When it comes to the transfer portal, there may be no one better at working it than Arkansas head coach Eric Musselman. He just doesn’t lose in the portal. This year, he brings in six transfers. And while four players from last year’s team went pro, there is still some really good talent returning. The Razorbacks have a really good shot at getting to their fourth straight Sweet Sixteen (a place that, before 2021, they hadn’t been to at all since 1996).
Previous teams in my rankings can be seen here.
Preseason College Basketball Rankings: #13 Arkansas Razorbacks
Davonte “Devo” Davis averaged over 10 points per game for the first time in his collegiate career last year. He is a good scorer and an elite defender, and he knows all about Arkansas. Trevon Brazile is a talented, dynamic forward who missed most of last season due to injury. He played really well in the nine games that he did play in last year. If he can get and stay healthy, that would be huge for the Razorbacks. Despite his twin brother Makhel Mitchell transferring to Arkansas-Little Rock and having to play without him for the first time, Makhi Mitchell returns, too.
Tramon Mark was a really critical part of why Houston has been so good the past few years. He is the kind of versatile guard that will do a little bit of everything for you. Khalif Battle really shined last season at Temple. Finally healthy after two injury-plagued seasons, Battle mostly came off the bench but played starter minute for the Owls and did so very well. Those two both figure to start alongside Devo Davis in an extremely crowded backcourt.
Speaking of the extremely crowded backcourt, here are three more transfer guards! Lousiville’s El Ellis broke out last year, scoring just under 18 points per game. He was by far the best player on a dreadful Cardinals squad. Keyon Menifield had a solid year as a true freshman at Washington, averaging 10 points per game. Jeremiah Davenport took an unfortunate step back last season at Cincinnati. But the previous two years before that, he had played really well for the Bearcats. The change of scenery could be beneficial for him.
Finally, a transfer of theirs that isn’t a guard. That is former Memphis small forward Chandler Lawson. He was much improved last season for the Tigers compared to the year before. His role varied, but he played it well no matter what he was asked to do.
Projected Lineup
C – Makhi Mitchell (7.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 BPG)
PF – Trevon Brazile (11.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.2 BPG)
G – Tramon Mark (10.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG at Houston)
SG – Khalif Battle (17.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG at Temple)
PG – Davonte “Devo” “Davis (10.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.1 BPG)
