Razorback Culture Thriving Away From Fayetteville

As current Arkansas team tries to work its way out of funk, former Razorbacks watching from afar

Author:
Daniel Shi
Publish date:
Jan 8, 2024 6:42 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Coach Eric Musselman shattered expectations. Three straight Sweet 16s and two trips to the Elite Eight is beyond anyone's wildest dreams after having not made the second week of the NCAA Tournament in 25 years. Now Musselman faces his toughest challenge yet – getting a completely out-of-sync team to resemble a Musselman-coached roster.

He's resorting to the past. His previous disciples bought in and shot the Head Hog and the program to national prominence.

"There’s a lot of former players that have been texting in the last 24-48 hours that have said ‘Hey coach, been there. Figure it out,’" Musselman said. "So that’s what we’re trying to do."

The former players who showed fight, prided themselves on defense and never gave in regardless of circumstance. Something that was nowhere to be found Saturday against Auburn.

"We’ve got guys playing NBA games and then texting after a game," Musselman said. "People are following the scores overseas. Guys are in the G league and they are texting. I didn’t just get one or two text messages. There were a lot of former players that I never coached that played here that are texting positive things."

Just as quickly as something can be built, it can all come crashing down. Yet, no one can take Musselman's success away from him.

Down years in college basketball can happen. There aren't going to be three NBA Draft picks on every roster, but there should be zero reason the Hogs play poorly with a lackadaisical nature. If nothing else, pride should fix that. A prideful program where the passion runs deep.

"It means a lot to me," Musselman said. "I hope it means at least a little something to the guys on the roster to know that their former teammates built something and take pride in what they built."

The Hogs look to restore pride on the road against Georgia Wednesday at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU and fuboTV.