Arkansas Fight: All Posts by Graham SmithsonYour daily source for Razorback News.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46887/expats-fave.png2023-07-07T17:55:40-05:00https://www.arkansasfight.com/authors/graham-smithson/rss2023-07-07T17:55:40-05:002023-07-07T17:55:40-05:00Muss’ young guns sign big
<figure>
<img alt="2023 NBA California Classic - Golden State Warriors v Charlotte Hornets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ton-t7vu9JrKGN_XOEzwT5EoYAw=/0x0:4800x3200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72434528/1522707604.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="IPda9Y">A few weeks removed from the 2023 NBA Draft and former Razorbacks are already making an impression in the league. Although his tenure in Fayetteville has been short thus far, Muss has a handful of players in the league for Razorback fans to follow. </p>
<p id="IweFp2"> </p>
<p id="avTR5h">During the last few days, all three of last season’s young guns signed substantial contracts with their new teams. Of course, the 6th overall pick wins the biggest prize, as Anthony Black signed a four-year deal worth $32.9 million on Thursday. Black’s rookie deal is the largest ever by a Razorback. Additionally, Black has joined forces with former Hog Au’Diese Toney this summer in Orlando, and the two will share the court during summer league action.</p>
<p id="hn1RXb"><a href="https://twitter.com/OrlandoMagic/status/1675916043565379585?s=20">https://twitter.com/OrlandoMagic/status/1675916043565379585?s=20</a></p>
<p id="4pdTpD"> </p>
<p id="2mGcKK">Elsewhere, Nick Smith Jr. and Jordan Walsh also inked their rookie contracts. Smith’s contract with the Charlotte Hornets is a four-year, $12.65 million deal. Jordan Walsh’s Boston Celtics contract is a four-year deal worth $7.6 million. </p>
<p id="3w9eaQ"> </p>
<p id="exk7Im">Ricky Council signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers after the draft and is making the most of his opportunity. Council recorded 13 points and five assists during Wednesday’s action before following that performance with eight points against the Thunder on Thursday. Council will travel with the 76ers to Las Vegas to continue summer league action this weekend. </p>
<p id="Eu2zge"> </p>
<p id="Rw5VLg"> </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/7/7/23787648/muss-young-guns-sign-bigGraham Smithson2023-06-02T11:23:08-05:002023-06-02T11:23:08-05:00Davis’ return sparks optimism for next season
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-Illinois vs Arkansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y3bStFf1uslwUlihCqNKrYn2MrQ=/0x0:4803x3202/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72335953/usa_today_20246224.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="XNS6uH">Devo Davis will return to Fayetteville for his senior season as an Arkansas Razorback.</p>
<p id="tRw83k"> </p>
<p id="8sDvhO">The news broke Wednesday night as players were on the clock to decide their NBA Draft status. After going through much of the draft process and working out for the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, Davis decided to withdraw from the draft.</p>
<div id="fzd252">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="qme" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://twitter.com/nickwenger5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nickwenger5</a> <a href="https://t.co/uFfqS3lmVC">pic.twitter.com/uFfqS3lmVC</a></p>— Davonte Davis⁉️ (@MrDevoBuckets) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrDevoBuckets/status/1664074603034034185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="B3N0mT"> </p>
<p id="IzpWAC">Davis has composed a handful of memorable performances during his career as a Razorback. Most recently, Davis’ second-half surge against Kansas in the round of 32 propelled the Hogs back into the Sweet 16 for a third consecutive year. His 25-point performance against the Jayhawks will live on amongst the already long list of memories for Hog hoops fans.</p>
<p id="LQDDpm"> </p>
<p id="5ntCq1">As a freshman, Davis’ late jumper against Oral Roberts clinched Arkansas a berth in the Elite. The Hogs would go on to lose to the eventual national champion Baylor Bears. However, the tournament run started Arkansas’ resurgence under Eric Musselman. </p>
<p id="zP8iax"> </p>
<p id="cVOcGZ">Additionally, his performance in January 2022 comes to mind as well. After chipping his tooth on the floor, Davis played a significant role in helping Arkansas get back on track in conference play with a win over LSU. Musselman was absent during the trip to Baton Rouge after undergoing shoulder surgery. </p>
