New Arkansas coach Mike Anderson hit the road during his first day on the job, traveling to the Northeast Arkansas to visit with members of the Razorbacks prized signing class.
Anderson, along with director of student-athlete development Scotty Thurman, met with Jonesboro Westside High’s Hunter Mickelson and East Poinsett County’s Ky Madden. The duo is part of Arkansas’ five-man signing class put together by former coach John Pelphrey.
Madden told the newspaper his first impression of Anderson was a good one.
“I thought he was a pretty cool guy,” Mickelson said. “It was pretty new, but other than that I liked what he was saying.”
Anderson introduced himself and explained how he saw the 6-foot-10 player fitting into his “Fastest 40 Minutes of Basketball,” telling Mickelson he would be a versatile player.
Mickelson said the first impression was a good one. In fact, Mickelson indicated he was still committed to the Razorbacks after the first meeting with the new coach.
“He (Anderson) seemed really fired up about it,” Mickelson told the Jonesboro Sun. “I’m probably going to stay at Arkansas, but I don’t really know right now.”
Mickelson’s father, Darren, took a more cautious approach, though.
Mickelson spent several years building a relationship with Pelphrey and Darren Mickelson told the Jonesboro Sun he’s not yet ready to “base the next four years of my son’s future on a guy I’ve met two or three times when you’ve known (Pelphrey) for three years.”
He didn’t tell the Jonesboro Sun his son’s recruiting would be reopened, but indicated it could give Mickelson some flexibility as he evaluates his situation.
“If we open the recruiting process, we are still very committed to Arkansas,” Darren Mickelson told the newspaper. “If the new coach doesn’t show us the same amount of interest and desire to have him on campus, then … (through opening the recruitment) we still have flexibility to talk to other coaches.”
Ultimately, Darren Mickelson said the decision would depend on what he felt in “his heart and his stomach.”
It’s a decision all of Arkansas’ signees — and even Anderson — will be making in the next couple of weeks. While the five-man group is evaluating what is best for their future, the coach is also expected to make decisions on if all five will be the right fit for his program.
Point guard B.J. Young said Wednesday night he liked the Anderson hire at Arkansas and would enjoy playing in his system. Guard Aaron Ross has said previously he planned to come to Arkansas no matter which coach was selected to replace Pelphrey.
Madden and forward Devonta Abron haven’t returned messages seeking comment. Madden’s father, Jerome, did speak to the Jonesboro Sun last night. He wasn’t in town for the face-to-face meeting with Anderson, but said he liked the Anderson hire.
“I think he’s going to do well,” he told the Jonesboro Sun. “I think he’s a great coach. … Coach Anderson came to see him (Thursday). I’m not sure how it went (Thursday). I haven’t talked to him (Ky) yet.”
— Robbie Neiswanger • Arkansas News Bureau
March 25th, 2011 at 9:52 am
The Arkansas Razorbacks will have a great class no matter what. Mike has some good recruits that he had committed to Missouri that he will get if any of our prior commitments faulter…or if any current players seek transfer. I am really excited about this hire, about this recruiting class, and about the future of the Razorbacks.
Thank you John Pelphrey for resurrecting our program and making all of this happen. You will always have a special place in my heart and I wish you nothing but the best of luck!
GO HOGS!!