The Arkansas Razorbacks have reached the Elite Eight in back-to-back seasons, falling one victory short of the coveted Final Four appearance for Eric Musselman. As the Razorbacks eye another deep run in March, their roster rebuild this offseason features 12 newcomers, including five via the transfer portal.
ARKANSAS TRANSFER ADDITIONS:
RICKY COUNCIL IV, WICHITA STATE
12.0 PTS / 5.4 REB / 1.6 AST / 1.1 STL
MAKHEL MITCHELL, RHODE ISLAND
10.7 PTS / 5.6 REB / 2.4 BLK / 50.2% FG
MAKHI MITCHELL, RHODE ISLAND
9.9 PTS / 7.3 REB / 1.4 BLK / 52.2% FG
JALEN GRAHAM, ARIZONA STATE
9.9 PTS / 4.6 REB / 1.7 AST / 48.6% FG
TREVON BRAZILE, MISSOURI
6.6 PTS / 5.1 REB / 1.9 BLK / 53.4% FG
Arkansas’ roster will look drastically different for the 2022-2023 season, as the Razorbacks have multiple NBA Draft entrants, five new transfers, and four Razorbacks utilizing the portal to play elsewhere. JD Notae, Jaylin Williams, and Au’Diese Toney have all declared for the NBA Draft, with Williams having the option to return to school. Chance Moore, KK Robinson, Connor Vanover, and Jaxson Robinson decided to continue their collegiate careers elsewhere, allowing Eric Musselman to assist their rebuild through the transfer portal.
Ricky Council IV spent two seasons at Wichita State, earning the 2022 AAC Sixth Man of the Year Award. The Durham, NC native was a staple in the scoring column this past season, averaging 12.0 points on 43.7 percent shooting, including 17 double-digit scoring outings and a career-high 31 points in a win over UCF. Council also recorded a career best in rebounds and assists, pulling down 5.4 boards and dishing 1.6 dimes per game.
Makhel and Makhi Mitchell, who began their careers are Maryland, are a twin transfer duo from Rhode Island, heading to Fayetteville after two seasons in South Kingstown. The Washington, DC natives were consistent starters in the Rams lineup, with Makhi starting 27 games and Makhel starting 26 this past season. Makhel averaged 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Makhi tallied 9.9 points and 7.3 boards.
Jalen Graham was a three year player at Arizona State, starting in 22 contests this past season. The Phoenix, AZ native recorded a career-high 9.9 PPG on 48.6 percent shooting, while hauling 4.6 rebounds per contest.
After a freshman campaign at Missouri, Trevon Brazile is staying in the conference to continue his collegiate career. Brazile, who ranked second in the SEC during conference play with 1.72 blocks per game, tallied 6.6 points and 5.1 rebounds with 23 starts in 25 contests.
As Jaylin Williams tests the NBA Draft waters, the Razorbacks starting lineup could feature zero familiar faces from this past season. With Arkansas bringing in five transfers and the number two recruiting class in the country, a plethora of talented newcomers will fight for a spot in the starting five.
TPR’S PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP FOR ARKANSAS (Without Jaylin Williams):
ANTHONY BLACK, G
NICK SMITH, G
JALEN GRAHAM, F
JORDAN WALSH, F
MAKHI OR MAKHEL MITCHELL, F
SIXTH MAN: RICKY COUNCIL IV
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