Arkansas vs St. John’s is a battle again for Coach Calipari and the Hogs against another legendary coach. The second matchup in 3 days against two of the greatest coaches in basketball. Calipari and the hogs hung on despite struggling against the zone against Kansas. Now taking on St. John’s, the 2 seed in the region, will be a formidable task. Arkansas enters with a 21-13 record (9-11 SEC), fresh off a 79-72 upset over Kansas in the first round. The Razorbacks showcased resilience, erasing a late deficit with 22 points from Jonas Aidoo and 18 from Johnell Davis. They average 76.7 points per game, ranking seventh in the SEC with 14.4 assists, led by D.J. Wagner’s 3.6. Defensively, they allow 71.2 points, a mark they’ll need to improve against St. John’s. Their 4-1 moneyline record as underdogs in their last five games signals a team peaking at the right time. St. John’s, a No. 2 seed with a 31-4 record (21-2 Big East), dominated Omaha 83-53 in their opener. RJ Luis led with 22 points and eight rebounds, while the Red Storm shot 37% from three and clamped down defensively, holding Omaha to 53 points. They boast the nation’s top adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing just 65.5 points per game, and score 78.8 points offensively. Their 10-game win streak (7-3 ATS) and 75.3% implied win probability (per the -300 moneyline) make them favorites. However, Arkansas’s size and depth could exploit St. John’s vulnerabilities. Aidoo, at 6’11”, anchors a frontcourt that averages strong rebounding numbers—key against a St. John’s team that struggles on the defensive glass when facing physical bigs. Calipari’s squad thrives in transition, where their 76.7 points per game could punish St. John’s press if they break it cleanly. The Razorbacks’ 14.4 assists reflect a cohesive offense that can counter Pitino’s pressure with quick, smart passing. St. John’s relies heavily on forcing turnovers (their press is lethal), but Arkansas’s SEC-tested guards—Wagner, Davis, and now Boogie Fland—have the poise to limit mistakes. The Red Storm’s 3-4 record in one-possession games hints at cracks under pressure, while Arkansas’s 3-3 as a +245 or greater underdog shows they embrace the fight. St. John’s 7.5-point spread (-7.5) and 144.5 over/under suggest a tight, low-scoring affair, but Arkansas’s physicality could flip the script. A win here would be massive. For the program, the state, and even personally for Coach Calipari. Who doesn’t want to have bragging rights over their peers? The Razorbacks, if they come out composed, can speed the game up defensively and find ways to score. Woo pig Sooie.

Arkansas vs. Kansas: A March Madness Breakdown The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament tips off with a first-round matchup in the West Region: the No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks (20-13) face the No. 7 seed Kansas Jayhawks (21-12) on Thursday, March 20, at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. This game pits two storied programs and legendary coaches—John Calipari of Arkansas and Bill Self of Kansas—against each other in a battle that has been brewing over the careers of both coaches. With Arkansas returning to the Big Dance after missing last season and Kansas aiming to rebound from a subpar season by its pre-season number 1 standards, this matchup promises intensity, and a chance for both teams to set the tone for a deep tournament run. History to be made again This isn’t just another 7-vs-10 game. It’s a collision of coaching titans with six Final Four appearances between them—Self with two national titles (2008, 2022) and Calipari with one (2012). Their paths have crossed before in high-stakes settings, notably in the 2008 and 2012 national championship games when Calipari coached Memphis and Kentucky, respectively, against Self’s Jayhawks. The series was split in championship games, adding a layer of personal rivalry to this encounter. The head to head record is 7-6 in favor of Self. For Calipari, in his first year at Arkansas after a storied tenure at Kentucky, it’s a chance to prove his new squad