Razorbacks Fans Can't Keep Watching Games Normal Way

Change in perspective will help see Arkansas performances same as Musselman probably looking at Hogs at this point

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Jan 25, 2024 4:02 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks have at least 13 games left in the basketball season.

For fans, that may sound like torture at this point. However, it doesn't have to be that way. All it takes is a change in perspective.

You see, Arkansas coach Eric Musselman would like to win a few games before the year ends. Losing is just something he will ever be able to accept. That being said, he is a realist.

This season is over. Instead, what he has playing out in front of him are 13 exhibition games that serve as an extension of next season. The win he is currently trying to find are for the purpose of a run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

That means training up and evaluating players for a shot at the upcoming roster with valuable SEC game data. And that's how fans should look at this.

Instead of watching the scoreboard, focus on individual players, most notably ones who have future eligibility. Sure, there are only five players who get on the floor every now and then who aren't seniors, graduate transfers or likely to head to the NBA draft, but they're getting playing time now, so see what's being brought to the table.

Who is providing energy? Who is making an effort to get up on someone's grill on defense? Who is at least trying to run the offense?

Trying is the key word because time and again players almost run where they should, throwing off teammates looking to make a well-timed pass. The Razorback faithful can make a game of it.

Post grades online and debate how they each scored it. By season's end, make predictions as to who gets invited back.

It would change how fans watch the game in the same way fantasy football changes the game for NFL fans in losing markets. In addition to increasing interest, it increases personal investment in next season.

What's more, when Musselman starts having his meetings to let players know if it's time to move on, the fan base will be much more educated and, hopefully, understanding of any personnel moves that take place late spring through the summer.

It's just important that fans figure out a way to get through the next several weeks because 13 is a big number. Too big to keep looking at things through traditional means.