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Could NBA's loss be Arkansas basketball's gain? Trevon Brazile drops out of the draft

By Austin Farmer

Dec 30, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (2) returns to the bench after a technical foul in the second half against the UNC Wilmington Seahawks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (2) returns to the bench after a technical foul in the second half against the UNC Wilmington Seahawks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports / Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
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It was only a few weeks ago that not a single coach or player officially called Fayetteville home. Yesterday, the Razorbacks gained their eighth commitment and now have a top-5 average transfer, recruit, and overall classes.

With five spots to fill, John Calipari still has work to do. However, one player's recruitment just opened up. Arkansas's very own Trevon Brazile. The 6-foot-10-inch forward declared for the NBA draft on April 8 and officially entered the transfer portal a few weeks later. Since players can now participate in the NBA combine to "test the waters," entering the transfer portal was most likely a precautionary step in case he didn't hear what he wanted to during the process. 

One obvious landing place for Brazile is USC. He committed to Eric Musselman from Mizzou, so following him to California would be the most comfortable thing. However, if he's looking to improve for next year's draft, comfort might not be what he's searching for. Unfortunately, there aren't many options so late in the cycle. There is one that has the aspects of familiarity but also something different. That place is none other than his previous home.

Just because he entered the transfer portal doesn't mean he needs to go to a different program. Arkansas gave him a spotlight while his previous school, Missouri, is a bottom-feeder basketball program. There might be some loyalty to the program. Oh, and there's the benefit of working with a Hall of Fame coach. 

Now, whether Coach Cal wants him might be a different story. The frontcourt currently has Zovonimir Ivisic, Jonas Aidoo, and maybe Audo Thiero. It's doable, but what happens if one is injured? Who else is in the portal as good as Brazile? Coleman Hawkins is technically in the portal but hasn't dropped out of the NBA draft. And what's to stop him from going back to Illinois? 

Right now, Brazile to Arkansas seems like a smart move for both parties. However, the recruiting landscape, especially from the portal, is constantly changing. Fans will just have to play the waiting game for now.

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