Arkansas Razorbacks have looked every bit like a contender for most of the season. Aside from a narrow double-overtime setback to Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball, the Razorbacks have consistently played high-level basketball, stacking quality wins and building momentum at the right time of year. But as the calendar inches closer to postseason play, one glaring issue continues to surface, the lack of consistent production from the front court.
Arkansas’ backcourt has been the engine all season long, setting the tempo, creating offense, and delivering in big moments. The guard play has masked some of the team’s interior shortcomings, but against elite competition, those weaknesses become much harder to hide.
Razorbacks’ Frontcourt Filled With Glaring Holes
Trevon Brazile has been the Razorbacks’ primary presence down low. He’s tasked with protecting the rim, rebounding in traffic, and providing energy plays that swing momentum. His length and athleticism allow him to block shots and clean the glass at a high level.
However, Brazile has been slightly inconsistent throughout the season. There are stretches where he looks dominant, altering everything in the paint and controlling possessions, and others where his impact fades. The inconsistency itself wouldn’t be as glaring if the help around him were steadier. Instead, the lack of reliable support in the front court has amplified every performance, good or bad, putting a spotlight on Brazile to do more than should reasonably be expected.
Outside of Brazile, the primary contributors in the front court have been Nick Pringle and Malique Ewin. Pringle, in particular, was expected to make a significant impact this season. Instead, he has struggled to find consistency and rhythm.
He’s averaging just 5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, numbers that fall short of preseason expectations. More concerning has been his foul trouble. In the recent double-overtime loss to Alabama, Pringle fouled out in just 23 minutes of action. Frequent fouls have not only limited his availability but have also sent opponents to the free-throw line far too often, putting added pressure on Arkansas’ defense.
Head coach John Calipari even revealed Pringle’s team-first mindset following the game knowing that he isn't playing up to his own standard.
"“Nick Pringle says to me, ‘If you want to start Malique Ewin because he played really well, I’m fine,’” Calipari said postgame. “He said, ‘Now I’m not telling you what to do. Do what you want to do, but I’m telling you it wouldn’t bother me in the least.’”"John Calipari
While that selflessness is admirable, Arkansas needs more than willingness, it needs production.
Malique Ewin has started to show signs that he may deserve an expanded role. He’s averaging 9.3 points and 4.9 rebounds this season and is coming off a strong 16-point, 8-rebound performance in which he logged a season-high 31 minutes.
Ewin’s recent surge presents a potential solution. Giving him more consistent minutes could stabilize the rotation while allowing Pringle time to reset and rediscover his form. At the very least, Ewin has provided a spark, something the Razorbacks desperately need from their interior group.
If Arkansas hopes to compete for an SEC championship and make a deep run in March, the front court must close the gap on the backcourt’s production. The Razorbacks don’t necessarily need dominant post play every night, but they do need reliable rebounding, disciplined defense, and consistent interior scoring.