‘Adversity Is Coming’

Last Friday night’s game against Wofford proved that Coach Pelphrey and staff have their work cut out for them.  Trying to transition this Razorback team from last year’s slow down, methodical pace to an up-tempo, fast break and pressing style will not be easy.

From the tip, Wofford came out with more hustle and intensity.  And for a while, it seemed like the Hogs had reverted back to last year’s style.

The ‘early and often’ foul calls sure didn’t help the Hogs or the Bud Walton crowd get into a rhythm, either.  A total of 41 fouls were called in the game (19 in the first half).  Pelphrey got frustrated with the bad calls and eventually got his first technical of the year early in the second half.

The Hogs went on to win the game, but had to be reminded by their coach that they can’t afford to let their guard down against anyone on the schedule this year:

“Adversity is coming,” Pelphrey said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we handle that. I want to see how we stick together and who does what for us when winning and losing is on the line. Who is going to do it for us?

“It’s not going to be a big play. It could be something like a guard blocking out a seven-footer, getting a rebound, diving to the floor or making a free throw.”

This bunch of Razorbacks still has a lot to learn to run ‘40 Minutes of Pel.’  But they only have a short time to get there because the Puerto Rico Tip-Off tournament that starts today is a tough field of good teams that will put them to the test.

You may remember the Hogs won the inaugural Old Spice Classic last season.  For the inaugural Puerto Rico Tip-Off, the field will represent eight major conferences:  ACC (University of Miami), Big East (Providence), Atlantic 10 (Temple), Colonial (Virginia Commonwealth), Southern (College of Charleston), Conference USA (Houston), SEC (Arkansas), and MAAC (Marist).

The Hogs opening opponent, College of Charleston, is coached by former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins.  The University of Houston is coached by none other than former Texas coach “Sweet” Tom Penders.  And Anthony Grant, the coach that many Hog fans had high on their list to replace Stan Heath, is the head coach of Virginia Commonwealth.

One thing is for certain…the Razorbacks have a chance to see a lot of different offensive and defensive styles in this tournament.  If they can make a good showing, it should boost their confidence and help their RPI rankings as they play into the 2007-08 season.

The Puerto Rico Tip-Off tournament starts today at 8 a.m. Central from San Juan, Puerto Rico.  All 12 games will be shown on ESPN2 or ESPNU.  The Razorbacks play College of Charleston at 4 p.m. Central on ESPNU.

Date	Game	Time (Central)	Network
Thursday, November 15	Game 1 — Houston vs. Virginia Commonwealth	8:00 a.m.	ESPNU
	Game 2 — Marist vs. Miami	10:30 a.m.	ESPNU
	Game 3  — Temple vs. Providence	1:30 p.m.	ESPNU
	Game 4 — College of Charleston vs. Arkansas	4:00 p.m.	ESPNU
Friday, November 16	Game 5 — Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser	10:00 a.m.	ESPNU
	Game 6 — Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner	12:30 p.m.	ESPNU
	Game 7 — Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner	4:30 p.m.	ESPNU
	Game 8 — Game 3 Loser vs. Game 4 Loser	7:00 p.m.	ESPNU
Sunday, November 18	Game 9 — Game 5 Loser vs. Game 8 Loser	10:00 a.m.	ESPNU
	Game 10 — Game 5 Winner vs. Game 8 Winner	12:30 p.m.	ESPNU
	Game 11 — Game 6 Loser vs. Game 7 Loser	4:00 p.m.	ESPN2
	Game 12 — Game 6 Winner vs. Game 7 Winner	6:30 p.m.	ESPN2