When you have success on the recruiting trail, you run the risk of losing that talent to the world of professional basketball. As long as it equals wins while those players are on campus, most coaches will take that trade off.
For Mike Anderson and Arkansas, though, losing both of their frontcourt stars might have been a bigger blow than they were prepared for.
Key Losses: Bobby Portis (NBA Draft), Michael Qualls (NBA Draft), Rashad Madden (graduation)
Possible Losses: No announcements made
Key Returners: Anthlon Bell
Key Newcomers: The Razorbacks had one of the most talented, athletic, and productive frontcourt duos in the country last season with Portis and Qualls. Many thought they might lose Portis to the NBA, but Qualls leaving school was one more of the most surprising declarations we’ve seen yet. The result is an outlook towards next year that is sincerely less optimistic. Now, they do bring in Kapita, a top 50 recruit that should be able to step in and contribute in the paint. But still, you don’t lose two guys that talented and come out better for it. One of the main inconsistencies for Arkansas last season was on the perimeter, where Madden was electric at times, but severely inconsistent. Whitt should be able to bring a steady hand, defensive proficiency and a hot hand from beyond the arc. Still, a freshman will have some growing pains, and there’s not too much depth behind him besides Bell to help bring the Razorbacks back for another run to the NCAA Tournament.