<p id="qyt9Uz"> </p>
<p id="n6b3eA">The return of Devo Davis has enormous implications for the 2023-24 hoops season. Davis has improved each season under Eric Musselman, giving fans every reason to believe he will be an elite asset next season. Davis has cemented himself as a clutch performer and postseason master. Additionally, his experience and leadership will go a long way in helping Muss mesh yet another cast of newcomers.</p>
<p id="fuPj9l"> </p>
<p id="lQBay4">With Davis’ return, Arkansas’ backcourt creates all kinds of problems for all opponents next season.</p>
<p id="79gSy5"> </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/6/2/23746918/davis-return-sparks-optimism-for-next-seasonGraham Smithson2023-05-24T14:28:38-05:002023-05-24T14:28:38-05:00Mark withdraws from draft, will play for Hogs
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional-Miami (FL) vs Houston" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p1nNY75WnRrd3_LC2Fms4dfXj38=/0x42:7757x5213/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72309900/usa_today_20356245.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="7KEZAS">Houston transfer and Arkansas commit Tramon Mark has withdrawn his name from the NBA draft. The news comes a week before the deadline for players to remove themselves from the draft process.</p>
<p id="DLnPA2"> </p>
<p id="3gRea7">Mark was a factor in Houston’s run to the Sweet 16 last season. The long guard averaged 10 points and five rebounds a game. All signs point towards Mark shining in Eric Musselman’s system as a Razorback next season.</p>
<p id="bL4Z5Q"> </p>
<p id="zpocRs">Mark was the fifth-rated transfer guard in this year’s class. Out of high school, he was a consensus 4-star prospect and third-rated player in Texas.</p>
<p id="yJuCGC"> </p>
<p id="rTuhyA">Arkansas still awaits the decisions of Devo Davis, Jordan Walsh, and El Ellis. Additionally, Ron Holland received his release from Texas earlier this week. Arkansas seems to be a favorite to land the nation’s top recruit.</p>
<p id="Eq1CYs"> </p>
<p id="7lty0y">While recent hoop news has been slow, expect things to ramp up as Muss and his staff aim to finalize next season’s roster.</p>
<p id="ZZcNLd"> </p>
<p id="nqs5QZ"><strong> </strong></p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/5/24/23736400/mark-withdraws-from-draft-will-play-for-hogsGraham Smithson2023-05-17T15:50:00-05:002023-05-17T15:50:00-05:00Arkansas stays hot in transfer portal
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Arkansas at Louisiana State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MukfyZ3PWSxQVgQtYogsiy9GEQY=/0x0:5938x3959/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72293674/usa_today_13705022.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="49aXXm">Sam Pittman’s new defensive coordinator duo of Travis Williams and Marcus Woodson has another defensive weapon for the arsenal via the transfer portal. </p>
<p id="beqBbO"> </p>
<p id="rSXpCL">Former TCU Horned Frog Kee’yon Stewart announced his decision to come to Fayetteville via Twitter on Wednesday. </p>
<p id="AttKfA"> </p>
<div id="4HoJ2i">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIS WHERE I BELONG!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Woopig?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Woopig</a> <a href="https://t.co/qQIFCgXdKz">pic.twitter.com/qQIFCgXdKz</a></p>— Kee’yon Stewart (@keeyon1k) <a href="https://twitter.com/keeyon1k/status/1658931131624873984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="vDkKbe">tewart, a Houston native, initially committed to Michigan State out of the portal but is now headed to the Hill. He appeared in seven games for TCU last season, tallying 14 tackles and three pass deflections. </p>
<p id="W1bNJ4"> </p>
<p id="cd3CyP">Stewart hails from North Shore high school, where he initially committed to TCU as a 3-start prospect and the twelfth-rated cornerback in Texas. </p>
<p id="VOHLJ5"> </p>
<p id="64Kd0R">After a poor showing from the secondary last season, Pittman and the defensive staff have depth on their mind for the defensive backfield. Stewart should prove to be a solid addition with a few years of eligibility left.</p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/5/17/23729155/arkansas-stays-hot-in-transfer-portalGraham Smithson2023-05-09T22:42:48-05:002023-05-09T22:42:48-05:00Update of roster additions through transfer portal
