In Coach Cal's first season with Arkansas, the Hogs find themselves 11-2 a couple months into the season. Now, with conference play about the begin, they start a gauntlet of an SEC schedule.
The SEC is arguably the most competitive it's ever been with nine teams ranked in the top 25 and five teams ranked inside the top 10. A lot of things need to go right to win the majority of conference games, and here are the key factors Arkansas basketball heading into conference play
5 Key Factors
Health
Injuries have been an issue for the Hogs this season. Only four players have played every game, and they were limited to seven players in two games. Coach Cal has stated they were unable to have scrimmages due to the lack of available players, causing the team chemistry to develop slower than expected.
Even with the health concerns, it's better to have injuries to start the season than at the end of the season heading into March Madness. The Razorbacks seem to be on track to being fully healthy for conference play.
Offensive Movement
At the beginning of the season, player movement and ball movement was almost non-existent. The half-court offense was stagnant, and the team was still getting used to playing with each other. As the season went on, team chemistry started to develop, and the offense looked more cohesive.
The offense has been using more pick-and-roll actions, players have been cutting, and they have been moving the ball at a higher rate. Over the last three games, they have averaged 23.3 assists per game, bring the season average up to 16.8.
Hot Starts
The Hogs have consistently gotten off to slow starts. It seems to take some time for the players to settle into games and become comfortable. In the first half, they have played from behind in 8 of their 13 matchups and have allowed lesser competition to stay within reach.
Once they settle down and lock in, they are one the best teams in the country. Getting off to a good start will be key against tougher competition. It will be more difficult to come back from a deficit moving forward.
Take Care of the Ball
Turnovers have been a major issue this season for the Razorbacks. They are averaging 12.1 turnovers per game, and five players are averaging 1.7 or more. Reckless behavior, careless play, and errant passes have plagued their offense.
The Hogs are 6-0 when they win the turnover battle, 3-1 when they tie, and 2-1 when they lose. If they take care of the ball and win the turnover battle, they have a chance to beat anyone.
Defensive Intensity
Arkansas' defense has been outstanding so far this season. According to Kenpom.com, they rank 24th in the country in defensive rating and 5th in a stacked SEC conference. They are a feisty group that disrupts passing lanes and makes life difficult opposing offenses. Adou Thiero has been one of the best defenders in the nation.
His size, strength, athleticism, and physicality make him a versatile weapon on defense. Boogie Fland and D.J. Wagner are pesky defenders on the perimeter while Jonas Aidoo and Trevon Brazile protect the rim and clog the paint. Kevin Knox and Billy Richmond III are coming into their own as defenders as well. The former is developing into an elite perimeter defender, while the latter is becoming an off-ball defensive threat.
The Hogs start conference play against number one ranked Tennessee in Knoxville. According to Kenpom.com, they have the 2nd best defense in the nation and the 20th best offense. It will be a tough road test, but if we execute these key factors, we have a chance to beat anyone.