As college basketball fans eagerly await the start of the new season, preseason rankings have once again become a hot topic of debate. For Arkansas Razorbacks fans, the exclusion of their team from Field of 68’s top ten backcourt rankings has sparked outrage and disbelief.
Led by head coach John Calipari, Arkansas boasts an impressive backcourt that features some of the most highly-touted talents in the country. Among them are Johnell Davis, the No. 1 impact transfer in the nation, and DJ Wagner, a top ten prospect in the 2023 class who followed Calipari from Kentucky to Arkansas. Additionally, the Razorbacks secured Boogie Fland, the top-ranked point guard in his class, and Karter Knox, a five-star shooting guard.
Despite this formidable lineup, Rob Dauster of Field of 68 placed Arkansas outside the top ten, citing concerns about the team’s chemistry and the potential issues with having so many score-first guards. Dauster, along with co-host Jeff Goodman, raised doubts about the ability of Arkansas’ backcourt to gel effectively, particularly highlighting the perceived shortcomings of Johnell Davis.
The Top 10 Backcourts in CBB💫
Who is too high or too low?👀
👍 or 👎 pic.twitter.com/LtWSkH5ypR
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) August 21, 2024
Goodman’s skepticism was directed at Davis’ decision-making and past mistakes in high-pressure situations, such as his contested last-second heave during FAU’s NCAA Tournament game against Northwestern. However, this critique has been met with pushback from Arkansas supporters who believe that Davis’ experience and talent will prove invaluable to the Razorbacks’ success this season.
Trying to be as unbiased as possible…
Arkansas is probably closer to Top 5 in terms of strictly backcourt than they are #12, but it largely depends on if both freshmen actually are who they’re projected to be. https://t.co/lTit9sZHsb
— Brandon Baker (@BBakerHogs) August 20, 2024
DJ Wagner, who is entering his sophomore season, was also mentioned as a key player who needs to adapt to a different role for Arkansas to thrive. Dauster suggested that Wagner could elevate his game by becoming a more pass-first player, similar to Dajuan Harris Jr. at Kansas. Wagner’s potential to lead the team’s offense while enhancing his teammates’ performances will be pivotal for Arkansas.
Despite these critiques, the Razorbacks’ backcourt is filled with players who have both the talent and determination to prove their worth. The concerns raised by Dauster and Goodman may serve as additional motivation for the Arkansas guards to come together and demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level.
Nelly said nah pic.twitter.com/YbnGFWUyZG
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) July 2, 2024
As the season approaches, Arkansas fans are confident that their team will not only meet but exceed expectations, silencing the critics and securing their place among the elite backcourts in college basketball. The Razorbacks are poised to make a statement, and their backcourt will be at the forefront of their success.
About The Author
