Takeaways From First Arkansas Basketball Practice
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Monday officially began the 96th season of Arkansas basketball and the eighth under head coach Mike Anderson.
The team had two sessions in Bud Walton Arena, one at 6 am and the second at 4 pm. Prior to the afternoon workout, Coach Anderson and the players met with the media and here are some of the things they were talking about.
Gafford Returns for Sophomore Season
Daniel Gafford established himself as one of the SEC’s top big men last season. The El Dorado product had NBA interest in the off season but chose to return to the Razorbacks for another season. That choice is already paying dividends. Gafford was part of a select group of the nation’s top collegiate players to participate in a camp that involved current NBA stars. After a good showing, Gafford is a consensus top 15 pick in the early mock NBA Drafts, going as high as #6. Gafford cited an extra year to develop and mature, expand his game facing the basket and being a leader.
This Year is Not Last Year
Last year, the Razorbacks had five seniors, two of which – Jaylen Barford and Daryl Macon – had All-SEC seasons and are currently in NBA camps. That group helped Arkansas play in back-to-back NCAA Tournaments. Gone from last year’s team is 79.6 percent of the offense and 90 percent of the assists.
This year, Arkansas only returns four players from last year’s team with junior Adrio Bailey (58 career games, 3.0 ppg and 2.0 rpg) and Jonathan Holmes (17 career games, 1.0 ppg and 0.2 rpg) being the lone upperclassmen along with sophomores Daniel Gafford and Gabe Osabuohien. Holmes is the only player on the roster that made a 3-pointer last season – making two – while the quartet combined to dish out just 49 total assists.
All that being said, this squad has been working out together since the summer. They are in excellent shape, long and athletic which will compliment Coach Anderson’s “FASTEST40” style.
Young and Talented ‘Backs
Fans will need a roster card early this season to learn all the fresh faces as the roster features 10 new Razorbacks, including two that redshirted last season. While the team is young, it has talent as the recruiting class was tabbed the 25th-best in the nation. Jalen Harris and Khalil Garland redshirted with the Razorbacks last season. Harris does have college experience as he started 18 games as a true freshman at New Mexico where he averaged 4.5 points and 2.3 assists. Mason Jones also has some experience as he transferred to Arkansas after one year at Connors State College.
Isaiah Joe was USA TODAY Arkansas player of the Year.
Ethan Henderson was rated the top player in Arkansas last year by 247sports and ESPN.
Desi Sills was the #3-rated player in Arkansas last season and was named to the USA TODAY All-Arkansas team.
Keyshawn Embry was a 4-star recruit and the 22nd-best point guard in the nation.
Reggie Cheney was the #3 prospect in the state of Texas and the #29 power forward in the nation.
Ibrahim Ali and Jordan Phillips were both 3-star recruits. Phillips had off season knee surgery and will hopefully be able to resume practicing in December.
Season Tickets
The Razorback Ticket Center is currently accepting requests for 2017-18 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets. Seats will be assigned by Razorback Foundation guidelines with season ticket prices ranging from $300 to $450. To purchase tickets call 1-800-982-4647 or click here.
For more information on Arkansas men’s basketball, follow @RazorbackMBB on Twitter.
