The college basketball season may officially begin later in the year, but in reality, the 2024-25 season is already underway. While the sound of basketballs bouncing and shoes squeaking on the court may be absent, the real action is taking place in recruiting. Coaches are scouring the transfer portal and seeking out promising freshmen recruits, knowing that their success in these areas could be the difference between triumph and failure in the seasons ahead. For some, this relentless pursuit is a burden, but others recognize it as the new norm. The coaches who thrive are those who embrace the evolving landscape of college basketball, understanding that salesmanship and deal-making are now essential to building a winning program.
Let’s face the fact that although the University of Arkansas has had some historical success in terms of men’s basketball, the NCAA hoops universe certainly does not evolve around the machinations going on in Fayetteville. In fact, you could easily consider locales such as Bloomington, Chapel Hill, Durham or even Lexington as the center of the college basketball universe. For that matter, you might as well start adding Storrs, CT to the list as the center of attention and attraction for basketball fans, players, coaches and pundits alike.
John Calipari seems to be on a mission to change the perception that Fayetteville doesn’t belong in the elite center of the basketball universe. The last month has been a whirlwind of activity for Arkansas Razorback basketball has Coach Cal attempts to push his new Arkansas charges into the inner sanctum of men’s hoops. After leaving the University of Kentucky in what may have been a surprise move to some, John Calipari has set himself out on a mission to rebuild the University of Arkansas not only as a respectable basketball school but to possibly come out swinging to try and dominate the SEC this upcoming season. The seeming author of the “one and done” mentality now realizes that college recruiting has been turned upside down with the transfer portal and players aren’t just leaving to pursue professional basketball dreams but leaving to test out greener pastures because they can.
In all reality, wouldn’t a modern college basketball coach try and build up as big a roster as possible, knowing that players are now more and more transient in their approach to a school affiliation and dare I say that many players now have more of a mercenary approach to playing for a particular school or coach? Call it what you want but the simple truth is that NCAA players have the ability to move and transfer schools while keeping their playing eligibility intact. Current NCAA rules allow for 13 scholarship players to be on a Division One roster; Coach Cal and the Razorbacks are looking at quality this coming season, not quantity.
John Calipari, known for his “one and done” philosophy, has shifted his perspective on developing players for just a season, only to see them leave through the transfer portal. This approach, he now believes, undermines the creation of a winning culture with the Razorbacks. “Yeah, they’re leaving anyway,” Calipari stated. “Why would I develop a kid for someone else? Why would I do that?” As a result, Razorback fans should expect a tighter rotation this upcoming season, with a focus on eight or nine key players. If injuries occur, Calipari’s prepared to handle them, drawing from his experience at UMass where he utilized a bench of just six players. This strategic shift indicates a new approach, prioritizing stability and commitment over constant roster turnover.
John Calipari might seem unorthodox with his smaller roster strategy, but there could be a thoughtful plan behind what seems like chaos. Instead of packing his team with a large roster to regain SEC and national traction, Calipari is focusing on quality over quantity. The Razorbacks are already making waves with standout transfers like Adou Thiero and Joseph Aidoo, adding instant experience and talent to the team.
On top of that, Arkansas has a stellar incoming class of freshmen. According to 247 Sports’ final rankings for the high school class of 2024, the Razorbacks have secured three of the top 25 players in the country: Boogie Fland at number 20, Karter Knox at number 23, and Billy Richmond at number 25. With such a mix of high-caliber transfers and elite freshmen, Calipari’s “less is more” approach might be precisely what Arkansas needs to make an impact in the SEC and beyond. This blend of experienced transfers and promising recruits could be the foundation for sustained success and a resurgence on the national stage.
I suspect that John Calipari has something up his sleeve in building his roster for next season and the new Razorback bench he’s building may stick it out and help turn the tide for Arkansas’ basketball fortunes in the seasons ahead.