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: The News-Leader" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/euZ01NxXzWyXYXCPB0y4UN8i9ew=/61x0:3916x2570/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72265197/usa_today_20364106.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="gub5co"><strong>May 8 Football Portal Update</strong></p>
<p id="W0SniG"> </p>
<p id="TvDJEM">Sam Pittman’s Hogs are in pretty good shape heading into the fall. A veteran quarterback room, an impressive running back group, and increased depth in the defensive backfield should be advantages for the 2023 Razorbacks. </p>
<p id="TzeT2h"> </p>
<p id="t4ZCfD">A few position groups can use some additions via the transfer portal this spring. Recently, Pittman added some much-needed help on the defensive front and an exciting tight end. Let’s dive into what we know. </p>
<p id="f8TPq7"> </p>
<p id="sBEDhA"><strong>Jaheim Thomas</strong></p>
<p id="cSCpdS">Arkansas landed a commitment from Jaheim Thomas on May 1. Before committing to the Hogs, Thomas spent three seasons as a Cincinnati Bearcat. As Cincinnati’s start linebacker, he recorded 70 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, and two sacks last season. Five of those solo tackles took place on September 3, when the Bearcats played the Razorbacks in Fayetteville. </p>
<p id="nkG7bl"> </p>
<p id="Wj9D6a">The 6’4”, 245-pound linebacker committed to his hometown school out of high school. After the recent coaching change at Cincinnati, Thomas is ready to step up to SEC competition. He will be a much-needed addition to this season’s defense with Bumper Pool’s and Drew Sanders’s departures.</p>
<p id="Ytli22"> </p>
<p id="XHoLEW"> </p>
<p id="M0Kp92"><strong>Anthony “Tank” Booker</strong></p>
<p id="4Y0WRy">Booker transferred to Arkansas from the University of Maryland, where he spent four seasons. The 6’4”, 320-pound interior lineman recorded 27 tackles and two forced fumbles for the Terrapins last season. </p>
<p id="fOAn2g"> </p>
<p id="rQ4k9c">Booker fills another need for Pittman’s staff. He will have two years of eligibility remaining. </p>
<p id="pwfCBd"> </p>
<p id="QC1bjT"><strong>Var’Keyes Gumms</strong></p>
<p id="zfCjp0">The transfer tracking of Gumms has been a saga for Razorback fans during the last month. He initially committed to Arkansas before withdrawing from his commitment on May 2. Gumms then committed again over the weekend and is here to stay.</p>
<p id="JBa5OW"> </p>
<p id="jWe04e">Gumms, 6’3” and 230 pounds, was a freshman playmaker for the North Texas Mean Green last season. He recorded five touchdowns and 458 receiving yards on 34 receptions. Arkansas’ tight end room heading into the fall is talented but young. However, Gumms should be a valuable weapon for Dan Enos and KJ Jefferson this fall.</p>
<p id="dfmBsE"> </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/5/9/23717911/update-of-roster-additions-through-transfer-portalGraham Smithson2023-04-27T09:29:37-05:002023-04-27T09:29:37-05:00Arkansas loses Magnolia native to portal
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Florida at Arkansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8Z3wcaqUoQVHGz3j6rmR-q6xTX0=/0x0:2644x1763/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72222997/usa_today_20026027.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="pAapaX">Arkansas guard Derrian Ford has entered the transfer portal. The upcoming Sophomore originally announced his return to Fayetteville next season, but after further consideration, the Magnolia native is heading elsewhere.</p>
<p id="a8z7Jk">Ford saw limited action during last season’s campaign. However, Musselman seemed to have confidence in the young guard, inserting him into the rotation late in several games due to his defensive abilities. Ford finished the season with appearances in 21 competitions.</p>
<p id="kPZ4n3">Ford came to Fayetteville as a consensus 4-star prospect and reigning two-time Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year. His departure leaves Joseph Pinion as the only renaming Razorback that was part of last year’s second-ranked freshmen recruiting class. There is now another roster spot for Muss and his staff to fill.</p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/4/27/23700597/arkansas-loses-magnolia-native-to-portalGraham Smithson2023-04-20T19:46:18-05:002023-04-20T19:46:18-05:00Graham’s Take: Arkansas Football further ahead that thought in spring
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Liberty Bowl-Arkansas at Kansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tdU8uy8q-zDaXYSKSz0Z4SoIBvY=/0x0:3776x2517/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72201262/usa_today_19689100.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Sypato">Saturday’s public practice inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium marked the end of Arkansas’ spring session for 2023.</p>
