Eric Musselman’s Mom May be Only Person Who Can Save Hogs' Season
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — When Eric Musselman began his tenure at Arkansas, his mother, Kris, gave an evaluation of the job her son was doing. Whether it was constructive criticism or suggestions, Mama Muss always had a say.
Over the past four seasons, Musselman’s mother spent a lot of time studying the Razorbacks, offering some notes as to what her husband, Bill, would have done. While Arkansas is off to a 10-9 start to the season, the team needs a lot of help as it teeters on the brink of missing this year’s NCAA Tournament.
Maybe what this team needs is a penned note of encouragement from Ms. Musselman.
Similar to this season, Musselman’s second Razorbacks team experienced issues communicating on defense. It’s been so bad this season that dribble drives and three-pointers are being converted at a higher than normal clip. Maybe a look back to 2020 would help Arkansas become more ‘connected’.
“Make sure they point at the player they want to guard when they're getting back on defense,” Kris Musselman said. “The other team scores too many easy baskets while your players wave to the crowd and /or celebrate.”
The Razorbacks possess plenty of size to challenge for offensive rebounds. However, they currently rank No. 299 in the country, pulling only nine offensive boards in any given night. That’s another place the 2020-21 team struggled with which the elder Musselman requested they get better.
“For as fast and athletic as your players are, you guys should get more rebounds on offense,” Kris said. “You may have good shooters, but not every shot is going to go in.”
Senior leader Davonte Davis is the only guard averaging one offensive board per game. During Arkansas’ run to three straight sweet sixteen’s at least three Razorback guards forced their way to one board per game.
Coach Musselman assembled a roster full of offensive specialists who were go-to guards at previous schools. Khalif Battle, El Ellis and Keyon Menifield were three of the most exciting players in the transfer portal, but have yet to show complete buy-in to the Musselman way.
Maybe, just maybe, all the Hogs need this year for another turnaround is a little encouragement and motherly advice from mama.
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