Razorback basketball head coach John Pelphrey kicked off the start of the ’07-’08 season by opening the doors of Bud Walton Arena to the public last Friday night. The over 6,200 fans that showed up were able to meet the Razorback players, coaches and spirit squads in a relaxed and friendly environment that included autographs, contests and a 20-minute scrimmage.
My family and I found some great seats behind the home bench when I spotted Sunshine sitting another section away. He joined me and later (almost too late) TipsterHog showed up. As the players were being introduced, what struck all of us immediately was the incredible shape they are in. For most on last year’s roster, it is truly a transformation.
Charles Thomas and Darian Townes look stronger and lighter than I’ve ever seen them. Thomas had a dunk during warm-ups where he put his arm into the rim up to his elbow. Stefan Welsh, Gary Ervin, Patrick Beverley and Sonny Weems all look very sharp and quick. Weems showed no signs that his recent hand injury was still a problem.
The freshman additions to this team — Nate Rakestraw, Marcus Britt, Michael Sanchez and Levan Patsatsia – all look like they could contribute good minutes this season. Unfortunately, Rakestraw suffered a setback earlier this week when he broke his right pinky finger during practice.
Steven Hill was sporting the “Grizzly Adams” look with the long hair and beard to match. Tipster commented that he must be trying to get a part on the new “Caveman” series. (Hill did have one of the longest autograph lines.) Vincent Hunter looked good at the 3-spot and hit several behind the arc, including the winning shot for the Red team.
The only member not present Friday night was Michael Washington, who was held out for breaking a team rule. In attendance were two recruits on official visits. The Razorbacks got a verbal commitment from one of them, Andre Clark, on Monday.
For all you Hog fans that have been wanting an up-tempo, in-your-face style (à la Nolan) — you’re not going to be disappointed. Once the scrimmage got started a bit after 9:45, the Hogs shot out of the gates from the opening tip and didn’t stop running until the scrimmage ended 20 minutes later. I don’t think anyone is going to accuse this team of being soft, unmotivated or out of shape.
It was a comforting sight to look down the bench and see Rob Evans standing next to John Pelphrey. Folks…Coach Pelphrey has put together one heck of a coaching staff that is loaded with talent and experience. If games come down to coaching, I have no doubt this staff is up to the challenge.
Don’t get me wrong…there’s plenty to work on between now and the start of the season. But what I saw for the first time in many years were signs of a resurgence in Razorback Basketball.
So get ready Hog fans…because I think we’re going to be in for a very fun and exciting ride this season. And it all starts with the Red/White game next Friday, October 26th.
Hopefully this is the beginning of a great era. In the past when we've had sorry football seasons we've been able to be optimistic about basketball. But, the past few years we've had to wait until the spring to feel confident about a Hog sports team.
As many have said, Pelphrey hasn't won a game or lost a game, so the jury is still out. I'm still wounded from getting excited when Stan Heath was hired. I thought he was the right man. So, I'll temper my emotions for now, but it's hard not to get a little excited about seeing uptempo basketball again.
One thing I meant to mention was the autograph session. There was a huge turnout, with approximately 800 people in line before the doors opened at 7:30. The players, coaches and spirit squads were setup around the main concourse at tables for fans to meet with and get pictures and autographs.
I think it's great for the fans to have a chance to get such an up close and personal experience with the players and coaches. I saw lots of smiles on both players and kids as the night went on.
If I could add one suggestion for next year, it would be to see one line for autographs that everyone has to get in. Then, when it's your turn, you step up the the tables (where all the players would be) and get everyone's autograph at once in a more organized, assembly-line like fashion. But, I guess that might just take away from relaxed feel and turn it into purely a controlled and robotic signing session.
As hectic as it was at times, my son was still able to meet all of the players with time to spare before the scrimmage started.
Too bad about Rakestraw. I think he has the ability to contribute from 3 point range and the FT line. Hope he has a quik recovery. Glad to see weems is Ok. I think this team has a real chance to make an impact on college basketball this season. They should be in the top 20 to start the year. I'm looking forward to a great season. GO HOGS GO!!!!!
My son and I were there and we managed to get all the players autographs on his basketball. What a great opportunity for people to meet the players. It was a fun time and the closest many of us will ever get to the court to see the players. Charles Thomas told me he had been running a lot and was in great shape. Townes looked better, but man that guys sweats a lot. Hope we have enough guards to run this style of ball. The three point contest with Charles and Vincent was a blast. The players seemed so much looser and looked like they were having fun. That was an encouragement to me. Hill's shooting unfortunately did not look any better.
Reason Rules, you hit it on the head. These guys were having fun, and were even cutting up with Coach Pelphrey as they tried to 'chest bump' him when he was introduced before the practice.
It has been over a decade since there has been this much excitement around our basketball program. A top 20 pre-season basketball ranking should be in the cards.
Damn good article, damn good info, damn good team! I need something to get me past the Football season as I wish for a team with no NUTTS in it. Hawgball sounds awesome to me!