<p id="blz6P7">The scrimmage acted more as a practice than the traditional spring game but gave glimpses of what to expect from Sam Pittman’s team this fall. Altogether, the Hogs looked crisp in many categories. </p>
<p id="2n7qUM">The team seems bought into the schemes and mentalities of the new coordinators, which can be a slow process for some programs. </p>
<p id="eYzAu2"> </p>
<p id="RwIgzf">Saturday’s practice featured some flashes and hope-inspiring moments while showing a few weaknesses Pittman must address before fall camp. Let’s dive in. </p>
<p id="GrgvWt"> </p>
<ul><li id="1A3jNa">KJ Jefferson looked solid. The veteran quarterback seems the most poised, mature, and in shape he has been heading into a season since he arrived in Fayetteville. He looked like a natural under-center and seems comfortable in Dan Enos’ offense. I think KJ will thrive in the slower-paced offense, and the read option potential will be fun with Arkansas’ star-studded backfield. Pittman mentioned on Saturday that KJ and Enos’ relationship is growing stronger as the team moves toward the summer.</li></ul>
<div id="qxQ5kv">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I’m starting to like under center more than shotgun now.”<br><br>SEC QB1 KJ Jefferson enjoying the new offense under Dan Enos. <a href="https://t.co/ALXYEaJhnb">pic.twitter.com/ALXYEaJhnb</a></p>— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) <a href="https://twitter.com/cjogara/status/1647297258994520067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<ul>
<li id="519RcC">Isaiah Sategna looks more physically mature and confident in his abilities. The speedster hauled in two long touchdown passes during Saturday’s action. </li>
<li id="2UtGxU">Transfers Andrew Armstrong (TAMUC) and Tyrone Broden (Bowling Green) showed flashes of their potential at the receiver position. Each player is long and athletic, with seemingly good ball skills. The pair will go a long way in opening up the offense for KJ this season. </li>
<li id="Tsn1Tv">It should be no surprise, but the Razorback backfield looked strong on Saturday. Rocket Sanders, AJ Green, and Rashod Dubinion looked like they took no time off since Arkansas’ Liberty Bowl Victory. Additionally, it is worth noting that Dubinion changed his number to seven for the upcoming season. </li>
<li id="Uh3WQL">Landon Jackson submitted a strong performance on Saturday. The LSU transfer seemingly lived in the backfield at times. It might be a big year for Jackson in his second season on the Hill.</li>
<li id="e8nUmR">It was fun to see two tight ends on the field for Arkansas simultaneously on Saturday. I think youngsters Luke Hasz and Ty Washington have enormous potential in Dan Enos’ offense. Each possesses size but showed off their quickness in Saturday’s practice. </li>
<li id="S976Cq">It was hard to judge the success of the downfield passing game at times from both an offensive and defensive perspective. The offense connected on a few long passes, while a handful of 50/50 balls favored the defense. Regardless, this year’s secondary looks much improved on paper, and their athleticism was on display on Saturday.</li>
<li id="QDiQMh">Cam Little looked to be in his standard groove on Saturday, but there was limited special teams work during the scrimmage. I’m hoping for more consistency from the special teams unit this fall. </li>
<li id="zkcxiS">Perhaps the biggest red flag was the offensive line play on Saturday. The defensive front seven gave the offensive line fits for much of the scrimmage. Saturday was just a shell of what to expect, and there is no doubt Pittman will establish the most effective line combination. However, the coaching staff should aim to add some depth via the portal before fall camp begins. </li>
</ul>
<p id="WcwppL"> </p>
<p id="nruEix">It was great to see the Hogs back on the field again. The season will be here before we know it. Go Hogs!</p>
<p id="uvQufe"> </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/4/20/23691667/grahams-take-arkansas-football-further-ahead-that-thought-in-springGraham Smithson2023-04-18T13:20:34-05:002023-04-18T13:20:34-05:00Louisville’s Ellis calls the Hogs on Monday
