Arkansas point guard Courtney Fortson has been pretty impressive of late, carrying the Razorbacks to some big wins in SEC play.
But the sophomore is averaging 34.3 minutes a game. So it leaves a question: Can he continue to will Arkansas to victories?
It’s a topic that came up, sort of, during today’s press conference. Guard Rotnei Clarke was asked about Fortson and what he has accomplished the past several games and the sophomore said he had been wowed by his teammate’s performance. Especially late in games.
“It kind of shocks me sometimes,” Clarke said. “I’m basically living in the training room. You never see him in the training room at all. He’s a fierce, tough competitor. He never seems like he’s tired or worn down. It’s just a tribute to how hard he works in practice and that gets us prepared for games.”
Arkansas coach John Pelphrey was asked about this a little later and said Fortson is always “ready to go.” One reason, he believes Fortson has been blessed with a “strong, sturdy body and tremendous conditioning.” It has allowed him to turn up his performance late in games when the Razorbacks need him.
But Pelphrey also acknowledged that it will only work for so long. Although, he wasn’t exactly talking about this season.
“He’s going to learn that if he stays in this thing much longer, this thing being basketball, he’s going to have to learn to like the weight room more,” Pelphrey said. “He’s going to learn to understand the value of the training room. He doesn’t understand it. He’s still very immature from that standpoint. He doesn’t understand that he’s got one body. He thinks it’s going to last forever. He’s going to need some new tires sooner or later. They’re going to wear out.”
One thing is for certain: Fortson’s suspension could be a big reason why he’s playing so well right now.
The guard didn’t log 14 nonconference games like the rest of his teammates (and Arkansas’ opponents). So one theory is that the guard has fresh legs at this point in the season, allowing him to break down opponents in the second half and will the Razorbacks to wins.
Does Pelphrey buy that?
“That’s something that could be talked about I guess,” Pelphrey said. “I don’t know. Even though he was practicing, games take a lot out of you.”
