FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — John Calipari intentionally built one of his oldest rosters at Arkansas, but his rookie Razorbacks will face a tough challenge in Friday’s home exhibition against No. 1 Kansas.
Injuries have left the team short-handed in practice, but it seems that freshmen Boogie Fland, Karter Knox, and Billy Richmond have managed to stay healthy. Now, the key is whether their increased playing time will help them be prepared for the upcoming game.
Their first test may not affect their win-loss record, but it will serve as an important rehearsal against one of the nation’s top teams.
“If I’m not mistaken, Kansas is the No. 1 team in the country,” said associate head coach Kenny Payne. “The atmosphere and the caliber of the opponent matter, and even if we lose, we’ll still be undefeated.
“But it highlights to our young players and some veterans how crucial it is to be prepared. You’re not facing just any team you should beat; you’re up against one of the best.”
Bill Self’s Jayhawks are also expected to be short-handed on Friday, with key players Hunter Dickinson, Rylan Griffen, and Shakeel Moore all questionable.
Nonetheless, Kansas has a deep, talented roster that will pose a significant challenge, regardless of their injuries. Fland, who has stood out as one of Arkansas’ top freshmen during the Tip-Off Tour, will likely often face Dajuan Harris, one of the oldest guards in the nation, known for his playmaking and defensive skills.
Knox and Richmond will face challenges on the wing from Wisconsin’s former leading scorer AJ Storr and last season’s Summit League Player of the Year, Zeke Mayo. Borrowing a phrase from previous Arkansas coaches, Friday will be the first chance for the newcomers to start evolving into experienced players.
“Our learning curve needs to be quick, and this will speed that up,” Payne said. “We’ll have a clear idea of what we need to focus on moving forward.”
Arkansas and Kansas will tip off at 8 p.m. (CT) at Bud Walton Arena, with the game airing on the SEC Network.