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament First Round - Boston College vs Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uF_-qrtFjiLJlvg6nmdoHVHmhdk=/0x758:2550x2458/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72192426/usa_today_20167187.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="jsND2w">The Muss Bus picks up yet another impressive guard out of the transfer portal, as Louisville star El Ellis declared his decision on Monday. Ellis shined on a Louisville Cardinal team that won only four games last season. He led the Cardinals in scoring, assists, and steals during the campaign, finishing as one of the few bright spots on their season. Furthermore, Ellis’ 17 points per game are more impressive, considering Louisville’s struggle to find quality shots last season.</p>
<p id="m9IhdO"> </p>
<p id="qyWFa2">During Arkansas’ matchup with Louisville in Maui back in November, Ellis scored 11 points and knocked down two from deep. Additionally, he added three rebounds and added two assists. Arkansas went on to win the game 80-54. </p>
<p id="4yqg2W"> </p>
<p id="DeXdXn">Before playing at Louisville, Ellis spent two years at Tallahassee Community College, where he earned recognition as the top-rated JUCO prospect in the country. The 6’3” combo guard adds more skill to an already impressive guard class via the transfer portal. It is evident Muss is trying to improve three-point shooting going into next season. </p>
<p id="ri6aam"> </p>
<p id="fPmTxQ">Stay tuned as we await decisions from Makhi Mitchell and Jordan Walsh.</p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/4/18/23688392/louisvilles-ellis-calls-the-hogs-on-mondayGraham Smithson2023-04-16T15:15:15-05:002023-04-16T15:15:15-05:00Dunning announces his portal entry, will there be more movement with other freshmen?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1U3OH6IIjmIorxe58UDOkciL3Z4=/0x1:2048x1366/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72185956/FE8813F3_128B_4358_A247_750D081A7DB7.0.jpeg" />
</figure>
<p id="dsG6iL">Amidst the transfer portal mayhem, it is easy to lose track of the decisions of younger players on a roster. The current culture of college basketball is driven by the offseason craze of the transfer portal, and few are as good at maneuvering the portal as Eric Musselman.</p>
<p id="ESGT5x">During his time as the Head Hog, Muss has seen several young players move on from Fayetteville after their first season. This season is different than years prior, as a few freshman Razorbacks are staying on the Hill, and another is searching for a new opportunity. </p>
<p id="UfLR1j"> </p>
<p id="81lVE5"> Barry Dunning has entered the transfer portal. The news of Dunning’s decision broke via Twitter on Friday night. </p>
<p id="03idKt"> </p>
<div id="RHSzdB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Arkansas freshman Barry Dunning, Jr., has entered the transfer portal<br><br>FREE article @ Hogville: <a href="https://t.co/BHjacerEIw">https://t.co/BHjacerEIw</a> <a href="https://t.co/TP2HH87fEp">pic.twitter.com/TP2HH87fEp</a></p>— Kevin McPherson (@ARHoopScoop) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARHoopScoop/status/1647006742809657345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="YXEMiF">Dunning, a former top prospect from Alabama, saw limited action during the 2022-23 campaign. However, Musselman praised Dunning’s basketball IQ and devotion to the game during last summer’s team trip to Europe. Dunning came to Fayetteville as a consensus 4-star prospect and the reigning Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021. His decision creates room for yet another portal commitment for Muss. As the roster continues to take shape, decisions from Makhi Mitchell and Jordan Walsh still loom in the near future. </p>
<p id="fH2Qar"> </p>
<p id="9mKMUx"> </p>
<p id="Uk4dJi">Meanwhile, just before the announcement of the new Razorbacks via the portal came through last week, two talented Hogs declared to stay in Fayetteville for another season. Derrian Ford and Joseph Pinion will return for their second season as Razorbacks. The pair saw little playing time during the 2022-23 campaign, with Pinion receiving the most action during the extended absence of Nick Smith Jr. During his playing time, Pinion displayed quickness and a reliable shot from beyond the arc. Ford was brought into a few high-pressure situations because of his half-court defensive abilities. Each player has a high ceiling - seeing how they develop as we inch closer to next season should be fun. </p>
<p id="F4ROHp"> </p>
<p id="T4aE7N">To top it all off, Derrian Ford announced his return in the most Arkansas fashion while returning home to Magnolia for Easter weekend.</p>
<p id="aiHy0E"> </p>
