Arkansas basketball: A way-too-early starting lineup prediction for John Calipari’s Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Barring any unforeseen changes, the Arkansas basketball roster is set for the upcoming season.

In a surprising twist, Trevon Brazile announced his intention to return to the Razorbacks on Tuesday. Brazile declared for the NBA Draft and entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason, but he will instead play for John Calipari in the head coach’s inaugural season in Fayetteville.

Brazile’s return gives Calipari nine scholarship players, which is four short of the NCAA maximum, but right in line with the former Kentucky head coach’s vision for his first roster. Just last week, Calipari said he was looking for one more player.

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With Brazile in the fold, it’s time to consider how the roster fits on the floor. Here’s a way-too-early prediction on the Arkansas basketball starting lineup and rotation for next season.

Projected Arkansas basketball starters 2024-25

DJ Wagner, Boogie Fland, Johnell Davis, Trevon Brazile, Jonas Aidoo

Aidoo and Davis are locks to start. Aidoo earned first-team All-SEC honors last season at Tennessee. He offers terrific rim protection while also being sturdy defending and participating in the pick-and-roll.

Davis figures to be the focal point of the offense. He’s an elite slasher and shot 41.3% from three-point range last year at FAU.

Trevon Brazile is returning to Arkansas basketball for the 2024-25 season and should be a terrific complimentary piece in the front court for John Calipari.

It’s also tough to envision Wagner and Brazile coming off the bench because of their unique skill sets compared to the rest of the roster.

Wagner is the only pure point guard on the team, while Brazile is a hyper-athletic stretch four who perfectly pairs with Aidoo. Brazile didn’t live up to lofty expectations last year for Arkansas, but he can thrive as a…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/arkansas-basketball-way-too-early-145733154.html

Author : Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record

Publish date : 2024-06-05 14:57:33

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