The John Calipari era has been a whirlwind for Arkansas Razorback fans, and as the No. 1 recruiting class in the country heads to the Bahamas, the excitement around the team is higher than it has been since Nolan Richardson was still putting opponents through 40 Minutes of Hell. With all the recent success, it's a bit easy to forget how recently Eric Musselman was the face of Hogs basketball.
The former Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball coach has been at USC since departing from Fayetteville in 2024, but he hasn't been shy about showing support for his former Hogs.
Eric Musselman shouts out Kamani Johnson after joining Razorbacks coaching staff
Kamani Johnson recently revealed that he will join John Calipari's staff as a graduate assistant for the 2026-27 season, working primarily with the coaching and development of Arkansas' forwards.
Considering Johnson and Musselman's history -- Eric Musselman recruited Kamani Johnson to Arkansas after the forward transferred from UALR in 2020 -- it isn't surprising that Johnson's hiring would catch his former coach's attention. On X, Musselman congratulated Johnson, writing:
""Congrats Coach Johnson! One of the toughest, hardest-working players around. Wishing you all the best as you transition into coaching.""Eric Musselman
Congrats Coach Johnson! One of the toughest, hardest-working players around. Wishing you all the best as you transition into coaching.
— Eric Musselman (@EricPMusselman) July 22, 2026
Musselman might not have gone out on the best note with the Arkansas Razorbacks, but he's always been more than willing to show love to his former players, regardless of where he coached them. Kamani Johnson didn't play for any other head coach during his time in Fayetteville, and now, he's going to be a unique bridge between the Muss Bus and Coach Cal eras.
Johnson is also a natural fit for the role Arkansas has given him. He was never the most talented player on Musselman's roster, but few Razorbacks embodied the physicality and effort that defined the program's best teams under its former coach. Johnson remains Arkansas' all-time leader in offensive rebounding rate, and his willingness to battle for every possession is exactly the type of mentality Arkansas need this year with its talented young forwards.
Johnson wasn't the only former Arkansas Razorback whom Eric Musselman shouted out on social media this week. In addition to Johnson, Musselman also responded to Jordan Walsh's recent contract extension, congratulating the 22-year-old Boston Celtic on earning his second NBA contract.
Congrats @jordanwalshlife! A violent defender with a great work ethic who continues to improve. Big seasons ahead in the @NBA
— Eric Musselman (@EricPMusselman) July 23, 2026
Walsh recently agreed to a three-year, $15 million extension after the best season of his young NBA career. The former Razorback averaged 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds across 68 games while shooting 50.9% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range. He also made 25 starts and developed into one of Boston's most dependable perimeter defenders.
Calipari has taken the Razorbacks to new heights, but the foundation for Arkansas' modern basketball expectations was laid during the Muss Bus era. Musselman led the Hogs to three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances, including back-to-back Elite Eight runs, and helped send several players to the NBA.
Now, one of the hardest-working players from the Musselman era is returning to Fayetteville to begin his coaching career. Hopefully, that translates to even more success for one of the most highly-touted Arkansas Razorback squads of all time.Â
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