John Calipari looking for ‘one more guy’ to finalize Arkansas basketball roster

Arkansas basketball is nearing the completion of its roster after the recent commitment of transfer point guard DJ Wagner.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday at the SEC Meetings in Destin, Fla., Razorbacks head coach John Calipari reiterated his desire to have a small roster during his first season in Fayetteville.

“There was no team,” Calipari said. “We’re at eight right now. We’re at eight. I’m ecstatic. I’m looking for one more guy, and that’s what we’re going to have.”

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That mindset echoes what Calipari said during a recent appearance on former Oregon State head coach Craig Robinson’s “Ways to Win” podcast. On that show, the former Kentucky head coach said he doesn’t want to develop a kid for ‘someone else’.

Since this new strategy came to light, many have questioned Calipari’s tactics and how injuries could cause a headache with such a small roster. Calipari’s heard those criticisms, but he believes injury issues persist no matter the size of a college roster.

“If the wrong guy gets injured on any team in this country, you’re done,” he said. “I don’t care if you have eight guys, nine guys, 15, 16 guys if the wrong guy gets injured. So my thing is, if a couple guys get injured, I’ll have six really happy players.”

Mar 4, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Calipari still doesn’t know which type of player he’s looking for to fill out the ninth roster spot. He told reporters it depends on the player, saying it could be a shooter, a stretch-four or a physical presence inside.

The Arkansas head coach did confirm that with this new strategy, he will likely give players who are typically considered walk-ons full…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/john-calipari-looking-one-more-183224060.html

Author : Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record

Publish date : 2024-05-29 18:32:24

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