can hang with the bluebloods. For Self, it’s about restoring Kansas’s legacy after a 21-12 campaign that saw them unranked by season’s end—a rarity for a program that started the year as a consensus top team. The teams met earlier this season in a preseason exhibition on October 25, 2024, with Arkansas dominating 85-69 in Fayetteville. While exhibition results don’t count, the game offered a glimpse a t what could come in this matchup. Arkansas’s athleticism overwhelmed a Kansas squad missing key players like Hunter Dickinson. So, this time around it will be a true test. Arkansas missing key players in this matchup and Kansas now healthy, it sets the table to be an incredible matchup. Their last official NCAA Tournament meeting in 2023 saw Arkansas upset the No. 1 seed Jayhawks 72-71 in the second round, a dagger that ended Kansas’s title defense and propelled the Razorbacks to their third straight Sweet 16. History suggests a battle is bound to happen, one down to the buzzer. Arkansas Razorbacks: Defense and a New Era Arkansas enters with a 20-13 record, including an 8-10 mark in the SEC, in the toughest conference in basketball. The Razorbacks earned their 37th NCAA bid thanks to a late surge—winning four of their final five regular-season games—and key victories over Kentucky and Michigan. Calipari inherited a roster gutted by departures but rebuilt it with transfers like Johnell Davis (Florida Atlantic), Adou Thiero (Kentucky), and Zvonimir Ivisic (Kentucky), plus emerging bigs Jonas Aidoo and Trevon Brazile. Injuries plagued them early—Thiero’s knee and Boogie Fland’s thumb sidelined key contributors—but Fland’s reported return for the tournament adds a dynamic guard to the mix. The Hogs’ strength is their defense, ranking in the top 25 for adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom. They lead the nation in blocked shots (thanks to Ivisic, Aidoo, and Brazile) and hold opponents under 32% from three-point range. Offensively, they’re inconsistent, averaging 74.4 points per game, but excel at getting to the free-throw line—a strength that proved decisive in the exhibition win over Kansas (18 more attempts). Davis (11.2 ppg) brings scoring punch and Final Four experience, while Thiero (15.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg) offers versatility. If Arkansas can force turnovers (they average 15.3 per game) and control the paint, they could exploit Kansas’s vulnerabilities. Kansas Jayhawks: Experience Meets Inconsistency Kansas’s 21-12 record and 11-9 Big 12 finish belie their preseason hype. Picked to contend for a title, the Jayhawks stumbled with a 6-7 stretch late in conference play and an early Big 12 Tournament exit against Arizona. Yet, their résumé boasts signature wins, and their No. 7 seed reflects a top-25 KenPom ranking. Self’s squad leans on veterans: fifth-year seniors Hunter Dickinson (17.6 ppg, 10.0 rpg), Dajuan Harris Jr. (9.2 ppg, 5.7 apg), and KJ Adams Jr. (9.0 ppg), plus transfer Zeke Mayo (14.5 ppg, 41.3% from three). Dickinson, a 7-1 center, is the fulcrum, dominating inside when healthy—he missed the exhibition loss but is back now. Defensively, Kansas shines, ranking 11th in efficiency (92.7) and stifling opponents with length and experience. Offensively, they’re erratic, averaging 74.9 points but struggling from deep (inconsistent three-point shooting) and settling for mid-range jumpers rather than attacking the rim. Their depth—Rylan Griffin, AJ Storr, and others off the bench—offers upside, but cohesion has been elusive. After a third home loss at Allen Fieldhouse in March, Self apologized to fans, a sign of the season’s toll. Still, this is a team with NCAA pedigree: Kansas hasn’t lost in the first round since 2006. Key Matchups and X-Factors The paint will be a war zone. Dickinson versus Arkansas’s trio of shot-blockers—Ivisic (7-2, 2.0 bpg), Aidoo, and Brazile—could decide the game. If the Hogs limit Dickinson’s impact (below his 17.6 ppg average), they’ll force Kansas to rely on shaky perimeter shooting. If Dickinson exploits single coverage, Kansas could control the tempo. On the