Sometimes the smallest changes can lead to the biggest results. For Arkansas basketball, a subtle adjustment to the starting lineup may have been exactly what the Razorbacks needed to flip the script.
Razorbacks’ Rotation Swap With Meleek Thomas and DJ Wagner Pays Off
Head coach John Calipari made the decision to move guard DJ Wagner into a bench role while inserting freshman guard Meleek Thomas into the starting lineup. The move came after Arkansas struggled with slow starts, most notably in a double-digit loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. In that game, the Razorbacks dug themselves into an early hole, one that proved too deep to escape despite brief stretches of momentum that hinted at a comeback.
While the change wasn’t a direct indictment of Wagner, Calipari acknowledged the need to address those sluggish openings. Thomas, simply put, has been the more consistent offensive threat as of late. The freshman has found a scoring rhythm, and Calipari leaned into that momentum, hoping Thomas’ offensive spark could prevent Arkansas from falling behind early once again.
The results spoke for themselves.
With Thomas in the starting lineup, Arkansas cruised to an impressive win over No. 15 Vanderbilt, a performance that looked far more controlled from the opening tip. Thomas’ presence helped establish offensive energy early, allowing the Razorbacks to play from ahead rather than scrambling to recover.
Credit is also due to Wagner, who handled the move with maturity and professionalism. This marked just the second time in his last 84 games that he didn’t start, yet the shift had no negative impact on his performance. Wagner was extremely efficient, finishing with 11 points, three assists, and zero turnovers, a stat line that underscored his importance and poise. His play was a major factor in the win and a testament to his growth as both a player and a leader.
It’s important to note that this wasn’t a traditional “benching.” Wagner essentially slid into a next best man off the bench type of role, with a Malique Ewin as well, that Thomas previously occupied. This role often viewed as an extension of the starting lineup rather than a demotion. The adjustment created different matchups and allowed Wagner to impact the game against opposing second units while still logging meaningful minutes.
Calipari recognized a change was necessary and wasn’t afraid to make it for the good of the team. Early returns suggest the move benefited everyone involved. Wagner’s role and value to the Razorbacks remain unchanged, and if anything, he may have found a niche that maximizes his strengths.
If this early success is any indication, the lineup tweak could be a defining moment for Arkansas as the season progresses, one that reinforces the idea that roles can shift, but impact doesn’t have to.