Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile celebrates with teammates as he leaves the game in the second half against the San Jose State Spartans at Bud Walton Arena — Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (2) celebrates with teammates as he leaves the game in the second half against the San Jose State Spartans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-58. (Nelson Chenault – USA TODAY Sports)

Calendar Year Makes All the Difference for Razorbacks' Star Forward Trevon Brazile

One year to the day before announcing he would stay, Brazile quietly entered Arkansas directly in shadow of All-Americans

Author:
Kent Smith
Updated:
Mar 31, 2023 10:34 AM EDT
Original:
Mar 31, 2023

In this story:

Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – It's hard to tell which one brought on a stronger positive reaction from Razorbacks fans – the Hogs' upset of No. 1 seed Kansas or the announcement by Trevon Brazile that he would be returning to Arkansas for one more season.

In both cases, Hog fans went into the situation hoping for the best, but expecting the worst while knowing both would pay off big time in the long run if fortune smiled on the Razorbacks either way.

It says so much about Brazile that Razorback fans are losing their minds over the versatile forward's return. His announcement to transfer to Arkansas came a year to the day before his most recent declaration with much different buzz.

Brazile's addition occurred the day after the McDonald's All-American game last year and was lost in the shadow of Musselman completing his collection of Jordan Walsh, Nick Smith and Anthony Black with a creative video from the latter sealing the deal.

It was almost like he was the player to be named later throw-in on a major trade announcement. At the time, the fanfare for Brazile was limited to "Oh yeah, I think he's that one guy from Mizzou. Is he the one that had a nice game against Arkansas?"

With five Top 100 recruits coming in, Brazile was thought to be a role player Musselman was bringing in to settle things down in the non-conference season if things got too big for the freshmen as they adjusted.

Even here at allHogs, where we love nothing more than to break down an incoming player as part of a quick reaction, the coverage of Brazile's transfer announcement had more of a check a box because it has to be covered and get back to those All-Americans feel to it.

It didn't take long for Brazile to change perception and establish himself as the highest ceiling player on the team. A perfect unicorn of size, athleticism, defense and shooting ability from all areas instantly made him not only a fan favorite, but the biggest threat on the floor.

His return immediately puts the Razorbacks in preseason Top 10 discussions for next season while simultaneously launching Brazile into lottery pick considerations.

Brazile led the Razorbacks in 3-point percentage by a wide margin and rebounds per game while averaging 12 points and more than a block and steal per game. He was a defensive mismatch and an automatic injection of energy with no rival when he entered.

HIs consistency in bringing an influx of grit to the team was matched only by exiting senior Kamani Johnson.

His arrival via portal last year may have gone overlooked, but there is no doubt that adding Brazile to next season's line-up will be the biggest acquisition Musselman will make regardless of which current or former 5-stars wander through the doors of Bud Walton Arena.

There's hype around potential and there's hype around a known commodity. The latter is more legitimate, and there may be no name in college basketball next season more legit than Brazile.