2025-2026 Razorback Basketball

[Show-Me Hog]

But WhERe is MaRK POpE???

He's not even in Others Receiving Votes, and neither is Muss, who has had a few tough years.

Here's a list, in no particular order, of coaches that just missed the top 10 cut line:

Mark Few, Gonzaga
Matt Painter, Purdue
T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State
Brad Underwood, Illinois

[Hogworth Ballington III]

So I know we've still got several games (hopefully) left in the year and we should enjoy this group while we have them, but I can't help but start looking ahead to next year. Looking at the draft boards, most "experts" have BR3 going mid to late 2nd round. What are the chances we get him back? I know Cal is big on getting the kids to the league as soon as they're ready, but another year with him improving like he has, and he could definitely play himself into a first round pick. And that's a boat load of cash to leave on the table, what with NIL deals making it even more attractive to stay compared to a 2nd round evaluation (0 guaranteed vs 4 yr contract w/ 2 guaranteed for 1st rounders)

What other players (if any) from this team do you guys see as a focus for Cal and staff to retain? I don't see Meleek coming back, unfortunately.  Knox is an interesting case because of the lvl of defense he can play, but I honestly expected more by this time (I know he's been hurt, but he has a tendency to completely disappear from a game even when he is healthy). Maybe Wagner? I don't see him going pro, but I also don't know if he's willing to stay another year with yet another group of young guards coming in to threaten his playing time. I could see him very likely taking the Boogie route and transferring out.

[Barton Fink]

I think DJ will transfer as well. I have to think he wants to be "the" guy and that's not gonna happen here. Can't fault him for that. Knox will likely do the same.

I think there's a good chance Billy returns. He's at best a 2nd round pick this year and can work his way into the first round next year. Him, Sealy, and Ewin are the most likely returners.

I'm not sold Maleek is gone. He'll definitely test the waters. Next year's draft is not gonna be this deep. At best he's  a late first round pick this year, but that's not a given. This is just an exceptionally deep class this year. He has a good shot at playing his way into the lottery if he returns.

[BleedinRed]

I don't think Maleek is ready for the show.   

[vegashog]

thomas said all thru his recruitment he was one and done.

he's a pure scorer and not much else will be expected of him at the next level. we have two guys coming in that can put the ball in the basket in smith and toure. wouldn't surprise me to see him go thru the draft, as long as he doesn't sign a contract, he can come back.

[Pig Benis]

thomas said all thru his recruitment he was one and done.

he's a pure scorer and not much else will be expected of him at the next level. we have two guys coming in that can put the ball in the basket in smith and toure. wouldn't surprise me to see him go thru the draft, as long as he doesn't sign a contract, he can come back.

Neither of those guys can shoot like Meleek though. I think they would all play well together. If he stays in the draft we'll be looking for a shooter.

[vegashog]

not saying i don't want him back. like i said, he can see where and who he's drafted by and decide then, if cal will wait for him.

and i have no idea of the money situation, rumor was smith cost a lot, like a whole lot. i'm sure coach wants to retain as much as he can plus he's going to have to find at least one really good inside guy. chicken man will have to step up once again.

[Lurk]

Do we really want DJ gone? Are any of the recruits going to be as good at point as him? I thought Smith and Toure were more 2s.

[DirkPiggler]

Do we really want DJ gone? Are any of the recruits going to be as good at point as him? I thought Smith and Toure were more 2s.

I've read elsewhere that DJ will likely be back.   Smith is supposed to be a PG.  Toure more of a 2/3.   

We are going to need another outside shooter or two.  Hopefully Cal will find them in the portal.

[BleedinRed]

We would be foolish to let DJ transfer.  

[Barton Fink]

I love DJ. You won't find a better backup PG in the country. Just got to wonder if he wants a bigger scoring role.

[vegashog]

We would be foolish to let DJ transfer. 

i agree. cal loves the guy, he would probably pay him out of his own pocket if he could.

[Lurk]

[Keyser Soooie]

I love DJ. You won't find a better backup PG in the country. Just got to wonder if he wants a bigger scoring role.

That's going to be tough for him no matter where he goes because he's not a great shooter.

[Barton Fink]

That's going to be tough for him no matter where he goes because he's not a great shooter.

I tend to agree, but I think there are schools where he would get more opportunities. Maybe somewhere like Memphis, etc.I could see him looking at some Big East schools.

You never know what these kids are thinking. Better yet, what they're being told.

[Pig Benis]

I'm hopeful we get DJ and Billy back. I think Thomas probably stays in the draft, and Knox transfers due to the logjam at the 3.

[soldiersooie]

I'm hopeful we get DJ and Billy back. I think Thomas probably stays in the draft, and Knox transfers due to the logjam at the 3.

I think Thomas goes too, but he could play himself into a lottery pick if he came back.

[BleedinRed]

If Knox has any intelligence he will take a hard look at what BR3 did after the midway point of the season and make thee decision to stay and do the same from game 1 next season.  There is plenty of playing time available for Knox.

[Lurk]

This is awesome.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/742121709488224/permalink/2744741119226263/?

Well, the post is about Lee Mayberry winning a state championship. 

[Lurk]

It slipped by me with Acuff getting his well deserved rewards, but Thomas made the all freshman team and Richmond made the all defensive team.