<div id="Jw5fCx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThatWork?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThatWork</a> How I’m riding back to Fayetteville for 2023-2024 school year! Happy Easter!! God gets all the glory!! <a href="https://twitter.com/RazorbackMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RazorbackMBB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArkRazorbacks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArkRazorbacks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YEAR2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YEAR2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WPS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WPS</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Hy5Q2nXglO">pic.twitter.com/Hy5Q2nXglO</a></p>— Derrian Ford (@thetruthballers) <a href="https://twitter.com/thetruthballers/status/1645111617720397824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/4/16/23685563/dunning-announces-his-portal-entry-will-there-be-more-movement-with-other-freshmenGraham Smithson2023-04-12T23:07:55-05:002023-04-12T23:07:55-05:00UPDATE: Arkansas adding quality depth at guard position through transfer portal
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament West Regional Practice" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bO7PqQEeRC5gMnLbRhrleXn1eAQ=/0x0:4348x2899/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72175575/usa_today_20295431.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="1vvDTc">The transfer portal carousel is in full effect in college basketball, and it is hard to keep up with all the moves Musselman and his staff make. So let’s get you caught up to speed on the recent news and introduce three new Razorbacks. </p>
<p id="3aTL0q"> </p>
<p id="vWisvJ">The most expected news came Wednesday when Anthony Black declared for the NBA draft. Updated draft boards show Black to go somewhere within the top ten picks. A few predictions even have Black joining forces with former Razorback Daniel Gafford in Washington, D.C. Black was instrumental for last year’s squad, as the Hogs returned to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season. </p>
<p id="SWtiGl"> </p>
<p id="t0Ur8q">With Black, Smith, Council, and potentially Devo heading to the next level, Muss has some production to replace in the backcourt. However, it took only a short time for his staff to find three talented guards to take their places. Already, Muss has commits from a handful of guys who were standouts on their teams last season. Here is what we know about each player thus far. </p>
<p id="qaEOxh"> </p>
<p id="ZO1ECI"><strong>Keyon Menifield</strong></p>
<p id="oIjMI9">Menifield was a star for the Washington Huskies last season, leading the team in assists. He measures 6’1” and 170 pounds and is known for his quickness from the guard position. Altogether, Menifield finished the season averaging 10 points and just over three rebounds per game. Additionally, he finished with a 41 percent field goal percentage and a 33 percent three-point percentage. Paired with incoming freshman Layden Blocker, the two will create an impressive burst of speed and athleticism in Arkansas’ backcourt next season. </p>
<p id="z7vljH"> </p>
<p id="wZjg5i"><strong>Tramon Mark</strong></p>
<p id="KVdoEx">Mark was a key contributor to a Houston Cougar squad that spent much of last season on top of the AP Poll. Averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game, Mark helped the Cougars reach the Sweet 16. Mark’s long 6’5” frame will help Musselman replace the length in the backcourt with the absence of Black, Smith, and Council. In addition, Mark is known for his elite defensive play and should fit nicely into Musselman’s system.</p>
<p id="EhkSO6"> </p>
<p id="ftxZOq"><strong>Khalif Battle</strong></p>
<p id="NxzYDV">Battle committed the Razorbacks on Wednesday just before Anthony Black made his decision public. The 6’5” guard spent last season at Temple, averaging 18 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Battle had a solid season from three-point land and the free-throw line. Battle may be the center point for the Razorback offense due to his ability to score in multiple ways. Seeing the Hogs with a guard that possesses both size and elite athletic ability should be fun.</p>
<p id="eXcXBF"> </p>
<p id="E0MIda">There is still much more transfer portal news to come for the Razorbacks. The next piece to fall should be Jordan Walsh, who could make his decision public any day now. Stay tuned to Arkansas Fight for the latest portal news.</p>
<p id="Sm0CEX"> </p>
https://www.arkansasfight.com/2023/4/12/23681407/update-arkansas-adding-quality-depth-at-guard-position-through-transfer-portalGraham Smithson