By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — There’s no denying Arkansas point guard Courtney Fortson has made a difference for the Razorbacks since returning from suspension.
Fortson is averaging 17 points, 7.3 assists and 4 rebounds in three games. He has been Arkansas’ offensive leader, beating defenders, getting to the basket, and setting up teammates for open shots. His presence has been a big reason the Razorbacks have played some of their best basketball of late.
But Arkansas coach John Pelphrey said there’s something else he has noticed as the Razorbacks (8-9, 1-1 in Southeastern Conference) prepare to play Florida (12-5, 1-2) in Bud Walton Arena tonight at 8.
Fortson has been on the floor too much.
“I think he’s had to play too many minutes,” Pelphrey said. “We’ve got to grow our bench here and get him off the floor for some periods of time.”
Pelphrey was confident after the Texas game that Fortson could handle the early workload better than most. That may be true, but he also realizes Arkansas must get more from its bench to give starters like Fortson (34.7 minutes) and guard Rotnei Clarke (35.4) opportunities to catch their breath in SEC play.
Pelphrey does have options like senior Stefan Welsh, junior Jemal Farmer, freshman Julysses Nobles and walk-on Stephen Cox. In addition, guard Marcus Britt was elevated to the starting lineup against Alabama.
But Pelphrey said Arkansas needs to get more consistency from his group of guards.
“I think those guys are all capable of getting in there and allowing us to get Courtney off the floor for a few minutes, allowing us to get Rot off the floor for a few minutes,” Pelphrey said. “And even making an impact. Even if those guys come out, they’ve got stuff they can bring to the game, too. They need to.”
Cox, who came off the bench to provide a lift on defense against Alabama, said the Razorbacks realize the importance of getting bench help. He said it’s clear Arkansas has more opportunities to wear down opponents now after struggling with depth early on.
“Fatigue comes into play those last four or five minutes of the ballgame,” Cox said. “So I think that’s something that we’re trying to use is a little bit of our depth and kind of rotate guys in and out for defensive pressure. I think we’re going to try to try that and continue to do that and see how it works.”
Don’t get Pelphrey wrong: Having Fortson running Arkansas’ offense on the court isn’t a bad thing.
Pelphrey said the point guard has done “very well” since his return. He was the piece the Razorbacks were missing and, outside of turnovers, has done a good job from the playmaking aspect of the game.
But Pelphrey believes the heavy minutes have had an affect on Fortson’s defensive performance.
“I think he’s resting a little bit there because he’s having to play too much and focus on doing some of the playmaking things,” Pelphrey said.
Pelphrey thinks a little rest will help. Either way, Florida coach Billy Donovan said it’s obvious the Razorbacks are much improved with Fortson back.
Florida has had its own depth troubles caused by injuries and illness to key players. However, he said the Gators are healthier than they’ve been in some time and will need it against the rejuvenated Razorbacks.
“I think John is doing a great job,” Donovan said. “I think at the start of the year — with maybe not having a full allotment of players and now, after the holidays and the break really their team all back together they have played really, really good basketball.”
But Pelphrey believes the Razorbacks will be even better if they get steady contributions from the bench.
“We want to use our guard depth,” Pelphrey said. “First and foremost, those guys need to come in the game and try to apply as much pressure defensively, make a few plays for us, get us a few rebounds, and certainly bring an energy level to it.”
Tonight’s Ticket
Florida (12-5, 1-2 in SEC) at Arkansas (8-9, 1-1)
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Bud Walton Arena
TV: ESPN
Radio: Razorback Sports Network
Coaches: Arkansas — John Pelphrey (45-37 in third season); Florida — Billy Donovan (322-131 in 14th season)
Arkansas — C Michael Washington (6-9, Sr., 13.7 ppg), PF Marshawn Powell (6-7, Fr., 15.9), SF Jemal Farmer (6-5, Jr., 8.2), SG Rotnei Clarke (6-0, So., 18.4), PG Courtney Fortson (5-11, So., 17.0)
Florida — C Vernon Macklin (6-10, Jr., 10.1 ppg), F Chandler Parsons (6-9, Jr., 11.0), F Alex Tyus (6-8, Jr., 12.0), G Kenny Boynton (6-2, Fr., 14.6), G Erving Walker (5-8, So., 12.1)
