Arkansas gets through its exhibition basketball schedule unscathed.
Two practice games against Dillard and LeMoyne-Owens. Two wins.
Sure, there are some things that have raised concerns about coach John Pelphrey’s bunch. Like its defensive performance in the first half against LeMoyne-Owens on Thursday night. But there are other things that should make Arkansas fans feel optimistic. Like an incoming class that showed off some skill, athleticism and promise throughout both exhibition games.
Now things get tricky.
The season opener against Alcorn State may not be an enormous-sounding challenge, but Pelphrey was honest about the trouble the Razorbacks could be facing. Next week, Arkansas is going to announce its suspension plan for the numerous players involved in offseason incidents. We don’t know for sure what will happen, but can say that Courtney Fortson, Glenn Bryant and Marcus Britt are all facing suspensions. Stefan Welsh is currently suspended. And Michael Sanchez is out indefinitely because of an injury.
There’s no doubt the Razorbacks’ depth will take a hit. It means young players will be counted on to produce right away.
“I think we made progress from Monday,” Pelphrey said. “But the bottom line is, in our first game, it will be completely different for us because there’s going to be some people that won’t be there. That’s one luxury we’ve had, we’ve had everybody to kind of go to.
“Although I’m pleased with the fact I think we got a little bit better, we’ve got to make some progress here in the next six days because our greatest challenge is going to lie ahead of us here with what is getting ready to happen.”
Pelphrey said the Razorbacks will now get ready for an important weekend of practice. In fact, he said there will be double sessions to help the young players “cover some ground.” He said they must get some experience the next few days.
“They’ve got to get to know where they’re going because they’re going to be put in some situations that they’re definitely not ready for,” Pelphrey said. “We’re going to try to get them ready. We’ve got to do the best we can do.”
In the end, Fortson believes the Razorbacks will be all right. The sophomore is one player who is expected to be suspended for at least one game, which will leave freshman Julysses Nobles running the point guard spot. But Fortson believes all of the freshmen learned plenty in Arkansas’ two exhibition games and will be ready for the opener.
“It’s tough, but I think we can weather through this storm and stay together,” Fortson said. “As long as our defensive intensity is right, we can score points like I said. I think we’ll be OK.”
Fortson was then asked what it will mean when the Razorbacks do manage to return to full strength.
He only sees good things for Arkansas.
“I think we’ll be scary,” Fortson said.
