Razorbacks open season with Red-White Game
Bart Pohlman
Issue date: 10/24/08 Section: Sports
With seven players from last year's team gone and six new players joining the fray, the Razorback basketball team has plenty of work to do.
The new-look team takes the court as two separate teams tonight for the annual Red-White Game at 7:30 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena.
Second-year Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey said practices have been going smoothly.
"We've had five workouts in three days," Pelphrey said. "We have a lot to cover. From a defensive side and an offensive side, it was okay in terms of the amount of things we covered. It certainly got better. Sunday, both practices were spirited and the effort was outstanding from players one through 11.
"If we can repeat that, understand what's best for the team and work hard, we have a chance if we over-achieve."
Razorback freshmen Rotnei Clarke, Courtney Fortson, Andre Clark, Jason Henry and Brandon Moore, along with junior college transfer Montrell McDonald, will hit the hardwood for the first time in front of the Razorback faithful.
Pelphrey said the first-year players have been doing just fine in practice.
"It's easier than it used to be because we were able to work out with that group in the off-season," Pelphrey said. "Some of that anxiety is gone, so we're actually a little ahead. Those guys did fine."
Some of the newcomers might be surprised when they experience the passion of the Razorback fan base for the first time, Pelphrey said.
"Friday will be a fan-friendly environment," Pelphrey said. "It will not be a complete game, but we'll be here early in the concourse interacting with the community. Our guys will enjoy the passion and support of our fans. Some of our guys may think they know about that passion, but I don't think they do."
Pelphrey said teams for the game have not yet been decided and that the coaching staff might mix up the teams throughout the game.
After finishing last season in second place in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference, the Razorbacks have been picked by the media to finish last in their division.
Arkansas received only 51 points on the ballot, 100 less than preseason favorite Alabama.
Pelphrey said he doesn't pay much attention to preseason predictions, since nothing matters until the games are played.
"I don't get caught up in that too much," Pelphrey said. "It's great for the media and it's great for fans, but it is what it is. It's on a piece of paper and that doesn't mean a lot. We lost six seniors, a couple of other guys, and the heart and soul of our team in [former UA guard] Patrick [Beverley].
"But if we get repeat performances of our practice on Sunday, we have a chance to be competitive."
The new-look team takes the court as two separate teams tonight for the annual Red-White Game at 7:30 p.m. in Bud Walton Arena.
Second-year Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey said practices have been going smoothly.
"We've had five workouts in three days," Pelphrey said. "We have a lot to cover. From a defensive side and an offensive side, it was okay in terms of the amount of things we covered. It certainly got better. Sunday, both practices were spirited and the effort was outstanding from players one through 11.
"If we can repeat that, understand what's best for the team and work hard, we have a chance if we over-achieve."
Razorback freshmen Rotnei Clarke, Courtney Fortson, Andre Clark, Jason Henry and Brandon Moore, along with junior college transfer Montrell McDonald, will hit the hardwood for the first time in front of the Razorback faithful.
Pelphrey said the first-year players have been doing just fine in practice.
"It's easier than it used to be because we were able to work out with that group in the off-season," Pelphrey said. "Some of that anxiety is gone, so we're actually a little ahead. Those guys did fine."
Some of the newcomers might be surprised when they experience the passion of the Razorback fan base for the first time, Pelphrey said.
"Friday will be a fan-friendly environment," Pelphrey said. "It will not be a complete game, but we'll be here early in the concourse interacting with the community. Our guys will enjoy the passion and support of our fans. Some of our guys may think they know about that passion, but I don't think they do."
Pelphrey said teams for the game have not yet been decided and that the coaching staff might mix up the teams throughout the game.
After finishing last season in second place in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference, the Razorbacks have been picked by the media to finish last in their division.
Arkansas received only 51 points on the ballot, 100 less than preseason favorite Alabama.
Pelphrey said he doesn't pay much attention to preseason predictions, since nothing matters until the games are played.
"I don't get caught up in that too much," Pelphrey said. "It's great for the media and it's great for fans, but it is what it is. It's on a piece of paper and that doesn't mean a lot. We lost six seniors, a couple of other guys, and the heart and soul of our team in [former UA guard] Patrick [Beverley].
"But if we get repeat performances of our practice on Sunday, we have a chance to be competitive."
Be the first to comment on this story