Hogs’ Mike Neighbors May Have Things Headed in Right Direction

After Razorbacks come close against No. 3 LSU, team may have identity, direction

Author:
Andy Hodges
Publish date:
Jan 20, 2023 2:06 PM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The rest of the SEC might want to get ready.

Arkansas coach Mike Neighbors probably learned a little about his team in a 79-76 loss in Baton Rouge, La., on Thursday night.

But he learned a lot about other things, especially the crowd.

"It was amazing," Neighbors said later. "They fed their students (he didn't know what), they were out there early and they were on us, respectfully — they didn't cross the line. They made a difference."

First, the UA's crack promotions department now probably has a challenge from Neighbors. As of Friday morning, the team hadn't left Baton Rouge and was at some mall because they had to leave their hotel.

But he knows how to work the phones.

"We're going to steal some ideas and try to get a game like that in Bud Walton," Neighbors said. "Coach (Kim) Mulkey has revitalized their fan base to where it REALLY got loud in there tonight."

It affected the Hogs' communications on the floor.

"We couldn't hear each other call ball-screen coverages," he said. "We had to change our substitution policies, the way we were doing ... the crowd impacted the game."

He couldn't remember the final score and got that during the press conference.

"We lose by three?" he asked. "Yeah, I'd tell you they were worth three points."

This was an idea fans might want to prepare for with the Hogs. The guess here is something will be created.

Razorback fans usually rise to meet these types of challenges.