2006 Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball Preview

2006 Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball Predictions

After tying Alabama for second in the SEC West and besting their counterpart’s overall record, the Razorbacks made it into the NCAA Tournament where they lost to Bucknell 59- 55 in the initial round. Then they lost something more important when star guard Ronnie Brewer (18.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.3 APG) went into the NBA draft one year early.

At the guard positions, the Razorbacks have found two fine players from other colleges to take over—Gary Ervin formerly of Mississippi State at point and Sonny Weems from the junior college of Arkansas- Fort Smith. Both can drive into the paint and both are tenacious on “D.” The team’s three-point shooter is still unknown. Sophomore Sean McCurdy (1.8 PPG, 0.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 32.1 FG%, 70.0 FT%) offers promise in this area; also, freshmen Patrick Beverly and Stefan Welsh may have the right touch.

Frontcourt defense by big-bodied bangers is a huge plus for this team. Center Steven Hill at 7’ 0” and 248-pounds, forward Darian Townes at 6’ 10” and 255-pounds and forward Charles Thomas at 6’ 8” and 245-pounds are an impenetrable wall. A high hook has a shot over these guys, but it’s got to have a great arc. Hill (3.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG) blocked an average of 2.84 SPP and caused many more shots to be altered, throwing offensives off their mark. Townes (9.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG) is a good scorer, who must be more assertive on defense. Thomas (9.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG) is a big, brick monolith.

Coach Stan Heath (22- 10 overall, 10- 6 SEC and 61- 57 in 4 years with Arkansas) has built a team that can defend and run. He’ll be looking for that go-to guy to replace Brewer’s points and clutch play.

This is a talented team rich with juniors and sophomores. They would be so much better if Brewer had stayed. They are still good, but getting back to the NCAA Tournament this season will be tough. Once they adjust to their loss, Arkansas should be competitive in most games. The NIT is almost a certainty.

If you want more info on the 2006 Arkansas Razorbacks College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Auburn Tigers.