Arkansas basketball is betting big on its new frontcourt duo, Malique Ewin and Nick Pringle. Can these two transfers truly anchor the Razorbacks' post presence, or will the team struggle to find easy points inside? During a recent intrasquad scrimmage, Ewin and Pringle both unofficially logged double-doubles in points and rebounds, immediately sparking excitement among fans. The question now is, will their performance translate to the regular season, potentially landing them in the starting lineup for the No. 14 Razorbacks?
Coach Calipari, speaking at SEC Media Days, emphasized the critical need for a strong post presence. "You have to have a post presence or your team’s a fraud," he stated boldly. "You still have to be able to throw it to a guy in the post at times and get a free basket. We did it with Jonas [Aidoo] at the end of [last season], which is why we advanced." He continued, "I’m looking at this group and saying, ‘Who do we throw it to here?’ We don’t have to throw it 50 times, but there are times we’ve got to get a free basket. That’s what we want. We’re still looking for it."
Before the season tips off against Southern at Bud Walton Arena on November 3rd, the Razorbacks will fine-tune their strategy with exhibition games against Cincinnati on October 24th and Memphis on October 27th. These games will provide valuable opportunities to experiment with different lineups and rotations. But here's where it gets controversial: many believe that Calipari's historically guard-heavy offenses might struggle to effectively utilize a traditional post-up game.
While the lineup is still fluid, a potential starting five could feature Darius Acuff at point guard, D.J. Wagner at shooting guard, Karter Knox and Trevon Brazile at the forward spots, and either Ewin or Pringle at center. Brazile, who has prior experience playing against Pringle, praised his physicality and rebounding prowess. "I played against Nick. I think I played against him for three or four years," Brazile said. "I’m familiar with his game and he’s expanded it since he’s been with us at Arkansas. We know he’s going to bring elite rebounding, physical presence, toughness." Think of Pringle as the enforcer, the guy who battles for every rebound and isn't afraid to mix it up inside.
Brazile also had high praise for Ewin's skillset. "As skilled as anybody I’ve ever played with," he remarked. "He sees the court in ways that I’ve never even seen it. He’s a good passer. He can score. I think we’ll have a good front court this year." Ewin, transferring from Florida State, brings a different dimension to the post, offering playmaking and scoring versatility.
Wagner and Knox, both previously connected to Calipari at Kentucky, add familiarity and continuity to the roster. Wagner, a junior, followed his coach to Arkansas after his freshman season with the Wildcats. Knox, a sophomore, flipped his commitment to Arkansas during his high school career. Brazile was already a Razorback before Calipari's arrival, while Acuff, a highly touted freshman, headlines Calipari's first Arkansas recruiting class. Acuff, ranked as ESPN’s No. 7 overall recruit and the No. 1 point guard, is expected to fill the void left by Boogie Fland, who transferred to Florida after an injury-plagued season.
Speaking of transfers, it's interesting to note the ripple effect of Calipari's move. Fland, like Knox, was a commitment flip. Zvonimir Ivisic, another former Wildcat, transferred to Illinois, and Adou Thiero was drafted into the NBA. Brazile stepped into a starting role after Thiero's injury last season, highlighting the importance of depth. Sophomore Billy Richmond, another commitment flip, provides additional depth behind Knox. Knox significantly improved his three-point shooting in the second half of last season, hitting 43% of his attempts.
"I’m very excited for all the guys who returned," Wagner said. "They’re all great players, and I’m happy I get to share the court with them again for another year....Karter and other guys: Billy, TB, all of them. I’m excited. I think we’re going to have a great year with the new guys as well and I’m very excited to share the court with them for the first time." Wagner's enthusiasm underscores the team's chemistry and optimism.
Freshmen Isaiah Sealy (from Springdale, AR) and Meleek Thomas are expected to contribute as key bench players alongside Richmond. Sealy, a 6-7 wing, impressed in the scrimmage with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Thomas, a 6-5 guard, scored 21 points and will help offset the loss of Nelly Davis, whose significant playing time will need to be filled.
Thomas, hailing from Pittsburgh and previously playing in the Overtime Elite league, is already making a strong impression. "They’ve been doing a good job," Wagner said of the freshmen. "They pick up very fast. You wouldn’t even think they were freshmen — the way they act, how mature they are and the way they play. They are not your normal freshmen. They’ve been making it easy for all of us." This suggests that the freshmen are quickly adapting to the college game and contributing to the team's overall performance.
Calipari has also added a trio of international players to the roster: Karim Rtail (Lebanon), Elmir Dzafic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Paulo Semedo (Angola). Rtail was hampered by a back injury during the summer, while the centers combined for 5 points in the scrimmage. Semedo, a highly-rated recruit, adds exceptional length but may not see significant playing time unless injuries impact the experienced frontcourt. And this is the part most people miss: While international players can bring unique skillsets, integrating them into a cohesive team dynamic can sometimes be a challenge, requiring patience and strategic coaching.
Ultimately, the success of Arkansas's basketball season hinges on the performance of Ewin and Pringle in the frontcourt, the development of the freshmen, and the team's overall chemistry. Do you think Arkansas's reliance on transfers will pay off, or will the lack of long-term continuity hinder their progress? What are your predictions for the Razorbacks this season? Let us know in the comments below!
