Pour The Fanta! College Basketball Analyst Drinking The Razorback Hype Juice

Fox’s John Fanta says Arkansas not only makes run to Final Four but wins the whole thing.

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Nov 7, 2023 11:59 AM EST
Original:
Nov 7, 2023

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas fans love to hear national analysts speak highly of the Razorbacks. With a injection of eight new players and the return of five others, the Hogs have an intriguing roster full of talent and experience this season.

The hype train doesn't stop outside of the Natural State as John Fanta, a rising star as a color commentator with Fox, predicts Arkansas not only makes its first Final Four since 1995, but also becomes kings of the college basketball world.

"I love this team," Fanta said. "[Arkansas] has the mix of returning experience and a blend of newcomers. The Muss Bus is always going to cruise through the transfer portal."

It's certainly hard to bet against Musselman and the Razorbacks as they attack the transfer portal better than any other program in the country. Arkansas signed seven transfers during the offseason, with only Keyon Menifield using his redshirt for the year. The centerpiece of the haul has to be none other than Khalif Battle, who was considered a top 20 transfer, according to 247sports.

"Khalif Battle, it's stop number three for him," Fanta said. "He's a guy that is a bucket getter and a high level scorer."

The former four-star prospect out of New Jersey has displayed grit and determination throughout his college career. Just last season, Battle led the Owls in scoring at 18 points per game and shot an elite 90% clip from the free throw line. Arkansas lacked a player who can create for himself whether off the dribble, in transition or off an extra pass.

"I'm betting on the kids they brought in with the transfer portal," Fanta said. "I like what I see in Chandler Lawson. I think El Ellis is only going to get better there. Tramon Mark fits Arkansas. Mark was such a good acquisition by Eric Musselman because in a lot of ways Houston and Arkansas and how hard they play are the same."

While the transfer class received plenty of attention, there was still reason to pay attention to a pair of key returners who embark on what is likely the final season of their respective collegiate careers. Fanta said Arkansas can depend on Davonte Davis and Trevon Brazile as leaders.

Davis came on strong during SEC play, ultimately leading the Razorbacks to an upset victory in the second round against Kansas with a season high 25 points. Brazile was sidelined with an ACL injury during the ninth game of the season, but provided Arkansas fans with highlight reel dunks and displayed an ability to stretch the floor with his three point shooting.

"All the trajectory has been there," Fanta said. "We don't talk about this enough in the sport that before 2021, the last time Arkansas was in the second weekend of the tournament was 1996. They've now done that in three consecutive years. Why can't the Razorbacks make it all the way to the Final Four?"

If you're interested in watching the complete segment, you can fast forward the video to the 23:06 mark on Fanta's X account.