Much of the attention surrounding Arkansas basketball has rightfully centered on the dynamic one-two punch of Trevon Brazile and Darius Acuff. The duo has been the engine behind the Razorbacks’ fast start, helping propel the Hogs to a 9–2 record and a national ranking that has climbed as high as No. 14.
But this Arkansas team is far more than a two-man show and that depth is precisely why the Razorbacks are emerging as a legitimate threat in the SEC and on the national stage.
More Than Just Brazile and Acuff
Arkansas’ most recent win offered a perfect snapshot of just how balanced this roster has become. Transfer big man Nick Pringle delivered a much-needed get-right performance, posting a season-high 14 points to go along with seven rebounds and two steals. DJ Wagner, who had been searching for his rhythm in recent outings, added 10 points and three assists while shooting an efficient 3-of-4 from the field.
Billy Richmond III continued his steady rise with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, plus five rebounds. On any given night, Arkansas can turn to multiple options to carry the scoring load, a luxury few teams in the country possess.
Defensively, the Razorbacks were equally connected. Arkansas held Queens to 44% shooting overall and just 24% from three-point range (6-of-25), forcing 17 turnovers in the process. Despite narrowly losing the rebounding battle 34–33, the Hogs’ defensive pressure consistently disrupted rhythm and flow.
Meleek Thomas' Impact When Shots Aren’t Falling
Perhaps the clearest sign of Arkansas’ depth is how productive the team can be even when key contributors struggle to score. Freshman sharpshooter Meleek Thomas endured a difficult shooting night, finishing with just three points on 1-of-11 shooting. Yet his impact was still felt across the floor, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals highlighted his ability to influence the game beyond the box score.
Thomas has cooled off recently, shooting just 7-of-31 over his last three games and dropping to 37.3% from the field on the season. Still, his 3.4 assists per game and defensive activity underscore his importance as a bench leader. When his efficiency rebounds, and history suggests it will, Arkansas’ second unit becomes even more dangerous.
An Arkansas Roster Built on Balance
The numbers tell the story. Arkansas has seven players averaging at least 7.5 points per game, with Brazile and Acuff leading the way. Thomas averages 14.8 points, Karter Knox 9.8, Richmond 8.7, Wagner 8.2, and Malique Ewin 7.5. On any possession, defenses must account for multiple threats and Arkansas capitalizes by playing unselfish, free-flowing basketball.
That balance extends beyond scoring. Four Razorbacks average four or more rebounds per game: Brazile (7.1), Knox (5.5), Pringle (5.4), and Thomas (4.0). On the defensive end, four players average at least one steal per game, Thomas (1.5), Brazile (1.5), Wagner (1.5), and Knox (1.1), highlighting a collective commitment to pressure and disruption.
While Brazile and Acuff remain the headliners, Arkansas’ strength lies in its depth, versatility, and willingness to share the workload. Every rotation player understands their role, and every night a different Razorback can step into the spotlight.
As SEC play approaches and the national spotlight intensifies, that depth could prove to be Arkansas’ greatest advantage. Teams built on balance tend to peak late, and if the Razorbacks continue to get contributions up and down the roster, they won’t just be ranked… they’ll be dangerous.