Transfer guard to redshirt

HawgSports analyst Curtis Wilkerson broke news early Friday morning that Washington transfer guard Keyon Menifield will redshirt his sophomore season for the Eric Musselman and the Hogs, and plans to walk-on. This news doesn’t come to a surprise for many, as it’s been rumored for the last few weeks.

The 6-foot-1 sophomore averaged 10 points and 3 assists last season for the Huskies on 41% from the field, and 31% from three. Coming in at 170 pounds, Menifield may use his extended off-season to bulk up and gain muscle, preparing himself for a breakout season in 2024.

Menifield transferred into a loaded backcourt, so while the news may be somewhat disappointing, the backcourt depth is still most definitely there.

Arkansas returns Devo Davis and Joseph Pinion, while also adding El Ellis, Khalif Battle and Tramon Mark through the Transfer Portal, and signing four-star Layden Blocker out of highschool. There’s not been a plan publicly announced for how Eric Musselman will use all six guards, but he’ll have no problem with guard play this season.

With Menifield electing to walk-on, Arkansas is left with one roster spot available for next season. There’s been talk about a certain unnamed transfer filling that last spot, but nothing official has been released yet. It will be very interesting to see how Menifield chooses to go after his time off, but I’d expect to see a big jump in his play if he suits up for Arkansas in 2024.