perimeter, Harris Jr.’s playmaking meets Arkansas’s aggressive guards—Fland and Wagner (11.1 ppg)—who’ll look to disrupt Kansas’s rhythm and push the pace. Turnovers loom large. Arkansas thrives on chaos, while Kansas’s 4-6 ATS record in its last 10 games hints at sloppy stretches. Free throws could tip the scales again; Arkansas’s ability to draw fouls clashes with Kansas’s struggle to get to the line. The X-factor? Johnell Davis. If he heats up (he’s capable of 20+ points), Arkansas could steal this. For Kansas, Mayo’s three-point shooting (41.3%) could stretch the Hogs’ defense thin. Prediction and Outlook Betting odds favor Kansas (-4.5, -200 moneyline, over/under 145.5 per BetMGM), reflecting their experience and defensive edge. Yet, Arkansas’s late-season form (4-2-1 ATS) and upset history make them live underdogs (+165). The Hogs are peaking, while Kansas has limped in. The exhibition blowout doesn’t predict this outcome—both teams are different now—but it underscores Arkansas’s athletic advantage. Expect a grind: two top-20 defenses, physical bigs, and coaches who’ve seen it all. Kansas’s veteran core should survive, but not easily. Dickinson will get his (15-18 points), and Harris Jr. will steady the ship late. Arkansas’s size and speed keep it close, with Davis and Thiero pushing back. The Jayhawks pull away in the final minutes, winning 78-73, covering the spread, and advancing to face the St. John’s-Omaha winner. For Arkansas, a loss ends Calipari’s debut hog tournament run early. For Kansas, it’s a step toward redemption—though deeper questions about their ceiling remain. This game isn’t just a first-rounder; it’s about legacy. Who will leave their mark in the history books? We will all know after Thursday night.

As the Arkansas Razorbacks gear up for the 2025 football season, head coach Sam Pittman and his staff have placed a strong emphasis on recruiting in-state talent to bolster the team’s roster. Recognizing the wealth of high school football prowess within Arkansas, the Razorbacks have successfully secured commitments from several standout local athletes, aiming to build a foundation rooted in homegrown excellence. Key In-State Commitments 1. Grayson Wilson – Quarterback • Hometown: Conway, Arkansas • Vitals: 6-foot-3, 205 pounds • Overview: Wilson, a four-star recruit, has been a pivotal figure in Conway High School’s offensive success. Known for his strong arm and on-field leadership, he is poised to compete for the starting quarterback position in the coming seasons. 2. Antonio Jordan – Wide Receiver • Hometown: Warren, Arkansas • Vitals: 6-foot-6, 230 pounds • Overview: Jordan’s impressive stature and athleticism have made him a standout at Warren High School. As a three-star recruit, his ability to outmaneuver defenders and secure contested catches adds a significant threat to the Razorbacks’ receiving corps. 3. Cameron Settles – Running Back • Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas • Vitals: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds • Overview: Settles, hailing from Parkview High School, is a versatile three-star running back known for his agility and vision on the field. His commitment adds depth to Arkansas’s backfield, and his local roots resonate with the team’s emphasis on in-state talent. 4. Quentin Murphy – Athlete • Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas • Vitals: 6-foot-1, 200 pounds • Overview: Another Parkview High School standout, Murphy is a dynamic three-star athlete capable of contributing on both sides of the ball. His versatility offers the coaching staff flexibility in utilizing his skill set to address various team needs. Strategic Focus on In-State Recruitment The Razorbacks’ 2025 recruiting class comprises 24 signees, with a notable portion hailing from Arkansas. By prioritizing in-state recruits, Arkansas aims to build a team culture rooted in being part of a proud state. The Hogs have been touted as a team with “sleeping giant” potential. If these in-state recruits excel, it could just mean that the Razorbacks will find themselves as a top 5 team in the SEC.

