Razorbacks coach John Calipari faces significant challenges heading into the upcoming season. Despite his hefty $8 million annual salary, he must navigate decisions on starting lineups, player minutes, and optimal team combinations. Kentucky showcased offensive prowess this past season, boasting a roster filled with talented players capable of stretching defenses. The Wildcats consistently scored above 85 points per game, finishing with an impressive No. 7 ranking in KenPom’s offensive efficiency metric, registering a grade of 122.2.
The Wildcats were equally dreadful on defense with an adjusted rating of 102.9, which ranked No. 109 in the country and No. 9 in the SEC. Kentucky didn’t necessarily have the oldest team last season with nine underclassmen on the roster. Teams were much older on average last season with Villanova topping the list at 22.8 years old. The Razorbacks were second at 22.7 years. On the flip side, Kentucky’s average age was 20.2. The team’s youthfulness combined with pace of play were likely causes for lapses defensively.
Calipari’s Arkansas roster as it stands averages out right at 20 years old which is similar to last season, and even closer to the Anthony Davis led squad which was 19.7 years in 2012. With the Razorbacks coach potentially only bringing in 8-10 players it should keep the average about the same considering who they’re targeting. Former Kentucky point guard DJ Wagner turns 20 and USF transfer Kasean Pryor will be 23. That boosts the Hogs’ roster into the 20.7 year range which is still considerably young.
Transfers like Johnell Davis and Jonas Aidoo already bolster the roster. Both are proven commodities who have helped their teams to deep NCAA Tournament runs. They’re likely to have prominent roles as starters next season at shooting guard and center, respectively.
Davis played a huge role in FAU’s Final Four run two seasons ago. This season, he was the Owls primary offensive weapon and flourished. He finished No. 22 in adjusted offensive efficiency ranking last season. While on the floor Davis took an astounding 27.1 percent of FAU’s shots. His top performance came in a non-conference road duel against Arizona. The 6-4 guard posted 35 points on 15-of-27 shooting. Davis had a complete game tacking on nine rebounds, three steals and three assists.
Depending on how offseason additions go, true freshman point guard Boogie Fland will receive the nod at this point. Small forward will likely be a fierce battle between true freshman Karter Knox and Kentucky transfer Adou Thiero.
Knox is a very talented scorer finishing his final year on the prep scene with 23 points per game for Overtime Elite. He made 44% of his shot attempts from the floor, 34% behind the arc but was up-and-down at the charity stripe at 63%. He scored 29 or more points on six occasions which bodes well for the next level.
Thiero joins Arkansas after completing his sophomore year at Kentucky. While not a primary scorer, he made significant strides compared to his freshman season, averaging over seven points and five rebounds per game. His shooting percentages also saw improvement, with close to 50% from the field, 32% from three-point range, and an 80% free-throw accuracy.
Ivisic showed flashes of his ability last season when the NCAA declared him eligible to play. In his first outing against Georgia January 20, he scored 13 points including 3-of-4 made three pointers, five rebounds, three blocks and two assists. The 7-2 big man swung a no-look pass behind his back to the perimeter for a made three. Foreign players are much more developed ball handlers at this stage of their basketball careers which should benefit him as a trusted piece for Calipari’s first Arkansas roster.
Projected Arkansas Rotation
PG: Boogie Fland
SG: Johnell Davis
SF: Karter Knox
PF: Zvonimir Ivisic
C: Jonas Aidoo
6: Adou Thiero
7. Billy Richmond
Arkansas’ coaching staff has ample time to assemble the roster, taking a more deliberate approach compared to the faster pace seen under former coach Eric Musselman. If Calipari secures commitments from Wagner and/or Pryor in this recruiting cycle, it would undoubtedly alter the rotation, potentially bringing positive changes.
