A Christmas Gift from Coach Pel

by Stephen Expat on Dec 23, 2008 3:57 PM CST in Arkansas Razorback Basketball

In the aftermath of last Saturday's spirited win over Stephen F. Austin, a pleased John Pelphrey told the media that he doesn't need any Christmas gifts under his tree on Thursday morning. "I just got [my present]," he said, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

I don't know how many of you will agree with my sentiments, but I feel that Pelphrey has given Hog hoops fans a nice Christmas present: at long last, the Razorbacks are again fun to watch.

Are they good? Well, we'll should get an answer over the next month or so. But even if this team turns in a decidedly ho-hum record, I get the feeling they will still be enjoyable to watch and will provide some memorable moments along the way. From the dazzling all-around game of Courtney Fortson, to the eye-popping improvement of Michael Washington and the sharpshooting skills of Rotnei Clarke, for starters, this is an absorbing group of players. Toss in the fact that one of my favorite all-time football players is now lacing up his hightops, and the team becomes even more interesting.

It's been a good while since I was this interested in a Hogs team. Even when Stan Heath was leading his last two squads to late-season surges and appearances in the NCAA Tournament, there was a noticeable blandness that surrounded the team. Things started to brighten a little last year, but even then, following the Hogs sometimes felt more like homework than a hobby.

Now, with more of Pelphrey's recruits in Fayetteville, it just feels like good times are definitely on the horizon. And that's a nice gift indeed.

Tweet Comment 2 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Well said, Stephen! The SFA game was my first chance to see them on television, and I was much impressed with their hussle, tenacity on defense, and the three point shooting. I agree, win or lose, they should be fun to watch this year. Who can say what a Dana Altman Razorback team would have looked like, but I am feeling very okay right now about never finding that out, haha. Keep up the good work John Pelphrey!

by Kevinhog on Dec 23, 2008 7:44 PM CST reply actions

One thing i’ve noticed about this group of young men is their hustle.
There are no slackers on this team.

We might have a player or two that fouls a little too much right now, but you still have to believe they’ll improve dramatically over the next year or two, plus, you still have to give them all an A for effort.

Go take a look at the scout.com recruiting site. Pelphrey seems to have a big focus on talented PGs, who can handle the ball, lead a team, and score with their quikness.
With the PF,SF/SG, and Center Pelphrey is bringing in next year, the depth on this squad, in the next 2 years, could start to resemble what we had back in the early to mid ’90s.

Merry Christmas to all and GO HOGS GO!!!!!

by GonzoHog on Dec 24, 2008 4:53 AM CST reply actions