make him the perfect fit for Pelphrey's brand of basketball.

Ricardo Ratliffe (6'7", 200 lbs) is the other top Juco player Pelphrey is known to be after. A four-star prospect originally from Virginia, Ratliffe was a former AAU teammate and friend of current Razorback freshman Marshawn Powell. He has high interest in the Hogs and Pelphrey is pursuing him heavily. He is one of the leading scorers and rebounders in the Juco ranks. A time frame for his decision has not been set.

The future also looks bright.

The 2011 recruiting class appears to be in line to be one of the best in a long time. This class includes the "Baby Wings." This is a group of star Arkansas Wings AAU players all ranked in the top 65 recruits in the nation for 2011.

Pelphrey already has the commitment of Aaron Ross—a four-star member of this group. Recently, Ky Madden, a five-star member of the group and Hunter Mickelson, another four-star member of the group, have made unofficial visits to campus.

Just imagine three players all ranked in the top 65 nationally that have been playing together in competition since they were well "babies." Talk about team chemistry. These three know everything about one another on the court, and probably a ton about each other off the court as well.

On the top of the most wanted list are some of the top recruits in the nation right in Pelphrey's backyard. Pelphery also has his eye on recruits Adonis Thomas (five stars, Memphis), and Wayne Martin, Jr. (four stars, Florida) for the 2011 class. You could not ask for recruiting to be going any better. It appears that things are coming together so that in two years, Arkansas will be back on the national basketball scene as a top program.

But what about right now? Be patient. Much like the monster Pelphrey is building, I am getting there. Lets tie together everything we have covered now.

What brings the current players and these new recruits together is the love of defensive up-tempo basketball.

Coach Pelphrey preferred style is no secret—up-tempo, full court press basketball. It was this style of ball and the success he had coaching South Alabama that got him the job at Arkansas. Also, it was this style that Razorback fans became accustomed to under Nolan Richardson. The same Nolan Richardson that had the Razorbacks as one of the premiere teams in the country during his tenure.

Now, this is not Nolan Richardson's 40 minutes of Hell—yet. But this is John Pelphrey's 40 minutes of Pel, so dubbed by Arkansas fans last season during the 12 of 13 start that begin last season.

The reason that this season and future seasons are going to come together is because for the first time since stepping on the Arkansas campus, Pelphrey has the athletes and depth that fit the style. The holdovers from the Stan Heath era were hardly equipped to play this style of ball.

Last year, in year two (as has been stated), the Razorbacks relied heavily on freshman as starters. This season, those young players who were baptised by fire along with the upperclassmen led by Micheal Washington will be who is relied on.

The young incoming players will provide the depth that Pelphrey has not had in his first two seasons as the Arkansas head coach. These players,all described by their high school and Juco coaches as gritty defensive-minded players,will allow Pelphrey to run his press. They all have the depth,the skill set and ability to play in Pelphrey's 40 Minutes of Pel.

Now the writers just picked Arkansas to finish fifth in the SEC West; not a big surprise.

What will be a big surprise is where the Hogs actually finish the season, and where the Hogs go the following season if the machine Pelphrey is building keeps building steam, has a good attitude, and loads of energy. When everything comes together with this talent and coaching and they play Pelphrey's style, this season I see the Hogs improving enough to be a top team in the SEC West for years to come.

People too often overlook the flashes of brilliance and talent that showed up in the early 2008-09 season run—which included the two top 10 wins. That talent is improved and crucial depth has been added behind each and every one of the returning players.

The returning players know what to expect. They have been through it. Courtney Fortson said it best last week in front of the media. "Win..Just Win."

That is what they have to do to get the program rolling forward and silence critics, and that is what they intend to do this season.

This year, as the Hogs enter SEC play, expect to see a team gaining steam, not running out of gas.

UPDATE:

Marvell Waithe has committed to play for Coach John Pelphrey and the Razorbacks next season.

Also, 4 Star 2010 Forward Tarik Black has listed the Razorbacks in his top 5. This could be a very interesting development. If Black joins Wade on the Hill that will be two top players out of the Memphis area from the 2010 class. With the recruitment of Thomas following in the 2011 class the Razorbacks could be built much like they were in the ninties under Richardson. Memphis basketball talent is like their B-B-Q... MMM MMM GOOD.