by Blaine Miller- March 3, 2025 Razorback signee, Isaiah Sealy celebrating his team's win at the 2024 Da Match Up Showcase As the 2024-2025 Arkansas high school basketball season approaches the regular season end, teams across the state are gearing up for intense playoff action. With top-tier talent and coaching on display, the upcoming state tournament promises to deliver excitement and showcase the best of Arkansas high school hoops. The AAA High School State Tournament is scheduled to take place from March 13 to March 15, 2025, at the Hot Springs Convention Center, promising an exciting end to the season. Boys’ Basketball Playoff Outlook Springdale High School (26-3): Leading the state rankings, Springdale has exhibited consistent performance throughout the season. Their strong defense and great ball movement should make them formidable contenders for the 6A state title. Featuring Razorback signee Isaiah Sealy  Benton High School (23-3): With a record matching some of the top teams, Benton has demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess. Their balanced offense and defense led by UAPB signee, Harrison Pickett and ESPN top 100 wing Terrion Burgess position the Panthers as strong contenders in the 5A classification. Mills High School (27-1): Boasting one of the best records in the state, Mills has dominated their opponents with a high-scoring offense. Their only loss serves as a motivation, and they are poised to make a deep run in the 4A state tournament. With their dominate showing at their regional, the Comets have yet to lose a regional game in school history. Girls Hoops Standouts Not only has each player listed here been a huge asset to their teams in the regular season, they will be a force to reckon with as the playoffs approach. • Erianna Gooden (Fort Smith Northside High School): As a 6’1” point guard, Gooden’s leadership and versatility have been instrumental in her team’s success. Her performance will be key as Northside aims for the state title. • Zoey Bershers (Farmington High School): Standing at 6’3”, a Minnesota signee Bershers’ presence in the paint and scoring ability make her a focal point for Farmington’s offense. She is committed to the University of Minnesota and her talent will have a major impact in the playoffs. • Alexis Cox (Conway High School): A 5’9” guard/forward signed to UCA, Cox’s agility and defensive prowess have been assets for Conway. Her contributions on both ends of the court will be vital in their playoff journey. • Easton McCollough (Farmington High School): A 5 star freshman guard, with 13+ division one offers already

Corliss Williamson- Russellville High School Arkansas has produced elite talent in the High School ranks, that have gone on to have great professional careers. If there was one player that embodied what it meant to be from Arkansas and proudly wear the Razorback across the chest, it is Corliss Williamson. He is the most iconic figure in Arkansas high school boys basketball history. From Russellville, Arkansas, standing in at 6’7 and weighing in at 245lbs we have the greatest there ever was in Arkansas high school hoops. During his high school career from 1988 to 1992, Williamson led the Russellville Cyclones to multiple state championships. His senior year was one for the record books, as he averaged over 25 points and 10 rebounds per game, earning him the honor of being named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 1992. His remarkable performance also secured him a spot in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, where he showcased his talents alongside future NBA stars. Following his incredible high school career, Williamson committed to the University of Arkansas, becoming a key player for the Razorbacks from 1992 to 1995 under legendary coach Nolan Richardson. His impact was immediate; as a freshman, he played a pivotal role in leading the team to the NCAA Tournament. The pinnacle of Williamson’s collegiate career came during the 1993-1994 season. The Razorbacks became champions. They won the NCAA National Championship, defeating Duke University in a thrilling finish. Williamson scored 23 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, 2 steals abf 2 blocks in an outstanding championship worthy performance. He led the team throughout the tournament and this earned him the Most Outstanding Player award. He continued success into the next season where he lead Arkansas to another NCAA Championship game appearance, coming up just short against UCLA. By the end of his college career, Williamson had gained numerous accolades, including two SEC Player of the Year honors and multiple All-American selections. His jersey, number 34, was retired and placed in the rafters, today it hangs proudly in Bud Walton, immortalizing his contributions to the program and state. In the 1995 NBA Draft, Williamson was selected 13th overall by the Sacramento Kings. Over his 12-season NBA career, he played for several teams, including the Kings, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, and Philadelphia 76ers. Notably, he was a key contributor to the Pistons’ 2004 NBA Championship run, providing veteran leadership and scoring off the bench. Corliss Williamson’s legacy in Arkansas basketball is unparalleled. His high school dominance set a standard for aspiring athletes in the state, proving that talent from Arkansas could shine on the national stage. His success with the Razorbacks during the mid-90s revitalized the state’s passion for college basketball, fostering a culture of excellence that continues to influence young players today. Beyond his on-court achievements, Williamson has been a mentor and inspiration for many past and present Arkansas hoop stars. His commitment to the community and the sport has solidified his status as a hometown hero and a living expression of what it means to be from this proud state.