2001: A Basketball Odyssey

by Stephen Expat on Jan 22, 2009 10:21 AM CST in Arkansas Razorback Basketball

With the Hogs off to a 0-3 start in conference play, Arkansas fans could use a little morale boost. In an effort to provide one, I recently reviewed the past decade of Razorback hoops to see if any team during that time had rallied from such a record to have a decent season.

In the 10 seasons before this one, three Arkansas teams - the 2001, '03 and '04 squads - opened conference play with three straight losses. The 2004 Razorbacks finished with a 4-12 conference record and a 12-16 record overall. The 2003 team also had a 4-12 record in the SEC and ended the year 9-19 overall.

So far, not so good. Morale sinking.

But the 2001 Hogs - they of Joe Johnson, Jannero Pargo, Teddy Gipson and Brandon Dean - may make you feel a little better. They recovered to post a 10-6 mark in the conference (only one other Arkansas team in the past decade - the 2006 squad - won at least 10 games in SEC play) and finished the season 20-11 overall. They made it to the NCAA Tourney, where they lost in the first round to Georgetown, 63-61, on a heart-breaking last-second shot.

The '01 Razorbacks finished the regular season with five straight wins, won 7 out of 8 home conference games and went 3-5 in SEC road games. The season also marked - believe it or not - our last victory over Kentucky and the last time Nolan Richardson took an Arkansas team to the NCAAs.

At the time, the 2001 season felt like a fairly ho-hum season, especially by the standards of the Richardson era. Now, however, I'd settle for a replay of it in a heartbeat.

(Below is footage from that team's stirring come-from-behind win at South Carolina.)

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Comments

that is one lame crowd.

And that’s what a press looks like!

by CharlieHog on Jan 22, 2009 11:24 AM CST reply actions

Let’s repeat one line from your post and see why the 2001 season may not be such a good indicator of 2009: “Joe Johnson, Jannero Pargo, Teddy Gipson and Brandon Dean.”

Right. The first two have gone on to pretty decent NBA careers and the second two comprise, collectively, the most incredible, eye-popping, jaw-dropping hops in the history of Arkansas basketball.

Not quite sure I see anyone on this squad that compares. Courtney Fortson is an interesting player, but all four you named off the 2001 team had better elevation and better jump shots. Michael Washington has a chance to play in the pros, but only a chance. Other than that, I’m not seeing it.

Yet.

I still think we can rally. But the recent dismantling of the Mississippi squads by LSU doesn’t fill me with confidence.

by J Hawg 3 on Jan 22, 2009 11:42 AM CST reply actions

Good points.

by Stephen on Jan 22, 2009 1:04 PM CST reply actions

I don’t remember anybody thinking Pargo would go on to have a good pro career though. In fact many people thought JJ would be a bust also.

by CharlieHog on Jan 22, 2009 2:06 PM CST reply actions

Woo Pig Sooie! That was a fun video to watch. I registered an up-tic on my morale meter, haha.

by KevinHog on Jan 22, 2009 3:18 PM CST reply actions

Brandon Dean and Teddy Gipson had their moments, but they never quite lived up to the expectations. When they were freshmen, I thought they had the makings of one of the all-time Razorback backcourt duos.

by Stephen on Jan 22, 2009 3:39 PM CST reply actions

to j hawg 3-

Just a counter point, The SEC was alot stronger in 2001 than this year. That should give you some hope

by hog fan in Memphis on Jan 22, 2009 6:28 PM CST reply actions

p.s.- I haven’t thought about TJ Cleveland or Blake Eddins in about 8 years. Great video

by hog fan in Memphis on Jan 22, 2009 6:36 PM CST reply actions

BTW, considering recent events, this “Wally Watch” is especially hilarious.

http://www.razorbackexpats.com/2008/06/05/wally-watch-june-4-2008/

I suppose that would be 2 presidents in a decade.

by The Hog Blogger on Jan 22, 2009 8:28 PM CST reply actions

Charliehog: I agree, I never though Pargo would make it, and Johnson exceeded expectations. A lot.

Stephen: No, Gipson and Dean never lived up to promise, but man could they jump.

Hog in Memphis: I thought of that. I think that’s the only reason I feel any hope we can get above .500 in conference. And Blake did some Razorback Sports Network TV broadcasts this year. I thought he was pretty darned good.

by J. Hawg 3 on Jan 22, 2009 9:35 PM CST reply actions