Studying the film of John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks

The No. 8 Houston Cougars (10-1) are in Newark, NJ, for a Saturday afternoon battle against No. 13 Arkansas (9-2). Kelvin Sampson and his buddy John Calipari face off at the Prudential Center for the first time since the Sweet 16.

The Razorbacks will be the most talented team that the Coogs have faced this season. They have one of the most potent 1-2 punches in the NCAA with freshman phenom point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (#5) and veteran big man Trevon Brazile (#7). In their last game against Queens University, they combined for 49 points.

I would normally lean with the superstar point guard as my “Head of the Snake”, but for this one, I’m going with Brazile. His ability to play inside or outside, and the shortage of big men for the Coogs, make him a problem. If Jojo Tugler were to get into foul trouble, it would cause a lot of issues for the Coogs. Brazile would be a tough match-up for Chase McCarty, Ramon Walker Jr., or Cedric Lath for long stretches. Brazile is a legit 6’10”, who can shoot the three or score in the paint vs. a smaller opponent.

Both teams play tough, half-court, man-to-man defense, but unlike the Cougars, the Razorbacks will want to be in the 80s or higher (Arkansas is 19-3 under Cal when scoring 80 points and 12-13 when they do not). Both teams have elite players, coaches, programs, and histories. This is one that both fan bases have circled, and it should be an unbelievable match-up right before conference season!

Arkansas Offense Notes

• Arkansas is by far the most athletic and talented team the Coogs have faced. Tennessee and Syracuse were both talented, but the Razorbacks will take it up a notch. The Hogs have multiple three-level scorers, elite size, and athletes all over the floor. Houston will have to lock in and be connected defensively more than at any point this season.
• The Razorbacks average 90 points per game (20th nationally) while the Coogs are second in scoring defense (58 ppg). It’s going to be a battle of two styles!
• The Razorbacks can really shoot the basketball. As a team, they are shooting 38% from beyond the arc and have four guys shooting over 40%, including 6’10” Brazile (47.1% from three).
• Arkansas is a problem on the offensive glass. They not only have athletic big men, but their guards do a nice job attacking the offensive glass. UH will have to box them out at a high rate!

Razorbacks Defense Notes

• Arkansas has run 807 possessions of man-to-man defense, while Houston has run 727 possessions of man-to-man defense. Neither team has run a single possession of zone defense, and that’s not going to change in this one.
• Arkansas will occasionally sprinkle in a full-court, man-to-man press. They like to double-team the point guard and make it difficult to inbound the ball. Once it’s in, they tend to retreat.
• They try to fight over ball-screens, but if they can’t, they tend to switch.
• Arkansas has athletic shot-blockers all over the place. It will be important to shot fake and potentially get to the free-throw line if they foul you going up.

Cheat Sheet

Arkansas Personnel (*Indicates likely starters)

*#5 – Darius Acuff Jr. – 6’3″ – FR – Guard – 18ppg, 3rpg, 6apg.

• 2025 McDonald’s All-American. One of the top point guards in the nation;
• Incredibly patient/three-level scoring point guard. Makes the right read, to pass or look for his shot;
• Really nice form on his three-point shot (27/61, 44%);
• Really good at shooting off the bounce in the mid-range or getting to the rim;
• Long wing-span. Uses it well on defense and finishing at the rim.

*#7 – Trevon Brazile – 6’10” – SR – Forward – (Missouri) – 15ppg, 7rpg, 1.5bpg.

• SUPER long/athletic forward. “Head of the Snake” due to the lack of depth in the UH front court;
• Really good outside shooter from the top of the key. They love to look for him on the secondary break when he’s the last player down the court and his defender is in the paint;
• In the past, I would have encouraged him to shoot the three, but not anymore. Must get out on him and get the ball out of his hands;
• Have to be careful on his pump-fake. If you soar by him, he is at the rim and dunking on one dribble;
• Solid in the post, but has become a really good set-shooter;
• Really good at cleaning up the offensive glass; Known for his put-back dunks;
• Good shot blocker on defense.

*#11 – Karter Knox – 6’6″ – SO – Wing – (Overtime Elite) – 10ppg, 6rpg.

• 2024 McDonald’s All-American;
• Extremely athletic wing;
• Deadly outside shooter when left open (15-29, 52%)
• Likes to shoot the long two-pointer when taking a hand-off;
• He’s better at cutting to the rim than driving to it.

*#21 – D.J. Wagner – 6’4″ – JR – Guard – (Kentucky) – 8ppg, 1rpg, 3apg.

• 2023 McDonald’s All-American;
• Talented big guard;
• LOVES to drive to the rim going LEFT;
• Solid outside shooter: Good from the wing, but great from the corner.

*#23 – Nick Pringle – 6’10” – GR SR – Forward – (Wofford, Dodge City CC, Alabama, South Carolina) – 6ppg, 5rpg.

• Premium world traveler! At his 5th school and 3rd in the SEC;
• Big/athletic post player;
• Decent roller in the pick and roll game;
• Not used as a scoring big. Gets most of his points from lob dunks and off of offensive rebounds;
• Not a threat to shoot it away from the rim.

#1 – Maleek Thomas – 6’5″ – FR – Guard – (Overtime Elite) – 15ppg, 4rpg, 3apg.

• 2025 McDonald’s All-American;
• Tall/athletic/three-level scoring guard. Looking to bring instant offense off the bench;
• Makes tough jump shots off the bounce. Nice runner in the paint;
• Solid three-point shooter (25/77, 33%);
• Leans into his shot and will kick out his leg at times to draw a foul. Be careful!

#24 – Billy Richmond III – 6’6″ – SO – Wing – 9ppg, 4rpg.

• LEFTY;
• Big/athletic wing;
• Looking to get to and above the rim, especially driving left;
• Super athletic. Have to box him out, or he will soar in for offensive rebounds;
• Not a great outside shooting threat, but capable if left open;
• Random: He seems to be on the ground A LOT!

*#12 – Malique Ewin – 6’10” – SR – Forward – (Ole Miss, South Plains CC, Florida State) – 8ppg, 4rpg.

• Hop-scotch: on his 4th school in 4 southern states;
• Really long/athletic forward;
• Capable of catching at the three-point line and driving to the basket;
• Really good offensive rebounder;
• Best with his right hand, but can finish with either hand in the paint;
• Plays a little stiff on offense.

What I’ll Be Watching…

1. Two Different Styles. The Razorbacks want to score quickly and often. The offense that Coach Cal borrowed from Vance Whalberg is the “dribble drive motion.” Coach Whalberg says, “We like the three. We LOVE the layup.” Arkansas wants to shoot layups and three-pointers as quickly as possible. Houston wants to slow the game down, run their half-court offense, and keep the game in the 60s. I am super intrigued to see which style prevails.
2. Which team can keep the boards clean? As Brad mentioned in his Thursday article, the Coogs have to improve on defensive rebounding. Arkansas has guys that can FLY. It will be critical for both teams to keep the glass clean on both ends of the court.
3. Battle of freshmen phenoms. Kingston Flemings vs. Darius Acuff Jr. will feed families. Both are ultra-talented and want to make their case as the top point guard in the 2025 class.
4. Toughest team wins? This one could come down to a hustle play. It could be a dagger-three off an offensive rebound, a charge, or Ramon Walker on a loose ball. I can’t wait!

After the game: CATS!