Powell Named Impact Freshman

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Freshman Marshawn Powell of the Arkansas Razorback men’s basketball team was named the No. 18 impact freshman this season by Foxsports.com.

In its growing coverage of basketball, Foxsports.com‘s Josh Hewitt ranked the top 20 true freshman who he thought would make an impact. Powell, a 6-7 forward from Crozet, Va., who was rated by one service as the No. 16 power forward last season averaged 22.0 points per game as a senior with 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots for a team that went 32-4.

Hewitt mentioned Arkansas’ returning players giving Powell a chance to adjust to his new surroundings and pointed out that "[Powell] can still hurt defenses in a number of ways, whether it’s knocking down a three or posting up a defender down on the block."

Powell’s ability to score and play the post should give Arkansas an advantage with mismatches as he stands over guards and runs around larger posts. He is a two-time Virginia state player of the year and came to the Razorback program after considering some of the top collegiate programs in the country from the Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big East and others.

Powell is one of six new players to the Razorback roster this year and one of three big men for the Hogs. He is joined by 6-9 forward Delvon Johnson and 6-7 forward Glenn Bryant in the front court. The Razorbacks also brought in three guards this season in Jemal Farmer, Julysses Nobles and Jeff Peterson.

The Razorback basketball team holds its first official practice on Friday, Oct. 16 as it prepares for the 2009-10 season. For more information regarding Razorback men’s basketball or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.