What Should Have Been Problem, Now Glaring for Razorbacks

Eric Musselman probably should have seen problem putting team together in summer

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Jan 13, 2024 7:00 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTVILLE, Ark. — It’s beginning to get a little old with each Arkansas game. The repetitiveness of issues through three SEC games didn’t just start. Things have been bad all season long. Not being able to keep mid-major players in front on defense should’ve been a glaring issue early on.

Thinking to past teams under Eric Musselman, the Razorbacks usually correct things in some sort of way. However, even Musselman doesn’t think this season’s fortunes will turn around. That doesn't seem to be happening with another double digit loss in conference play.

On the Hogs' side of things it doesn't appear the team has what it takes to win. Musselman signed the No. 7 transfer portal class, per 247sports. For whatever reason the team hasn't meshed well together and it lacks communication on both sides of the floor. If that is hard to believe, the Razorbacks 12.7 turnovers per game should tell most of the story.

Florida doubled up on the boards when compared to the Razorbacks. The Gators pulled down a total of 48 rebounds but their 15 offensive boards led to 17 second chance points.

Offensively, the Hogs continue to miss layups and close jumpers. When the Razorbacks seemed to have found opportunities to cut the Florida lead a point blank shot would be missed. It was not only on drives to the basket by guards but by post players with a history of converting near the rim. Even dunks that should be easy flushes clanked off the rim due to overexertion.

In the first six minutes of game action in the first half, the Hogs missed three such shots in the paint only for Florida to treat its fans with outlets with flushes or wide open threes.

Again, the Razorbacks' inability to keep a single defender in front of them has been a problem for a few seasons. Even when Arkansas went to more of a matchup zone forcing turnovers, there were multiple dribble drives leaving Hog defenders in the dust.

When Arkansas does try to cut off the paint, over help on defense in the post causes a lapse in three point defense. Sure, Musselman sees the problem and tries to scheme against it but as he mentioned previously the players need the determination to fix deficiencies.

It's gut-check time for the Razorbacks as they look to avoid first 0-4 SEC start since the 2008-2009 season. Arkansas will return to Bud Walton Arena on Tuesday against Texas A&M.