Arkansas Preview Capsule
Eds: With BKC–Arkansas Preview
By The Associated Press=
Arkansas
Last season: 26-10.
Nickname: Razorbacks.
Coach: Mike Anderson.
Conference. Southeastern Conference.
Who’s gone: C Moses Kingsley, G Dusty Hannahs.
Who’s back: G Jaylen Barford. The senior averaged 12.8 points per game last season and showed an uncanny ability to finish around the rim; G Daryl Macon. The leading returning scorer for the Razorbacks, Macon averaged 13.4 points per game last year and connected on 39 percent of his 3-pointers; G Anton Beard. A defensive stalwart for the Razorbacks and also averaged more than a steal per game last season.
Who’s new: F Daniel Gafford. Much is expected of the talented 6-foot-11 freshman, who has shown an ability to finish with force at the rim in the preseason and averaged 17.4 points and 16 rebounds as a senior in high school; G Khalil Garland. Out with an undisclosed medical condition to start the season but expected back at some point and averaged 12.9 points per game as a senior in high school; F Darious Hall. Averaged 14.8 points and eight rebounds as a senior at Little Rock Mills, defeating Garland’s prep team in the state championship game.
The Skinny: Arkansas has reached the NCAA Tournament in two of the last three seasons. It expects more of the same this year with Barford and Macon having returned after briefly entering the NBA draft after last season. Gafford’s progress will be key for a team that must replace the 12 points, 7.7 rebounds and nearly three blocks per game from Kingsley.
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For more AP college basketball coverage: http://collegebasketball.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-Top25
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